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South Jordan Journal

Youthful Bingham boys lacrosse team shows signs of good things to come

Jul 08, 2019 02:54PM ● By Josh Mc Fadden

Bingham’s Jacob Haynes (No. 33 in blue) is pursued by Olympus players in a game this past season. (Photo by Carrie Petersen)

By Josh McFadden | [email protected] 

Coming into the season, the Bingham boys lacrosse team knew it had some challenges ahead of it. The Miners had a young squad and faced a daunting schedule. Still, the Miners had some things to cheer about during its 9-12 campaign. 

Some people may consider a sub-.500 record to be a disappointment. Bingham assistant coach Brett Everill had a completely different opinion. He was pleased with how the players rallied together and gave a strong effort every game even after getting off to a slow start. 

“We had a great season,” he said. “We definitely experienced growing pains, especially early on in the season. We played some very good teams, and we were competitive against them. That is exciting because we can build off of that for the next season.”

Everill acknowledged that the team made some mistakes and struggled at times with poor habits. Part of this was due to inexperience. The Miners started the season off with a 3-6 record but went 6-6 over the final 12 games. Bingham won its first-round playoff game on May 8 when it defeated Box Elder 15-8. 

Even though the final record wasn’t glossy, Everill raved about the players, saying the team had the most amazing attributes he’s ever seen. It wasn’t about their play on the field but more about the players’ attitudes and work ethic. 

“I am going to remember the camaraderie and politeness the most,” he said. “I have never coached a better team in my life—high school, little league, T-ball, boys or girls lacrosse. This team was by far the best team I have ever been a part of; not because of their talent, but because of who they are. They made all us coaches look good. They always looked for feedback on ways to improve; they helped each other grow on and off the field; they complimented each other every day; there was very little negativity; they worked together before and after practice; and my favorite part was their gratitude. They thanked coaches after every practice and every game. They are great young men.” 

Bingham will miss midfielder Jacob Haynes, who just finished his senior season having scored 26 goals and dished out seven assists. Everill said the UVU-bound player is “an amazing athlete and great leader.” He also touted Haynes as someone who could “beat anyone on either side of the ball.” Senior midfielder Kaden Hale was also a major contributor to the squad, as was senior defender Brady Jacobsen, who was usually assigned to the other team’s best player. Departed senior midfielder Matt “Moo Moo” Scheinblum was a tremendous leader. 

“He was a good player but an even better teammate,” Everill said of Scheinblum. He was always so positive and willing to dig deeper for any of his teammates. There was a reason he got the character of year award and 11th man award.”

Everill is optimistic about next season’s outlook. Bingham will be a more experienced team in 2020 when it begins its first year in the newly sanctioned sport. Conner Green, who just wrapped up his junior year, will return to the squad after leading the Miners in both goals (37) and assists (19) in 2019. 

“I am very excited to work with Bingham again,” he said. “We should have a very competitive team this year. We have a great head coach and several great players returning this next year that have varsity experience, awesome talent and great potential. We have the opportunity of being one of the top teams next year.”