Tuesday, May 3rd – Luhi’s junior do-it-all attackman, Justin Malpica, leads all private school athletes in points. Malpica has tallied a point in every game this season. Malpica has also recorded 11 multi-point games out of 12 played. LUHI is 8 & 4 this season with big wins over Poly Prep, Horace Mann, & Riverdale Country Day School. Justin is uncommitted and will be playing with FLG’s uncommitted 2017 team this summer. In a phone interview, I asked Justin a couple questions in regards to him and his team successes this season. Check out our question and answers below:
Justin Malpica has 35 goals and 29 assists on the season so far. Leading all Private School studletes on Long Island.
“What are some reasons that you’ve been able to produce this season?”
I have a great coach in Mike Riccardi and his offense really gives players a chance to be creative and have a lot of opportunities to score, I’ve been very fortunate to capitalize on many occasions this season. My teammates also, I’m fortunate to be surrounded by a great group of guys who work and show a lot of heart.
“Who are some other key contributors to your teams success this season?”
Michael O’connell is an eighth grader who stepped up on varsity this year and is doing great. He’s a great finisher, even with a lot of pressure. Also our face off man Rob Cardali does a great job getting the ball to the offense and much of our success is owed to his faceoff work.
“What’s your go to move?”
If you need more information just tell me I’m not sure how much ur looking for. My go to move, I would say I like to work from x and hit the question mark, however when I play midfield ally dodge and I love finding the open seam for a step down rip.
“What scares you on the field?”
I would say getting blind sided and crushed physical scares me a little but mentally I’m scared of letting my team down. As a captain I try to lead my team and be an example and its scary to think making the wrong move or remark could demotivate them.
“What’s 1 moment that stands out for you this season?”
Last game we were playing a pretty tough team for us, Fieldston, and we were down by one with 50 seconds to go the score was 9-8 I think and I had to clear the ball from the 5 yard line and make something happen before the game ended. I cleared it and took my man and got a shot off before the buzzer but the goalie made a save, a pretty good one in my opinion, and we lost. It was rough but I’m trying to take it as a learning experience and I’m glad it wasn’t in playoffs or states. I felt I let my team down.
“What motivates you?”
My teammates, God and my coach. Trying to be the best I can too actually, that motivates me a lot. I don’t want to be good at lacrosse I want to be the best I possibly can and be, thought of as great.
Overtime question, “How do you feel lacrosse is preparing you for adulthood? “
