Boys Lacrosse: Hunterdon/Warren/Sussex Tournament final preview

WHAT: Hunterdon/Warren/Sussex Tournament boys lacrosse final

WHEN/WHERE: Saturday, 2 p.m. at Newton High School

WHO: Third-seeded North Hunterdon (10-5) vs. top-seeded Sparta (16-0)

HOW THEY GOT HERE: Sparta defeated No. 9 Voorhees in the quarterfinals 10-8 and fourth-seeded Delaware Valley 12-5 in the semifinals. North Hunterdon beat No. 6 Pope John 8-1 in the quarterfinals, and second-seeded Hunterdon Central 10-9 in overtime in the semifinals.

NORTH HUNTERDON REPORT: After starting the season 0-3, the Lions have gone 10-2 and are in the midst of a six game winning streak. During that span they've outscored opponents 59-40. North Hunterdon will be looking to win its first H/W/S title since 2014, as Hunterdon Central has won the last five out of six. North Hunterdon upset the second-seeded Red Devils in overtime in the semifinals, with the game-winner coming from Sean Wood. Wood leads the team with 33 goals and seven assists. Rob Marron has totaled 21 goals and 18 assists while Jake Pepe (13 goals, 10 assists), Griffin Middleton (10 goals, seven assists) and Jared McMahon (nine goals, 15 assists) have also contributed this season. The Lions have faced some tough teams this season, having played the top three teams in Somerset County in Pingry, Bridgewater-Raritan and Montgomery.

SPARTA REPORT: Sparta is undefeated at 16-0, with wins over Madison and Greater Middlesex Conference powerhouse St. Joseph (Met.). The Spartans have outscored opponents 245-87, haven't allowed an opposing team to score over eight goals against them and have scored 20 or more goals four times. The only two teams Sparta didn't reach double-digit goals against was Madison (seven) and Mount Olive (eight). Owen Mead leads the team with 65 goals and 44 assists, and Jesse West has 51 goals and 29 assists. Stelios Kroudis has added 66 goals and 15 assists and Devon McIntyre (23 goals 12 assists) and Jack Bushey (13 goals, 16 assists) have also contributed.

PREDICTION: Sparta will be looking to dethrone a Hunterdon County team, as Hunterdon Central and North Hunterdon have combined to win the last six championships. North Hunterdon has an edge, as they've played a slightly tougher schedule than the Spartans, but this game should be close. North Hunterdon 10, Sparta 8.  

Staff Writer Lauren Knego: lknego@gannett.com; on Twitter: @laurenknego