SWEET’S FINAL SECOND GOAL LIFTS APEX TO DRAMATIC NCHSAA LACROSSE TITLE
CARY – Senior attackman Derek’s Sweet dramatic goal in the final second lifted Apex to a 12-11 triumph over Lake Norman for the North Carolina High School Athletic Association’s state men’s lacrosse championship Saturday at WakeMed Soccer Park.
Sweet had four goals to lead the Cougars to the exciting win, their first state championship in two trips to the NCHSAA final, and he finished the season with 49 goals. Luke Sieber had the assist on the game-winner, which came with one second on the clock.
Apex junior goalkeeper Tyler Nesbitt, who came up big several times and was credited with nine saves, was named the Most Valuable Player of the championship.
Lake Norman held a 7-3 lead at the half. The Wildcats got four goals apiece from senior attackman Austin Grassey and senior midfielder Eddie Hendrickson.
Apex finished a 19-2 season while Lake Norman, the defending state champion, was 20-4. Both teams have participated in postseason play with in all four years the NCHSAA has offered a lacrosse championship.
The lacrosse state championships are currently conducted as an “open” tournament, with all classifications competing for a single crown.