Westlock lacrosse product Zach Basisty has a problem. He can't get enough lacrosse.
The 15-year-old plays both box (arena) lacrosse and field lacrosse and this is the second year in a row he will compete nationally with Team Alberta in both sports. Last year as a bantam and this year as a midget.
He said he enjoys box lacrosse more because it is faster and more physical, but knows that field lacrosse may be his way to a college scholarship. He has been to several tournaments in the United States where scouts are more likely to be looking for the next great athlete for their collegiate team.
"I quit hockey a few years ago to start focusing on lacrosse," he said. "I figured I could have a better chance to succeed more with lacrosse."
"It's a fast-paced game, that's one thing I love about it. It just comes easier to me."
The more high level coaches he plays under, the more he hears about how field lacrosse is the route to a full college scholarship and possibly professional level lacrosse. It's a possibility he willing to work towards, he said.
At the end of the month Basisty will be playing in the Minor Field Lacrosse Nationals Aug. 29-Sept. 2 in Oshawa, Ont.
That's his possible future, but at the moment Basisty is playing in the Canadian Lacrosse Association Box Lacrosse National Championship, being held Aug. 12-18 in Calgary. He will help the defending national champions as they look for another championship.
Away from the national stage, Basisty played for the Parkland Posse this year, along with two other Westlock players, Cole Perkins and Max Benham, and helped bring home both the Greater Edmonton Lacrosse Council midget 'A' banner for the year and a provincial title as well.
Westlock does not field an 'A' level midget team.
"It was exciting, it was my fourth time," said Basisty, referring to the provincial 'A' titles he's won as part of different teams. This is his second with Parkland.
Basisty helped the Posse go undefeated during the provincial tournament beating three teams from Calgary and the Edmonton North team 5-4 in the finals.
"It was intense. We came out strong in the first period and got a couple goals and had the lead for a bit. It was fun being able to hear everybody get so excited. We scored with 1:30 left," said Basisty.
