Northwest Herald 2021 Boys Lacrosse Player of the Year: Huntley’s Ian Watson

With the speed and creativity that Huntley’s Ian Watson brought to the field this season, not many were able to slow him down.

The senior attacker received an All-State nomination, and Red Raiders coach Dom Saccomanno said opposing defenses routinely struggled to slow Watson down.

“Ian brought it all,” Saccomanno said. “He could score, he could pass and he rides better than anyone I’ve coached.”

Watson scored 116 points to break Huntley’s school record, and it’s likely he would have scored more if not for Huntley being well ahead in multiple games.

“Ian was locked off in most games, but we were able to be creative with him and use it against opponents,” Saccomanno said. “He always had multiple point games when locked off. His creativity was always on display with behind-the-backs, diving goals and no-look passes.”

For his efforts, Watson has been named the Northwest Herald Boys Lacrosse Player of the Year as selected by the sports staff with input from area coaches. Jacobs’ Luke Bertone also was considered for the honor after scoring 64 goals and dishing 36 assists for a team that went from 1-17 in 2019 to 14-4 this year.

Sports writer Reanne Weil had some questions for Watson, a three-year varsity player, about his life on and off the field.

What is your favorite lacrosse memory?

Watson: My favorite memory would have to be my first goal on varsity my sophomore year in the game vs. Conant because everyone was just as happy as I was in that moment.

Which team in the Fox Valley Conference was the most challenging to face?

Watson: I’d have to say Hampshire. They have a lot of young talent, and I’ve played with most of them my whole life.

What is your favorite movie?

Watson: “Dazed and Confused.” It never fails to bring a smile to my face.

What personal accomplishment are you most proud of?

Watson: I’d have to say setting the school record for most points scored at 116.

If you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be and why?

Watson: That’s hard, but I’d have to say Switzerland or Colorado because of the beautiful mountains and snowboarding resorts.

What is your dream car?

Watson: A 1995 RX-7 FD3S because the thing is an absolute monster of a car.

What is something most people don’t know about you?

Watson: I really enjoy anime.

Who is your biggest hero?

Watson: My dad. He has always set an example of what a hard-working man looks like, and he is one of the coolest dudes out there.

What is the best part about playing lacrosse?

Watson: Building a bond with your teammates over the years. It’s like having a second family.

Is there a significance to wearing No. 29?

Watson: I started my lacrosse career as No. 29 and I ended it with 29, so that’s pretty special.

What is something you will miss about Huntley?

Watson: The lacrosse community, for sure. They were always so supportive and had my back no matter what, which always made me want to work my hardest.