Saturday night the best players in the country took part in the Under Armour All-American Lacrosse Classic at 8pm in Johnny Unitas Stadium on the campus of Towson University. In a star-studded game it was no surprise it would come down to the very end to determine the winner. The South would hold on to win, 12-11. The MVP of the game was Gordie Koerber of the South Team (Baltimore, Md./Gilman/Denver). Koerber finished the game with three goals. Two from around the island and one low howitzer from outside. The 6'2", 200 lb attackman matriculating into Denver really showed his range as a shooter. However, there were a few other players who stood out to the LPG staff. Make sure to keep an eye on the players below.
Spencer Parks, Attack, 5'11, 185 (St. Paul's/UNC)
Besides being charismatic and jovial on the sideline with our favorite lacrosse commentator, Booker Corrigan, he is a pretty balanced player. Notching one goal and two assists Parks is one of eight Under Armour All-Americans committed to play for Coach Breschi at UNC. Listed as an attackman we will probably see him come in from the box at middie throughout his freshman season in Chapel Thrill since they are already stacked on attack.
Mikey Morris, Attack, 6'0, 195 (Salisbury School/Johns Hopkins)
This big, strong lefty from Oakville, Ontario will be a force to be reckon with on Homewood Field. The third Canadian to play in UAAA game finished with two goals. One being a blistering shot top shelf. His shooting mechanics (with the long wind up) are polished.
Sammy Davis, Middie, 5'9, 175 (Governors Academy/Penn State)
The North team middie from Governors Academy was not only extremely fast off the dodge, but also pretty crafty with the ball. With the frame and capabilities of a D1 d-middie it was his offensive upside that we found intriguing. The left-to-right dodge is his go-to move. He might have only finished with 1 goal and 1 ground ball, but he is exciting to watch and it will be a treat to watch him progress at Penn State next Fall.
Tommy Forsberg, Middie, 6'0, 205 (Elwood-John Glenn/University of Maryland)
The strong middie was gritty and scrappy on the ground. He possesses a motor that all coaches are looking for in a player. If this were hockey he would have had about four hockey assists. He ignited fast break after fast break pushing the ball when necessary. Can't remember when Terpland has had a middie this size with such nifty stick skills.
Henry West, Middie, 6'0, 185 (Darien/Cornell)
West is ready to play right away in Ithaca. Fast and strong players at the middie position is what Coach DeLuca is in dire need of with the absence of Roy Lang. West hit a high-to-high on the run that had everyone jumping out of their seats. South goalie, Joyce, had no idea what happened as the ball whipped by his ear. West finshed with one G and one A.
Ryan Palasek, Defense, 6'2, 205 (Rocky Point/Syracuse)
Following in his brothers footsteps to Syracuse this specimen of an athlete was all over the field last night...in a good way. The big defenseman had his name called on a regular occurrence. The 205 lb d-man picked up two ground balls and caused one turnover.
Bobby Duvnjak, Defense, 6'3, 200 (Manhasset/Harvard)
Picking up five ground balls and causing three turnovers are just a few of the tools in his repertoire. He even got into the mix at facing off. Havard will be strong in the coming years with Duvnjak no matter where he is on the field.
Alex Joyce, Goalie, 5'11, 170 (Landon/Georgetown)
Joyce has been stellar all season recording a 5.25 goals against average and a save percentage of 67% for Coach Rob Bordley at Landon. Playing the first half he amassed seven saves on 12 shots including one athletic low-to-high save on the doorstep. He is a steady clearer and evident leader on the defensive side of the ball. He will be attending Georgetown vying for a starting spot.
2 comments
Froccaro was great in the middle of the field, but he tended to bite off a bit more than he could chew when he initiated on offense. I was more impressed with Henry West. No middie generated offense off the dodge better than he did.
I thought Jake Froccaro was, by far, the most impressive middie on the field last night, I thought Lord and Dwyer showed better all around skills than Morris who’s a slick shooter but not much of a dodger and I would have given the nod to Luke Aaron over Joyce. I suppose when you have as much talent on the field that 10 people could watch that game and come up with a different list of 10 who were the most impressive.