The U15 Boys Berry Black
The U15 Boys Berry Black team is part of the Greater Birmingham (Alabama – yes there is lacrosse in Alabama!) Youth Lacrosse Association (GBYLA), whose mission is to develop and support youth lacrosse programs in the Greater Birmingham Metropolitan area.
The vision for the league is to be a recognized community of players, coaches, officials, parents and volunteer/staff leaders that foster strong competition, superior sportsmanship, and personal growth for all participants.
The top priorities for GBYLA are:
• Recruit and train more Coaches/Officials
• Expand opportunities in more communities
• Encourage continuing development of community-based league structure
• Work toward separating recreational and competitive boys (7th grade and above) and having recreational play only for 6th grade boys and below
• Promote equal opportunities for boys and girls
With the increase in popularity of the sport, GBYLA is now called upon to support growth areas which include Auburn and Mobile, AL with the help of the Alabama/Mississippi US Lacrosse chapter.
Team History At a Glance
2011 Team record – 13 Wins, 0 Losses.
The Berry community provided too many players for just one team. Berry Black and Berry Blue teams were formed from the large core that enjoys lacrosse. The teams practiced together and even faced each other twice during the season. Obviously, Berry Black prevailed but the Blue team provided a tough challenge each time the two teams squared off. The final contest came in the State Semi-finals. Berry Black proved to be the better team, winning 9-5.
The Berry teams come from long line of prior State Champions. At one point, the Berry squads won three titles in a row. After an absence from the pinnacle last year, Berry once again found a way to win it all.
About The Coaches:
Co – Head coaches – Brad Lapinski/Dennis Dubose
Brad and Dennis have coached in and around lacrosse for three years when their sons, Benjamin and Drew, respectively, started playing. They took the reins again this year after co-head coaching a Berry team last year made up of primarily 7th graders. Both Brad and Dennis realized the learning and sacrifice made last year would pay off when the boys matured in another year. A lot of the credit belongs with the Berry boys who have been playing with Bamalax – our travel team. Matt Aiken, the Bamalax head coach (and head coach for the other State Champion finalist) deserves a large amount of credit for refining many of the Berry player’s skills during the travel season.
Assistant coaches
Coaches Steve Dierks, Derrick DelGreco, and Conner Roell served as position coaches refining the defense, goalies and attack men.
Berry Black WINS the State Championship
Berry Black was the team with all the pressure to win carrying a perfect 12-0 record into the championship. And after a tough back and forth battle, Berry found a way to win, holding on for an 8-7 victory over a strong Mountain Brook Green squad.
This was going to be a back and forth battle all evening. After trailing only once early in the second half, 4-3, Berry went ahead but never took control of the game only leading by one or two goals. Momentum was swinging with ever trip down the field for each team. One igniter for Berry was an open net goal scored by Brandon Toups. After a stop, the Mountain Brook goalie attempted to bring the ball up the field. The Berry middies were quick to dislodge the ball.
Brandon scooped the ground ball and fired a shot from mid-field toward the open net, threading it between two Mountain Brook defenders who could only watch as it crossed the crease and bounced in the goal. That made the score 8-5 with four minutes left. Mountain Brook never gave up fighting back with two quick goals to get close but ran out of time in the end.
Player Statements
“Lacrosse has become my sport. Football is king here in Alabama – give lacrosse a few more years and we will be talking about the SEC D-1 Lax Championships”
“From the first time I played lacrosse I fell in love with it!
“All my life my main sport has been basketball. Defense in lacrosse felt normal to me because in basketball you need to move your feet, I found it similar in lax. The main difference between the two sports is in lacrosse, when you play good defense you get rewarded by hitting people with your stick.”
“I feel very blessed as a first year player to have been a part of Berry this year. From the coaches, to our experienced guys – it very easier to develop as a player and a bunch of fun too.”
Parent Statements
“We so appreciated the time and effort put forth by the coaching staff – winning it all was minor compared to the friendships, teamwork, and sense of community that this sport provides. We will be a part of lacrosse for a long time. ”
“My son has never played before. Coach Lapinski and Dubose were so focused on letting everyone contribute.
My son even got his first nickname – which we still call him today. I am so happy we are part of the Berry team. “
“We have been involved with lacrosse for two seasons and we are hooked. What a great sport: explosive action and teamwork bundled up in a true family atmosphere!”
“Our son has participated successfully in the traditional sports such as football, basketball and baseball for many years. Lacrosse is the first sport that has inspired a commitment from him to excel at the highest level.
Drew has been playing Lacrosse for four years and now participates in club and travel teams year round.
It has been a wonderful experience for him in developing life lessons in teamwork, integrity and a healthy lifestyle.”
Team Roster
Drew DuBose
Colton Nall
Brandon Toups
Cody Christian
Braxton George
Sammy Khalil
Trent Harper
Chandler Diercks
Benjamin Lapinski
Jordan Depaolantonio
Carson Cutright
Davis Lewallen
Chris Alfano
