MURRIETA — Most of the boys lacrosse players Even Daarstad has coached during his three seasons at the helm of Vista Murrieta’s program had little to no experience playing the sport prior to high school.
Zeke Riley is not most players.
Lacrosse has been Riley’s first sport of choice since taking it up as a second-grader. He made an immediate impact for Vista Murrieta last season as a freshman, leading the team in total points. Riley continued to refine his game during his sophomore year and again topped the squad with 67 points (41 goals, 26 assists) while also recording 32 ground balls. Riley helped the Broncos claim the program’s first Southwestern League title.
For those reasons, Riley has been chosen the IE Varsity Boys Lacrosse Player of the Year.
Vista Murrieta captured the CIF Southern Section Division 3 championship in 2022, but that team graduated 18 of 29 players. Daarstad was looking for a new group of players to build around, and a big piece of the program’s future arrived on the second day of the 2022-2023 school year. Riley grew up in Washington, but he and his family relocated to Southern California.
“We had some young players who were ready to step up, but Zeke helped us take things to another level,” Daarstad said. “His experience and knowledge of the game is rubbing off on everyone. And he’s a role model for all of the other players because of how hard he plays.”
Riley’s interest in the sport came from a neighbor in Washington who was a high school girls lacrosse player.
“I was looking for a sport to play and didn’t really like the ones I was doing. Lacrosse looked like a lot of fun,” Riley said. “My parents bought me the gear, and I started going to clinics. I did not play much right away, but I scored two goals in a match and that was the greatest feeling in the world to me. And I’ve loved it ever since.”
Riley is a midfielder who is a chief playmaker and creative force in Vista Murrieta’s offensive attack. Daarstad said Riley forced things at times as a freshman but played more in control this season.
“I think he really sees the field much better now,” Daarstad said. “His experience, talent and passion for the game are clear. … I think we witnessed a big step in the maturity of his game this past season.”
Riley agreed, saying his vision and ability to find openings were the areas he improved most as a sophomore.
“One of our other coaches tells me all of the time that I need to take off the horse blinders,” Riley said with a laugh. “I was missing things last season, but I’m seeing them now and that’s helping me be more creative.”
Vista Murrieta finished second to Temecula Valley in the Southwestern League standings in 2022 and 2023, but the Broncos finally got over the hump this season and went 10-0 in league play. Daarstad expects Riley to continue to grow as a player, particularly in the area of leadership.
“So many players look up to him and respect him because he a great player,” Daarstad said. “If he can take that and also have a more vocal presence, that will a valuable asset to our team.”
Riley said one of his biggest goals for next season is to be selected as a team captain.
“I have led by example in the past, and now it’s time to cement things as a vocal leader,” Riley said.
IE VARSITY COACH OF THE YEAR
Jereme Brace, Centennial
Centennial posted a combined record of 15-30 during the first three seasons boys lacrosse was an official CIF Southern Section sport. But Brace guided a huge turnaround this season, as the Huskies ended the campaign with a 21-4 record. Centennial had never finished above fifth place in the Big VIII League standings prior to this season, but the Huskies placed third and secured the program’s first playoff berth. And Centennial was victorious in its postseason debut, a 17-3 win over Damien in the Division 3 playoffs.
IE VARSITY ALL-AREA TEAM
Alexander Apotrosoaei, Corona, Jr.
Collin Applegate, Vista Murrieta, Sr.
Dylan Applegate, Vista Murrieta Sr.
Carlos Barrientos, Santiago, Sr.
Jacob Betsch, Temecula Valley, Sr.
Jared Brown, Great Oak, Sr.
Ryan Chapman, Temecula Valley, Sr.
Paul Davis, King, Sr.
Austin Ellis, Santiago, Jr.
Logan Gilbert, King, So.
Kallen Gwin, Linfield Christian, Sr.
Erik Hollis, Vista Murrieta, Jr.
Tommy Mazzetti, Santiago, Sr.
Michael Mikesell, Centennial, Sr.
Ricky Miller, Great Oak, Sr.
Ryan Mushaney, Riverside Poly, So.
Zeke Riley, Vista Murrieta, So. (Player of the Year)
Rex Rosser, Great Oak, Sr.
Cayden Rose, Temecula Valley, Sr.
Zaiven Smith, Santiago, Sr.
