The Oak Hills boys’ lacrosse team is in the middle of a breakout season. This is the most successful season in recent history, combining strong team chemistry with record-breaking performances under head coach Dj Dunn, now in his fifth season. The Highlanders have surged to a 9-3 record and will continue to build momentum heading into their final stretch of the season.
The team’s success marks a major turnaround from previous years, improving from 3-14 in 2023, to 9-9 in 2024, and 7-11 in 2025. The team has taken a major step forward in 2026, and not just in the win column; it’s also inscribed in the record books. So far this season, the boys have broken four records: senior Aiden Spangler broke the record for most goals in a single game, senior Logan Peterson broke the record for most assists in a single game and also career assists, and senior Bryson Duncan broke the record for most caused turnovers.
Spangler has been a big contributor to their success this season. Reaching 100 career points and setting the school record for goals in a single game with 12 against La Salle on April 6. Reflecting on his growth this season, Spangler said, “IQ-wise I’ve grown a decent amount, skill-wise I’ve definitely improved a lot.” Spangler said breaking the record felt like leaving a positive impact on the program. “ It makes me feel good because I know that I helped this program be successful and grow.”
Spangler also credits the team’s chemistry as a major variable in their success. “We’re really good this season, we play well together, and we understand what each other’s going to do, and our skills and talents are just above what it has ever been”. Spangler acknowledged his teammates for helping him achieve his moment of success. “ They are the ones that beat the defenders and pass me the ball so I can score.” For more information on Spangler’s performance, check out Logan Lauman’s article.
Peterson has also had a standout season, reaching 100 career goals while breaking the school record for assists in a single game with seven and career assists with 65 and counting. Peterson stated that teamwork had a big role in his success: “Just moving the ball around, teamwork finding open passes to get free shots off.”
Peterson highlighted that communication and chemistry are essential on the field: “Teamwork, talking and hanging out with your teammates and having that IQ on the field.” Breaking the record for Peterson means he gets to leave his mark on the program after he graduates. “It’s nice to beat something, and I can put legacy out there, then they see my name on the records.”
On the defensive side of the ball, Duncan has made his presence known, dominating on the field with 100 career goals and setting the record for most caused turnovers with 81 and counting. While Duncan is proud of his successes, he’s focused on the bigger picture, which is winning playoff games. “I think it’s pretty cool, but I want to make a playoff run and win some games. I think it’s cool, but it doesn’t really matter.” There is always room for improvement. Duncan recognized the amount of preparation and teamwork that led to his success. “Working with defence, going over footwork, and practicing my checks.”
The Highlanders’ record demonstrates their growth as a team over the past seasons, with significant wins over Lebanon (16-5), Springboro (11-7), Sycamore (11-9), Lakota East (12-6), La Salle (19-10), Fairfield (20-0), Lakota West (6-1), and Little Miami (8-4). Many of those new victories came against teams they struggled to beat in the past, showing how much the program has progressed.
Sophomore Ryan Kraus also noticed a huge improvement from last season. “As a team, a lot of growth from last year,” Kraus says that beating Lakota East was one of his biggest accomplishments, and noted the seniors’ improvement in leadership from last year to this year. As Kraus’s junior year slowly approaches, he is preparing to take on a bigger role as an upperclassman. “Stepping into more of a leadership type role,” he notes.
Beyond the wins and losses, players point to the team’s bond and say that it plays a big role in their success. Spangler said his favorite part of the sport is “The brotherhood, because you make a lot of friends and get close with all of your teammates, and you are just there for each other all the time.” Every time the Highlanders take the field, their brotherhood is on full display, where trust and teamwork have contributed to Oak Hills playing on a higher level than ever.
With the season coming to an end, hope remains high. Spangler established with one simple goal: “ Win every game and make a playoff run.” Peterson backed up his mindset, adding, “ To keep on breaking records and playing as a team, winning more games and winning some playoff games as well.” As the postseason approaches, it is obvious that this is not just a good season for Oak Hill’s boys lacrosse team but a turning point for the whole program.
