Boys Lax TOC Semifinals Preview: Summit v. Ridge

The undefeated Summit boys lacrosse team will face Ridge High School in the NJSIAA Tournament of Champions semifinals tonight. The game will be held at 7 p.m. at Kean University.

Ridge (18-4) enters the game ranked No. 10 in the state, according to LaxPower.com. Summit (21-0) holds a No. 1 state ranking and is currently on a 43-game winning streak. With one more win, the Hilltoppers would tie the New Jersey state record of 44 consecutive wins, held by Ridgewood during the 1990-1992 seasons.

To reach the TOC semifinals, both teams had to win their respective groups. The Ridge Red Devils won the Public, Group III Title with an 11-5 win over West Windsor North. The team then defeated Immaculata 8-4 in the TOC quarterfinals to reach the semis. Ridge's victory over Immaculata was a sweet one: the Red Devils had suffered two of their four season losses to Immaculata.

Summit advanced to the TOC semifinal matchup by winning the Public, Group I Final with a 10-4 victory over Madison. The No. 1 seed Hilltoppers received a TOC first round bye to face the No. 5 seed Ridge in the semis.

The Hilltoppers' success has been apparent all season: the team has scored 229 goals and allowed just 48 goals in 21 games. They have outscored their opponents by an average of eight goals per game, and their stellar defense has recorded two shutouts and six one-goal games.

Summit head coach Jim Davidson defined the qualities that have contributed to the success of his team as they prepare to defend their 2009 TOC crown.

"The success we've had this season can be attributed to the senior leadership, work ethic, preparation, and focus the team has had the entire year," Davidson said. "We will need to continue to prepare and have quality practices as we get ready to take on Ridge."

Summit junior Michael Ford also commented on the team's diligence and hard work.

"We never take a day off, and coach really stresses that hard work wins games," Ford said. "Now that we're in the playoffs, we're not taking anything for granted. Everyone is giving 100 percent. It's win or go home, and we're all playing for the seniors and for each other. It's been a great year so far and hopefully we can keep it going."

Ridge has also enjoyed a landmark 2010 season. The team found their groove at the just right time, having won 10 of their last 11 games. This season, the Red Devils have won three out of four overtime games–a testament to their determination and self-belief.

"The success of this team is due to the camaraderie and leadership of the senior class," Ridge head coach Ken Marsh said. "They have been committed to being a great team ever since their season ended last year. The boys do not quit in games and always play to the last minute."

With its first round TOC bye, the Hilltoppers have enjoyed several days to prepare for the Red Devils.

"Ridge is a very talented team on both ends of the field," Davidson said. "They have a very solid defense and a balanced offense. We will have to be aggressive in our defensive end and try to create turnovers. Ridge has proven to be a very good ground ball team and we will have to win the ground ball battle in the middle of the field. Offensively we need to continue to have quality possessions and look to take high percentage shots. Ridge will play with a high level of intensity and we will have to raise our level to be successful."

"We know going in that Ridge is a great team and definitely has a lot of momentum," Ford said. "Coach throws all types of game situations at us so we are prepared for anything that Ridge gives us."

Facing a team as successful and united as the undefeated Summit Hilltoppers is certainly no easy task; however, Ridge coach Marsh believes his players will be ready for the challenge.

"We will prepare for Summit like we have for every other game," Marsh said. "We are going to do most of the things we have done all season. We will emphasize playing fast on both sides of the ball, and also taking advantage of opportunities they give us. This team does not give many so it will be important for us to capitalize on them."