East County Athlete of the Week: Lucas Anthony

Lucas Anthony is a junior attacker on the Lakewood Ranch High boys lacrosse team. Anthony has 21 goals through four games and the Mustangs are 3-1 most recently beating Manatee High 11-8 on Feb. 23 at home. Anthony scored seven goals, including his 100th varsity goal. 

When did you start playing lacrosse?

I started when I was 9. I actually played baseball first, but my dad (David Anthony) played lacrosse and one day I saw a lacrosse game on TV. I remember liking how fast the game was played. I told my dad I wanted to play and he went and got me a stick. 

What is the appeal to you?

I just like helping out the team. We have some younger kids up from junior varsity this year and I'm helping teach them up, especially with their stick skills. I like to spread the love of the game. 

What is your best skill?

My ball-handling. I don't drop the ball when I play. I don't get checked and I protect the stick well. It's something I had to learn because I'm not the fastest guy on the field. To get through everyone, I had to keep the ball. 

What have you been working to improve?

My right side. I'm a natural lefty, so I'm trying to get just as comfortable with my right hand. I want to be able to do everything at the same speed and same level. 

What is your favorite memory?

Last week against Manatee I scored my 100th varsity goal and my dad was calling the game on the PA system. Plus we won the game. That one meant a lot to me. 

What are your goals for this season?

As a team we're trying to win districts. We always want to improve on last year (when the team went 10-6). Me personally, I'd like to add around 40 more goals to hit the 60 mark again. (Anthony had 64 in 2022.) 

What is your favorite food?

I love pizza, either pepperoni or meat lover's. 

What is your favorite movie?

It has to be the first "Deadpool" movie. I just think the comedy in it is great. 

What are your hobbies?

I recently started taking up golf. I also like to go clay shooting. 

Which superpower would you pick?

Super speed. It would help on the field and with getting places faster. 

What is the best advice you have received?

Hard work beats talent if talent doesn't work hard. The things you do in practice show up. If you put the grind in, you can get anywhere in life. 

Finish this sentence: "Lucas Anthony is … "

Energetic. I always provide energy in anything I'm doing.