Greenhills Boys Lacrosse Showcases Stamina and Heart

While most teams rotate fresh legs onto the field every few minutes, the Greenhills boys lacrosse team did something extraordinary this season: it played entire games with only a couple of substitutes. With just a dozen players for much of the spring, the Gryphons faced off against deeper, more heavily staffed teams and showed they could remain competitive with stamina, smarts, and sheer force of will.

“There were times we were playing with 12 guys total—on a field where 10 are required,” said head coach Clint Lyders ’12. “That means no breaks. No rest. Just hustle and heart from start to finish.”

Endurance as Identity
To make it through four quarters, Greenhills had to get creative. Players shifted positions during the game to give their taxed midfielders a chance to recover, often adapting on the fly to keep pace with fast transitions and offensive pressure.

“Everyone had to think harder and play smarter,” Lyders explained. “We had to protect our midfielders, make smart switches, and help each other constantly. They were gassed at the final whistle, but they never quit.”

That type of effort and persistence can be revelatory for athletes; it’s when they learn what they’re truly capable of. Against larger, better-resourced programs, the Gryphons stood tall. The highlight of the season came in the form of an overtime win against Farmington Hills, a Division 1 co-op program with athletes from two schools and a full bench.

“Farmington won the overtime faceoff and got a great look, but our goalie made a great save,” Lyders said. “Then our guys took it down the field and scored for the OT win. The guys were just jazzed. It was such a fun game to watch—so awesome.”

Leaders and Lifters
Captains Hugo Andre ’26, Dylan Shear ’26, and Miles Knox ’25 were the emotional and physical anchors of the squad. They led by example all season long and lifted others up when they needed it.

“They bring positive energy every day,” said Lyders. “They’ve stepped up as leaders and set the tone for what we’re building.”

During senior night, Knox capped his final season with a goal, which was a well-earned reward for years of hard work and leadership.

A Foundation for the Future
The season wasn’t easy, but it was something more important: meaningful. And while the team’s current numbers required grit and adaptability, its future looks far more robust. Two freshmen made immediate impacts this season, including standout goalie Karim Mestari, who turned heads early with his poise and play.

“I honestly thought he was a junior when I got here,” said Lyders. “He’s just that solid already.”

With six middle school players expected to join the program next year and current players actively recruiting classmates to the sport, the Gryphons are aiming to field a deeper roster and an even more competitive team in 2026.

“When we can rotate in more players we’ll be winning a lot more games,” Lyders noted. “The talent is there, and the guys are having fun playing, which makes a huge difference. I think we’re going to have a really good showing next year.”

For now, the team can take pride in what it’s built: a season defined not by numbers or standings, but by heart, perseverance, and promise.