By Ken Hamwey

Staff Sports Writer

James Boldy is a highly competitive, successful goalie for the King Philip lacrosse team and he’s compiled lots of honors for his efforts.

The 6-foot, 195-pound senior is a two-time captain who was selected as a Hockomock League all-star twice. He was KP’s MVP as a junior and he was voted the team’s Defensive Player of the Year as a sophomore and junior. Statistics take a back seat to winning for the 18-year-old Wrentham native but his goals-against average the last two seasons were top-notch (6.00 at a sophomore and 6.75 his junior year).

 

KP coach Hal Bean says: “He’s one of the top goalies in Massachusetts.’’

All the accolades and all the honors are nice but for Boldy there’s something missing — a deep run in the state tournament.

The Warriors have been to the playoffs with Boldy in goal for the last two years and they’ve been unable to advance past the first round. KP lost to Duxbury in 2021 and last year, after compiling a 13-4 record, bowed to Mansfield.

“My team goals this season are to qualify for the tourney, then establish a lengthy run,’’ Boldy said. “Success is what matters and although we went 13-4 last year, our season ended too quickly. I definitely was disappointed. It was difficult because I’m a competitive person.’’ 

Boldy also lists winning the Kelley-Rex Division title as another team goal. His individual objectives aren’t about improving his statistics but speak to team achievements. 

“As a co-captain, I want to set us up for success and be a blueprint for the younger players,’’ he said. “I also want to be the best captain I can be by providing leadership. My goals are realistic because our players are motivated to win and although we’re young, we’ve got talent.’’

Boldy, who also was a captain and a league all-star in hockey, is a no-nonsense guy when winning is the issue. “I’m all about competing hard and winning because I hate to lose,’’ he emphasized.

Boldy is no stranger to lacrosse. He started playing at age 7 in the KP Youth League and he’s competed at the club level for 7 years.

“I like playing in goal because I like pressure,’’ he offered. “I enjoy being the guy who makes a big save in a key situation.’’

Bean has seen Boldy compete for the last three years and he’s acutely aware of his goalie’s strengths. “James has a high lacrosse IQ and his instincts and anticipation are excellent,’’ Bean said. “He positions himself well, has great footwork and movement and he understands a shooter’s mentality. He’s a commander on the field and in the huddle.’’

Boldy plays the position with poise and he personifies leadership, especially when he’s under pressure. “I enjoy clearing the ball in transition,’’ he said. “I take pride in getting the ball out fast.’’  

Although he downplays the statistics he’s achieved, he credits his teammates for his numbers because he says “they don’t give up the ball in transition and their ball control is outstanding.’’ Boldy made 145 saves as a sophomore and 225 as a junior, and his save percentage was 72.1 in 2021 and 66.6 last year.

At Local Town Pages deadline, the Warriors were 3-1 with two of those triumphs coming against Foxboro and North Attleboro. Boldy’s numbers through those four matches include 86 saves, an 8.5 goals against average and a save percentage of 71.6.

Two players Boldy believes will be top-notch contributors this season are co-captain Alex Viscuci and Donovan Devellis.

“Alex is a midfielder who takes faceoffs,’’ Boldy said. “He’s physical, great in transition and technically sound. He’s a laid-back captain in a good way. Donovan plays attack and he’s very creative and calm. He’s a smooth and accurate shooter.’’

Bean gets high marks, too. “Coach Bean connects with his players,’’ Boldy said. “He’s a player-oriented coach who’s a terrific motivator and very good strategist.’’

Boldy’s best games so far came against Bridgewater-Raynham and Medway last year.

“We started slow against B-R, down three early,’’ he noted. “We tied them in the fourth quarter and the game went to four overtimes. We won it and I had eight saves during the four overtime sessions. Beating Medway on senior night was also memorable. We won by 6 goals and I had a career-high 26 saves. We wanted to win badly, especially for our seniors.’’

An honor roll student, Boldy has been accepted to UMass-Boston. He considered offers from RPI and the University of Hartford. “I’ll major in business and aim for a career in real estate,’’ he said. “I chose UMass-Boston because coach (Tyler) Low kept in touch with me and believes I’ll play a lot. I also liked the campus.’’

Boldy’s family has some high-profile members. His father, Todd, was a Midland League all-star running back at Milford High and his brother Matt is in his second season as a left wing with the Minnesota Wild of the National Hockey League. 

Boldy no doubt has learned to be competitive because of his brother and father but he’s learned valuable life lessons on his own from competing in hockey and lacrosse.

“Life lessons I’ve learned are how to overcome adversity, how to be a good teammate and a quality leader, and how to develop mental toughness,’’ he said. “Mental toughness helps with being resilient. If I fail to stop a shot, that goal is on me and the key is to bounce back.’’

Calling his parents (Todd and Julie) role models for their support and encouragement, Boldy also lists his two brothers (Matt and Mike). “Matt is a humble guy and Mike has always reached out and provided good advice,’’ Boldy said. 

His brothers probably planted the seed for his approach to other sports at KP. “Students and fans come out to see me play sports, so I try to attend other athletic events and other school activities,’’ Boldy said. “It gives me a chance to give back.’’

As the season winds down with the state playoffs just around the corner, Boldy fervently wants to achieve his No. 1 goal. He’s eager to get a deep tourney advance in the works. He’s got one more opportunity before he wraps up an admirable career at KP.

James Boldy knows what’s eluded him and he’s ready to pursue it.