KENNEBUNK — Some people say that it’s quality, not quantity that counts. Well, Rose Bryant had both with the goals she scored for the Kennebunk girls lacrosse team this season.
The quantity she had was 51, which was the most of any player in York County and the eighth most in the state. Yet it wasn’t just the number of goals she scored, but what her goals meant to her team that has earned Bryant the title of Journal Tribune Girls Lacrosse Player of the Year.
“If a game needs a spark plug to change the momentum of a game, it would be Rose,” said Kennebunk coach Annie Barker. “Also if there was a goal to be scored in a tight game, I would trust the ball with Rose.”
One of Bryant’s standout games actually came in a loss. She scored two goals in one minute late in a game against Marshwood that took Kennebunk from a goal behind to a goal ahead. Marshwood won that game in triple overtime, but Bryant played her part with four goals.
While only a junior this spring, Bryant was still a leader on the team, and not just by example.
“Rose is a very good teacher,” said Barker. “She’s very patient with the younger players and will never be known as a selfish player.”
Just because her coach says she’s not selfish, doesn’t mean that Bryant doesn’t know how to take over games, like she did in the quarterfinals this season. Bryant outscored Thornton Academy by herself, tallying six goals in a 12-5 win. She scored the first goal of the game, scored another when TA closed to within a goal, and scored a goal with 30 seconds left in the first half to make sure Kennebunk kept momentum.
Barker said she doesn’t think fans have seen the best that Bryant has to offer.
“I think Rose has only begun to see her potential and will continue to grow into a very talented and skilled lacrosse player,” she said.
In addition to her output, Bryant also dished out 11 assists and picked up 58 ground balls. She formed a fearsome duo with senior Kate Graydon, and the two routinely were the supplier on eachother’s goals. She is equally as comfortable playing either role, even if she was on the receiving end more often than not this season, Barker said.
“She has amazing field sense and knows what to do when she has the ball and what to do by playing off ball when she doesn’t,” said Barker.
With Graydon out of the mix next year, Bryant will be leaned on even more to produce for the Rams, who have a championship in mind every spring.
Barker said she isn’t worried about Bryant having to adapt to life without Graydon, and realizing that she will have a target on her back every time she steps on the field.
“Rose is not afraid to try something new, take a risk, or make a mistake,” said Barker. “She is a pleasure to coach as well, and always works 100 percent during practice.”
— Contact Wil Kramlich at 282-1535, Ext. 323.
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