The talent base that Beverly boasts when it comes to the game of lacrosse is no secret in these parts.
If it still is in the prep school circuit, the secret should be slowly getting out.
Garden City native Tyler Hughey is set to begin his junior season at the Middlesex School in Concord, a season that comes with high expectations. He's coming off of a strong sophomore campaign in which he came into his own as an attackman his natural position after playing sparingly at midfield as a freshman.
"Sophomore year was really the first time I had started (at Middlesex) and after a while I kind of got used to things," said Hughey. "But being an upperclassman now, I think it definitely helps with experience, confidence, and knowing what to do."
Hughey says he feels bigger, stronger, and more confident than ever going into his junior season, his second as a crucial piece of the Zebras' attacking corps.
He comes into the spring on the heels of a strong hockey season, leading the Middlesex icemen in scoring.
"Being older now, and being one of the older kids in the league, I think it helps," said Hughey, "just because of confidence that comes from playing one whole season and you know what to expect."
Middlesex went 10-5 last season, winning five of its final seven games. Playing attack suited Hughey better, with his strong vision around the crease and ablility to dodge from behind the net as opposed to from the top. His comfort at the position showed as Hughey finished with 21 goals and 11 assists, improving from the 5-10-15 line he posted as a freshman.
"It helped so much just understanding how fast-paced the level of play is and how much bigger some kids are," said Hughey. "But kids on the team that were older helping and being mentors to me definitely helped a lot, because it helped me get into a groove and get comfortable. They helped me understand what I need to do to be a successful player."
Middlesex begins its regular season schedule Saturday against the Westminster School. The Zebras will start off on a high note, having gone on a preseason trip to Florida and come back with a win against New Hampton, N.H., which went undefeated last season, while playing toe-to-toe with Connecticut prep power Brunswick, one of the top programs in the country.
"Brunswick is probably one of the best teams we'll see all season, and New Hampton obviously had so much success last year," said Hughey. "We're just looking to keep moving forward and progressing, but so far we're looking a lot better than we were at the same time last year."
Hughey has already received plenty of interest from college lacrosse programs, many of which are in the Ivy League, Patriot League and NESCAC. While he wants to play lacrosse, Hughey also places a high emphasis on academics, a big reason why he initially chose to attend Middlesex.
"Most importantly it's just the education, because at a school like Middlesex that's really tough and everyone ends up going to great institutions, I'd like a school where I can continue studying under rigorous academic programs," said Hughey. "I feel like lacrosse can help me get into those schools as well."
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