We’re getting closer to what promises to be an eventful weekend.
Among the action on tap Saturday will be the renewal of the nation’s premier varsity lacrosse rivalry, Garden City vs. Manhasset. Also squaring off that day will be rivals from the Hudson Valley (Yorktown and Lakeland/Panas) and Connecticut (New Canaan and Darien).
As we prepare for those mega matchups, be sure to exercise your right to vote by checking out our rotating poll questions on all three matchups.
Now, to today’s slate.
Today’s game of the day on Long Island is at Comsewogue, where the Cougars look to improve to 10-0 when they host Rocky Point ( 8-2) on their turf field at 7 p.m. The Eagles’ losses were against Bayport-Blue Point and Shoreham-Wading River.
Elsewhere in Suffolk, SWR (8-1 with the loss to Mountain Lakes of New Jersey), hosts Sayville at 4:30 p.m. Also at 4:30 p.m., Center Moriches and Greenport-Mattituck-SH are both searching for win No. 1 and one of them will get it. Also, Southampton visits Deer Park, Islip is at Huntington, Mountain Sinai visits Bayport-Blue Point, East Hampton is at Harborfields and Elwood/John Glenn plays at Eastport Harborfields. At 5 p.m., Happauge, which dealt East Hampton its first loss on Monday, hosts Half Hollow Hills West.
Wantagh plays its first game since a 10-9 double-overtime win against Garden City as the Warriors (10-1) play at MacArthur (4-6) at 4:30 p.m. In other 4:30 p.m. games in Nassau, Mepham visits Elmont, Long Beach is at Kennedy Bellmore, Hewlett is at Sewanhaka and Roslyn hosts Plainedge. At 4:45 p.m., East Meadow visits Plainview JFK.
It’s a busy day in Rockland County with a game between Suffern and host Nanuet at 4:30 p.m. highlighting the slate. At 4:15 p.m., Clarkstown South visits Tappan Zee and Clarkstown North hosts Pearl River. At 5 p.m., Albertus Magnus visits North Rockland.
Also in the Hudson Valley, neighboring rivals Bronxville and Eastchester meet at 4:30 p.m. at Eastchester’s Haindl Field. Also at 4:30 p.m., Briarcliff is at Edgemont, Sleepy Hollow visits Scarsdale, Hastings is at Mamaroneck and Ardsley is at New Rochelle
In Connecticut action, unbeaten Weston plays at Stratford at 4 p.m. at the Short Beach Rec Complex. Also at 4 p.m., Masuk hosts Joel Barlow, Farmington is at Morgan and Windsor hosts Tolland. Brunswick hosts Choate at 3:30 p.m. At 7 p.m., Bethel visits Pomperaug, Cheshire hosts Simsbury and Immaculate is at Broofield.
Be sure to post your thoughts and predictions on these matchups as well as any info on the scores and game details.
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Posted In: Scoreboard Central
Any thoughts on the Eastchester v. Bronxville game? Is there a chance Eastchester can keep this close? Could be huge if they show they can hang with a legitimate team. Would give them some confidence for games down the stretch with opponents like Mamaroneck.
This is an important game for Eastchester as it is the toughest competition they will have faced since the Pelham game. Bronxville has a few slick stick handlers and has a size advantage, but the young EHS team is scrappy and never quits. I’m anxious to see how this one turns out, it’s not do or die for EHS but I do think they can make a name for themselves today.
Edgmont going down
Arlington vs Yorktown tomorrow has all the makings of a trap game for the Huskers. Not that they will lose, because the won’t, but this game sandwiched between Somers and the Murphy Cup, the long ride to just South of the Border and a coaching staff at Arlington with strong ties to Yorktown and motivation to show improvement might make for an interesting few quarters. 14-5 with Yorktown substituting liberally throughout the game as a sign of respect for the Arlington staff.
Trapgame?
It’s hard to say it has the makings of a trap game and then say Yorktown will win 14-5 with Yorktown substituting liberally.
Arlington has a good attack, two good poles and some decent middies, but the lax IQ up there isn’t where it needs to be yet. Coach Connolly is taking things slowly and with good reason: There’s no need to load up the sked in Year 1. I think the Arlington program will be a force in Class A in a few years, but the Admirals will likely get an education Thursday, one that will help them going forward.
Hey gang –
A full-game tape of the Yorktown-Somers game is now up on msgvarsity.com (Optimum). Here’s the link:
http://msgvarsity.com/connecticut-westchester/game-tape-yorktown-vs-somers-boys-lax-1.21446?p=
Cuse
I think you are right on with your thoughts on the Town vs Arlington game. Speaking with Coach Connelly after Town , Somers game, very positive about the program know’s where he is and what it will take to get to the next level. Also very good support from Arlington School Dist, gave me his thoughts on how the game would playout and what he is looking for, with the outcome.
Agreed. Arlington is not in the position yet of possibly upsetting Yorktown under any circumstances other than something completely out of the norm. Maybe in a few years. The potential is there. But this is not a trap game at all.
Sec 1, Laximus,
Good stuff guys. Can’t disagree.
Thoughts on Town-Somers:
The one thing that stood out to me more than any other is how Yorktown uses the entire offensive half of the field to run its offense. Everyone is spread wide. There are huge gaps in the center of the field. When you have skilled middies and depth this can pose a matchup nightmare for any team. I don’t care who you are. Yorktown’s middies are very talented and when spread wide it doesn’t take much for them to beat their men enough to draw possibly premature slides and find guys wide open for lay-ups. I think Somers was a bit too aggressive defensively. You simply have to play a patient defensive game against Yorktown or your doomed.
Yorktown, for the first time in a while, has serious depth a midfield and a bright future byond Interlicchio at attack. I think this team can make some noise this year and will put up a better fight against the Class A rep on Long Island than we are used to seeing.
Somers did the polar opposite on offense. The 6-v-6 was scrunched down well inside the 18. When Somers individuals did beat Town poles or middies the slide for Town was easy. If the Tuskers coaches work on spacing with their skilled players they will find more success. Also, you may not agree, but Somers is clearly not sure what it is without Marasco. Pfiffner is very good and Emannuel is a nice player. Deanna is also really good, but Petre obviously hasn’t found his own shot yet.
I think the Somers “athleticism” debate needs to be put to rest. I keep hearing how since their lax team is loaded with football players they have this physical edge over opponents. Well, from what I saw Yorktown was much more physical than Somers as well as more skilled.
It goes to show that athleticism, while obviously important, is only part of the equation. Teaching your kids where to be and when to be there is what lacrosse is all about. The greatest stick skills in the world don’t mean much if the offensive set is boxed in with nowhere to roam.
I think if Yorktown played Somers 10 times the Tuskers would be hard pressed to win more than once because Yorktown is better in every facet, including, at least in the game I watched, in net.
That’s not to say Somers can;t improve over the next month and give John Jay a run for its money in sectionals.
Hudson Valley Team-Empire State Games–Potential Players (in no order)
****CAVEAT****
I DONT KNOW ALL OR ANY JUNIORS on many teams (tried but could not find rosters) SO I KNOW I’M MISSING KIDS. Sorry. Please add to this list.
Also assumed certain kids were seniors-maybe they’re juniors?
Attack
Dinello-J (A Lock)
Morris-J
Pray-J
Barton-Rye
Gately-Town
Schulte-town
Middie
Morris-J
Walter-J
Weil-J
Trapp-WP
Christopher-PV
Mabus-Town
McCormick-Bville
O’Callaghan-Rye
McReddie-Rye (plays attack as well)
Boneventura-Rye
Chapman-Rye
Defense
Cooley-Town
Fahey-Town
Bonsal-Rye
Shurr-Somers (A Lock)
Collins-DM-Rye
Poritsky-DM-Town
Goalie
Fraylick-Pville
Thoughts??
Cuse,
Your comment, “Teaching your kids where to be and when to be there is what lacrosse is all about” is SO true.
Maybe you’ve shed some light on what Somers needs to do to improve and reach their potential.
I picked Somers at #1 pre-season and felt and still feel that they have numbers of experienced, top, pure “lacrosse skilled” kids at all positions on their team.
That is why I’ve been perplexed as to why they have not been right at the top with Town and Jay??
Maybe you’ve hit on all or part of the reason??
A trap game is a game they run the risk of losing by coming out flat and underperforming.
Not a trap game at all for Yorktown and a pedestrian opponent for them at best. It’s good that folks are excited about lacrosse in Arlington, but the programs are on different levels.
Arlington has played only one team with a 90 or better rating, Ossining who they hung on against, and at the time they played Ossining was rated an 87.
Arlington is running an RPI of 15 against a Strength of Schedule of 45 out of 46 in the section. They’re SOS has actually dropped since last week and it is one from the bottom. The reason their RPI is higher is because their opponents and opponent’s opponents have been knocking off each other at the bottom of the heap.
No doubt upsets can happen, but Arlington can build on this game no matter what the score.
Suffern vs Nanuet
Rockland has only two teams ranked in the Top 20 as of now, #10 Suffern and #17 Nanuet.
Suffern has fared well at 6-2 with wins against Peral Riv and TapZ, while also knocking over two Section 9 teams. Their SOS is respectable as is their RPI, which means they’re handling what the section has thrown at them.
Nanuet comes in at 6-1. They’ve done well in-county like The Mounties and sport an RPI just outside if the top 10 (11), but combines that with an SOS in the bottom half of the section.
Suffern comes in sporting an impressive 5/gpg against on defense, but Nanuet counters that with an eye-catching 10+/gpg on offense.
The most meaningful stat for these two is probably the Suffern +4 goal per game differential vs Nanuet’s +3.4.
I don’t see this as a TRAP game for Town, Dave seems to have them headed in the right direction, and with L/P looming and a MONSTER sched looming I would be surprised if Town dosen’t roll big today. They need to stay focused , I am Confident Dave will impress that on them as well as keeping their heads in the game.
Town 16
Arlington 5..
However stranger things have happened. This weekend should be great as should the Ridgefield,Darien,and Wilton games.
Cuse what do you think
Country Joe L. please advise as well
Hear Jay/Rye game moved to 7 tomorrow night.
slacrosse….
the jj players will not be playing in the empire games, they’re all playing on the primetime lacrosse summer team
Lots of kids are gonna skip Emps after what happened last year when they didn’t even have ’em.
Final: Suffern 14, Nanuet 6
John Jay has shown it’s ready for prime time this year and now they can prove it. The Indians next four (4) games are all under the lights, starting with Rye at home tomorrow (7 pm), at Syosset on Saturday (7:30), at Somers next Tuesday (6 pm) and finally vs. Greeley May 7 at Purchase College (8 pm).
Near on B’Ville is also a Jr. Add him to the middie list.
jeffreyp , Just sayin,
Wow. I never expected those comments!
I know Primetime was a great summer team but felt that ESG had enough status, was always a BIG deal to be chosen , lots of college coaches,, etc. etc. that kids would really want to play? Also felt you could do ESG and still get in some top tournaments with your summer team?
I know that everyone was frustrated that there were no games last summer but for the reasons stated above, would forget that and look forward to playing this summer?
Emps were kind of fading in prestige even before last year. Didn’t Bocklet decide not to play after his jr year at John Jay?
Definitely add Near, he and McCormick are two of the best juniors in the section. Maybe add the Grasso brothers from Fox Lane? Possibly even more from JJ such as Chen (M) or defenders such as Lambert, Caviola, Lanza. Possibly Donohue or Lombardo from Somers?
SWLAX,
For sure. Thought Near was a senior.
Beach Lax,
Dont know about Bocklett.
thought you might be from the island? If so, surprised to hear ESG losing importance on LI. In ’08, think LI team had all top players.
All the JJ players are playing for primetime since its run by Daniello’s older brother Nick. they have always played together in the summer since the middle school.
purple pride,
In “08 when Stewart played were there other Jay kids that didn’t try out due to primetime?
Wearing my Section 1 hat feel a shame that may not have all the best kids at least trying out.
Bocklet and Drew decided not to play to try out for the Under-19 US National Team I believe. Very prestigious to be invited to the tryouts especially when they were a year younger than most of the others. Unfortunately for Bocklet, he got injured right before the tryouts so he couldn’t even try out. But it’s understandable why they skipped it. I believe that HV team still ended up being the only team to beat LI that year. With that said I would be pretty disappointed if all of the JJ kids skipped it this year, but it’s their choice.
LAXman,
Yes now I remember about the Under 19 tryouts for Bocklett and Drew..
And yes I would be disappointed as well if kids from Jay or any other school in Section 1 didn’t try out.
Not from LI. Just like the beachhhhh
Bronxville 17, Eastchester 7
Does anyone think there are sophomores out there that have a shot of making the HV team? I know of a few very quality young sophs in Section 1 as well as some of the Catholic school teams such as Fordham Prep and Iona Prep.
Any feed back would be great
EMP,
Sure there might be. Just dont know enough about them.
Throw out any names?
Harborfields 13, East Hampton 7 … Bit of an upset!
Sayville 11, SWR 8
Bayport-Blue Point 4, Mt Sinai 3
South Side 14, Glen Cove 10
Huntington 12, Islip 4
Hauppauge 11, HHH West 8
Eastport/South Manor 8, Elwood John Glenn 7
Cold Spring Harbor 15, Mineola 3
Greenport Mattituck-SH 11, Center Moriches 4 (As Joe noted, both these teams were winless entering the game. No more!)
IslandLaxpert , LI Lax,
Will the Empire State Games be a top priority for top LI talent this summer?
Pearl River 11, Clarkstown North 1
Sayville over Shoreham is a much bigger upset than Harborfields over East Hampton. I am shocked about that score. Also, Wantagh over MacArthur 15-3.
I don’t know about Empires really, we’ll really know when tryouts start…but with more juniors committing early I would imagine that it will decrease a bit in importance as the years go on.
Thanx LI Lax
Excellent point about junior commits. What is the incentive to play Empires again going into sr year if you’ve committed since it’s mainly a recruiting showcase? Having said that, LI will always have strong turnout because of sheer numbers.
Record wise, Sayville-SWR was an upset, otherwise not. Sayville only lost to ‘Wogue by 3 goals. SWR lost to Wogue by 9 goals. Let’s not forget Sayville is also the defending LI Class B champs. Lots of pride there even if alot of the talent is gone.
slacrosse
theres an attackmen from fordham prep, dont know the name but i heard he was showing tremendous potential before an injury, also the attackmen on yorktown.. might be a freshman #26
Island Laxpert
SWR hasn’t played Wogue yet…this was their first league loss. Their only other loss was against Mountain Lakes. Sayville was 2-5 with a loss to Babylon and they lost everyone but Mellynchuck from last year’s team. Big upset.
Slacrosse,
Mahopac has four kids who can def play on that Hudson valley team Foley at Middie, Carey at Attack, And Hamilton and Perrillo on defense. You also left out some big names like Ty schult of town and Eddie schurr of Somers
oh schurr and Shult are up there my mistake
Good point IslandLaxpert. Definately a recruiting showcase but always thought as well lots of pride involved as well for best in NYS.
Yes hear you on LI’s sheer numbers.
Unfortunately Section 1 doesn’t have LI’s numbers so it won’t take many “no shows” to seriously effect the quality of the Hudson Valley team.
SWR was 8-1 or something going in but got killed by Mountain Lakes in their only test. Sayville around 500 but still the Class B champs. I think some may view it as an upset in light of the records and NAME VALUE. SWR still a bigger “name” than Sayville. But if they play 10 times they probably split.
Beach Lax nailed it.
Empires were fading long before last year demonstrated how expendable they are. The thing is, players have a lot of choices now to be recruited, including Westrock, Prime Time, Colsey’s allstars and on and on. Plus, when you ad in the advent of more and more sheer recruiting camps; Showtime, Cap City, New England, Fairfield, Brown, Lehigh, Top 205 on and on, and serious players can get very good looks.
Last year Prime Time probably got more attention for their guys in one weekend at Hotbeds than they would have in a month long commit to Empire. Same thing with Westrock (17 & 18) and the L.I. teams too. Coaches were lined up up and down the sidelines every time one of those teams played and it took three days.
Now a lot of the guys now have no interest in wasting their time, trying out for a team they have no chance to make because of the ‘ol boy network. (Don’t embarrass yourself by saying there has been no ‘ol boy network or that the other schools don’t have good enough players. Don’t. Don’t do it. It’s not 1990 anymore. The section is loaded with players who can hang.)
Honestly, it would be good if HV had a representative team for our region but
AS LONG AS OUR GUYS ARE GETTING LOOKS I DON’T CARE WHERE THEY GET THEM.
Hotbeds, UMASS, Yale, Hofstra and twenty other good tournies and camps do the job fine.
Go SecOne!
Dont think many kids will tryout. Why waste the time when tryouts are so late and they can be on Primetime or No Limit or whatever and are guaranteed a look instead of waiting to see if Coach picks them. Who is the coach? Is it still the Suffern coach for HV? Interested to see if JJ kids or Town or Lp kids will tryout then?
mid_kowntee_madman, Bigeasy,
Thanx for your comments.
I only got into the ESG for the ’08 team so not aware of the “history/politcs” of the past. And of course there was the huge controversy in ’08 with KI.
Yes I believe McNally will be the coach.
Take it that ESG practice or games would conflict with top summer tounaments. Was under the impression that coaches of the summer teams made exceptions for ESG kids (i.e. they could still play in a tournament even if missed summer team practice)?
slacrosse,
Heres my emp team for hudson valley this summer–
Attack:
Daniello (Jay)
Barton (Rye)
Pray (Jay)
Mid:
Weil (Jay)
Bonaventura (Rye)
Mcreddie (Rye)
O’callaghan (Rye)
Walter (Jay)
Mccormack (Bville)
Defense:
Schurr (somers)
Bonsall (rye)
fahey (town)
goalie:
fraylick- pvile
sec1lax…you summed up the Empire problem with your roster. lol.
If that’s really the team you want to put out there, good luck. lol.
Mamk was up about 9-0 at half over hastings before pulling every starter
My orig. ESG potential players + additions from bloggers (may have some positions wrong).
Attack
Dinello- (A Lock), Morris, Pray-J
Barton-Rye
Gately, Schulte, Mariano-Town
Carey-Mahopac
Middie
Morris, Walter, Weil, Chen-J
Trapp-WP
Christopher-PV
Mabus-Town
McCormick, Near-Bville
OCallaghan, McReddie, Boneventura, Chapman-Rye
Foley-Pac
Grasso Brothers-FL
Donohue, Lombardo-Somers
Defense
Cooley (D), Fahey (D), Poritsky (DM)-Town
Bonsal (D), Collins (DM)-Rye
Shurr-Somers (A Lock)
Hamilton, Perrillo-Pac
Lambert, Caviola, Lonza-J
Goalie
Fraylick-Pville
Empires is a broken record and no longer has the prestige or importance as in the past as recruiting comes down to what recruiting camps you go to & what travel teams you play for. Also you can cross Near & McCormick off the list of potential empire players as both of them play for Prime Time as well.
sec1lax-Thanx.
7 kids on th HV empire team from Rye. Hmmmm. Last I checked they were 4 and 5.
Good luck against Long Island
Sect. 1 Fan,
Thanx. A number of bloggers including you have mentioned that a player doesn’t need ESG to be recruited anymore given the big summer tournaments.
Understand this but I guess I thought (naively I guess) that there was a large pride/prestige factor in competing for Section 1 against the best in the state.
I also understand that some people have degraded views of ESG given what they feel may be selection controversy, politics, etc.
Jim Calhoun,
Thanx.
My list are NOT “selected” kids. Just kids from each team that would TRY OUT.
SLacrosse,
I have hard time believing players from the section want to play for the pride/prestige factor in representing section 1 knowing that the people selecting that team only care about their own interest and their own players instead of doing the right thing for our section and the deserving players which has made empires the joke it is today. One of the main draws of empires was the college exposure which no longer is factor as the recruiting environment has evolved dramatically since the late 90’s early 2000’s as there are now elite travel teams that where not around then and major tournaments that feature the top players in the country not just the state of NY. Empire’s is a waste of time/money and you have only the people who run and select the teams to thank for making it the joke has become today. You should not blame the players who chose to focus on developing their games and their future college careers rather then say they are wrong for doing so. WIth that being said best of luck to those players who make the team and to section 1 in the HV tournament.
Empires is a huge resume builder. Every top lacrosse player plays. HV had one year where two guys didn’t for various reasons. Bratton bro’s, thompson bro’s, catalino, ALL the top LI guys Cohen etc etc. The tourney is the top of the top, plus other tourneys, and coaches have allowed players to go to top recruiting camps. Add to this, how inexpensive it is considering the coaches do not get paid. Yes, even the ones you complain about. They do it for free and are open to others to get involved. HV medaled a couple of times recentlly as well and beat LI. Something that wasn’t done for awhile.
The negativity is unreal. In addition, I do believe Coach Schurr son played empires one year and he coached it another. Doubt he would stop his kids from trying out.
Keep pushing your “select” teams and stating EMPS is already selected and worthless. There is one to two crazy snubs every year!!! Is that pre-determined or is it a tryout : )
I am hesitant to write this for the fear of being beaten up, but I will anyway. I would just like to extend a warm welcome to the Yorktown players, their family’s and fans to the Arlington Admirals home field tomorrow. Regardless of the outcome we’re all in the end lacrosse family. Looking forward to great weather, great atmosphere and just a great time in general. Go Lax!!!!
slacrosse, you nailed it too in your second and third paragraph above.
The pride/prestige factor (paragraph 2) was beaten out of SecOne players because of paragraph 3, the politics (and ‘ol boy network)… to the point where it became a joke amongst the kids.
Your roster represents more diversity than I’ve ever seen in a empire squad, congrats. lol.
You don’t have Mike Zaverella from Ossining on it though. He plays with my son in O, is being recruited, plays Westrock, went to a national camp and the guy doesn’t get enough publicity. He always covers the other team’s big shooter and holds his own every game shutting out a lot of them. When he does give up a goal everyone notices because it doesn’t happen often. Joe Lombardi even featured him in a profile in the preseason. He may be the fastest defenseman in the league (no fooling) and is a great ball handler. It’s time he starts to get recognized and I think he’s only a junior.
I believe your choice for goalie is excellent. But the team would at least need a back up and another player I think should get attention is the goalie from Fox Lane, Cameron Stephens. Say what you will about strength of schedule or what have you. A hard shot is a hard shot and this guy stops most of them. Fox Lane has been winning games and some are against middle of the pack teams, no doubt, but they would not have been able to win any of them if not for consistently solid play in goal and he provides it game in and game out so that they are now one of the best defenses in the league. Add to that they are now beating higher rated teams and he shines even brighter. So give him a shot and I think he would do well there.
One other player who should start to be recognized is Thomas Cirillo from Eastchester. I know what a lot of you are saying, “Oh no, Eastchester,” but this young man is a very tough player and scores goals. I don’t know what grade he is in, I think sophomore, but he is another Westrock player and if put in that situation, there is no doubt in my mind that he would adjust to the level of competition and do well.
Well, that’s my two cents, thanks for reading.
slacrosse,
Going back to my previous comment, primetime wasn’t developed until last summer, and Willy Stewart, the lone JJ player on the team, I believe was the only one who tried out (not 100% sure though)
It is a shame for the best players not to try out for such a honor of an event, however from a kids prospective they would rather get the college looks.
On the Bronxville Eastchester game…it was close for a half. EHS was leading after the first and down 2 or 3 at the half. B’ville did not play their top middie in the first, however EHS was missing 3 starters due to injury. I’m not saying EHS would have won had those kids played but the score probably would have been closer. Here’s the problem for EHS, very little depth, and if players are out, and the lineup needs to be juggled they cannot at this point last for 4 quarters against top competition. Make no mistake B’ville has some talented players, and moves the ball well, but Eastchester is not as far away as the score might indicate. As demoralizing as the final was I’m sure the future and the balance of this season stll looks bright for this team.
love how l/p flies under the radar on these blogs.
Eastchester is improving, no doubt about it. B’Ville kept three starters out for the first quarter for reasons unbeknownst to me. Looks like Eastchester has a little more depth than B’Ville if when both were without 3 starters, Eastchester was up 3-1. The rest of the game was a 16-4 show. Eastchester is getting better, but still have a long way to go.
We’ll see how good B’Ville is tonight when they face Iona under the lights.
Need to change the way coaches are picked for the ESG. The main problem is what top coach doesn’t run a summer travel team and make extra money. Coaches need to be an assistant for 2? years before they can head coach the ES team. It’s a nice idea that the coaches volunteer who can blame them for not taking the $. It’s time to show them the money.
How much recuiting do the ESG coaches do for the players? If your on the top travel team coaches are making calls for you.
Give the Suffern coach credit for doing it,whether you like him or not.
I agree with the comment about how ESG coaches are picked, but that is not the only thing that needs to change. The current “tryout” over a period of days just doesn’t work. Let the Section 1 coaches nominate players, with the number of kids per team skewed to the higher performing squads, sort of like we pick AA’s. Make it a smaller number, say 50 – 60 kids total, and extend the “try out” period. This will insure that things like chemistry, hustle, team work can be factored in and not just the kid’s reputation or stats. Look at these kids over a period of at least a week, then make the call. Send out press releases, use social media, and celebrate the kids more.
mid_kowntee_madman
Thanx and again this list is just the kids that would/should try-out–only 20 will make the team with 10 alternates. Yeah on goalie, I just have a knowledge gap of goalies beyond McGuigan so that’s why I only put him in..
Will add the kids you mentioned.
mad_lax
LP doesn’t fly below the radar in my book. They are a very tough team and although Town should rightfully be favored to beat them, a win by LP would not at all be shocking.
Updated Hudson Valley ESG TRY-OUT List (recent new names=*)
Attack
Dinello- (A Lock), Morris, Pray-J
Barton-Rye
Gately, Schulte, Mariano-Town
Carey-Mahopac
Cirillo-Eastchester*
Middie
Morris, Walter, Weil, Chen-J
Trapp-WP
Christopher-PV
Mabus-Town
McCormick, Near-Bville
OCallaghan, McReddie (attack as well), Boneventura, Chapman-Rye
Foley-Pac
Grasso Brothers-FL
Donohue, Lombardo-Somers
Defense
Cooley (D), Fahey (D), Poritsky (DM)-Town
Bonsal (D), Collins (DM)-Rye
Shurr-Somers (A Lock)
Hamilton, Perrillo-Pac
Lambert, Caviola, Lonza-J
Zaverella-Ossining*
Goalie
Fraylick-Pville
Stephens-FL*
purple pride
Thanx. Yeah as a long island guy said earlier they have so much depth would still field a very strong team even if certain kids opt out.
Drop outs would likely hurt Hudson Valley a lot more with a much smaller universe of kids to select from.
Wish there were not conflicts and that kids could play both. I followed the ’08 team and there was enormous camaraderie, respect and pride on that team as they took the field representing the Hudson Valley.
But I understand that the summer teams and tournaments provide great alternatives for kids to get college looks. After all, only 20 kids can make the ESG team so great that there are other outlets for kids.
Slacrosse, don’t know the juniors that well (other than the names mentioned and I am sure a lot more), but I’ve been observing the summer team circuit for awhile and I would think some of these underclassmen (all fr and sophs) might be in the “tryout mix”, especially if if a lot of big names pass on ESG–all are already contributing impressively to their Varsity squads…here’s my random list…sure I left a lot of good kids off, but FWIW these jump out at me as some of the most talented kids I have seen at their ages…
Chris Monteferante (Lakeland)
Rob Caffrey (Lakeland)
Frank Fusco (Y)
Conor Gately (Y)
Nick Mariano (Y)
Jack Lambert (Def-JJ)
Tommy Beck (JJ)
ANthony Grasso (Def- Fox lane)
Andrew Larrabee (Goalie-Byram)
Conor Ferguson- (Def – mamo)
Kris Alleyne (Goalie-Clark So)
slacrosse…Tom Cirillo will be playing for Westrock this summer along with a couple of his EHS teammates…all sophs this year.
Updated Hudson Valley ESG TRY-OUT List (recent new names=*)
Attack
Dinello- (A Lock), Morris, Pray-J
Barton-Rye
Gately, Schulte, Mariano-Town
Carey-Mahopac
Cirillo-Eastchester
Middie
Morris, Walter, Weil, Chen-J
Trapp-WP
Christopher-PV
Mabus, Fusco-Town
McCormick, Near-Bville
OCallaghan, McReddie (attack as well), Boneventura, Chapman-Rye
Foley-Pac
Grasso Brothers-FL
Donohue, Lombardo-Somers
Monteferante*, Caffrey*-LP
Defense
Cooley (D), Fahey (D), Poritsky (DM)-Town
Bonsal (D), Collins (DM)-Rye
Shurr-Somers (A Lock)
Hamilton, Perrillo-Pac
Lambert, Caviola, Lonza,Beck*-J
Zaverella-Ossining
Fergeson-Mamo*
Goalie
Fraylick-Pville
Stephens-FL
Alleyne-Clark South*
Larrabee-BHills*
Why not have HV ESGs play some of the showcase tournaments mentioned as lead up to ESGs and eliminate the issue of exposure?
Bigger challenge is tryout process – better off choosing two full teams (with 18/side), playing the showcases on weekends and then choosing the best of the lot to play in ESGs and the remaining ‘team’ can go play another showcase during ESGs. This would help quality of team practices and game ‘readiness’.
Team Selection and Coaching are the biggest challenges for HV ESGs. We only solve one problem above…
Not aware of the ESG team guidelines or financial hurdles invovled, but alternatives need to be explored or ESGs will be severely dilluted.
If the John Jay kids don’t try out (and I fully DO NOT expect them to) then the HV ESG will not be representative. If other sections are in the same boat (elite players playing elsewhere) they ESG will be a non-event. Oh and they are apparently charging for ESG this year. Just saying…
Prunty and Caffrey need to be on the list. Also even though they are seniors Okie, Burke and Lieberman are still eligible because they canceled ESG last year and they are still young enough. I believe several Somers seniors are also eligible. Must remember the age cutoff is a factor and seniors may want to play since they didn’t get a shot last year. The Nike tourney was a good time for some but not like ESG.
ESG are dead. Long live Westrock, Prime Time, Superstars, Renegades, No Limit, HHH, Bombers, ETC. As Lax evolves so will the summer functions, I can see it becoming a Sophmore showcase or something along that route but not having it last year killed something that was dieing a slow death. Loved the games when the only alternative was basically Westrock but things they are a changing. Do we go the soccer route where HS means nothing and only your premier travel team is the College coaches focus? I hope not as I love the rivalry and small town feel of lots of people attending games like the Murphy Cup & Woodstick.
Thanks slacrosse for the additions. Your list is excellent and they would win a lot of games.
Caffery, Fergeson, Alleyne are also Westrock guys.
The summer circuit has already replaced ESG because it is the ONLY way for guys from mid-tier programs to be seen playing against top competition, but the rivalries I think will be around as long as there are high schools and kids to put in them! lol.
I think any team can win Class C in Section One
mid-kowntee-madman,
Yeah its great for there to be multiple summer opportunities so that a broad range of kids can be “seen”.
greenpiece,
Interesting about the seniors. Will add them.
Updated Hudson Valley ESG TRY-OUT List (recent new names=*)
Attack
Dinello- (A Lock), Morris, Pray-J
Barton-Rye
Gately, Schulte, Mariano, Lieberman*-Town
Carey-Mahopac
Cirillo-Eastchester
Middie
Morris, Walter, Weil, Chen-J
Trapp-WP
Christopher-PV
Mabus, Fusco-Town
McCormick, Near-Bville
OCallaghan, McReddie (attack as well), Boneventura, Chapman-Rye
Foley, Okie*-Pac
Grasso Brothers-FL
Donohue, Lombardo-Somers
Monteferante, Caffrey-LP
Defense
Cooley (D), Fahey (D), Poritsky (DM), Burke (D)*-Town
Bonsal (D), Collins (DM)-Rye
Shurr-Somers (A Lock)
Hamilton, Perrillo-Pac
Lambert, Caviola, Lonza,Beck-J
Zaverella-Ossining
Fergeson-Mamo
Goalie
Fraylick-Pville
Stephens-FL
Alleyne-Clark South
Larrabee-BHills
Greenpiece,
Yeah the Nike tournament was good (went to it) BUT no Section 1 kids played.
Ridiculous. To make the “Upper NY State” team you had to travel 4+ hours to Homer, NY to try out and then if you made the team, commit to go to practices up there!! Hear 1 kid from Sect 1 tried out and was told he could make the team but had to be there for weekly practices. Sure, just just blow off school and family!!! Really quite unfair for Section 1 and other Sections that are also far from Homer.
http://www.empirestategames.org/summer/rosters/event_rosters.asp?year=2008&sport=LA&division=S
In respect to ESG’s dead?? Please cut and paste link above. In 2008 maybe some of the best players to ever play. The games Saturday were great. HV vs. LI was epic, rain delay and then the game was decided on the last F/O.
It would be a shame if all the kids eligible would not try out. I can almost say all the LI kids will play.
Age requirements as follows for Scholastic Lacrosse: Any one born in 1993 or after as well as any 1992 birth year after August 30.
Just a little info
Updated Hudson Valley ESG TRY-OUT List (recent new names=*)
Attack
Dinello- (A Lock), Morris, Pray-J
Barton-Rye
Gately, Schulte, Mariano, Lieberman-Town
Carey-Mahopac
Cirillo-Eastchester
Prunty (LP)*
Middie
Morris, Walter, Weil, Chen-J
Trapp-WP
Christopher-PV
Mabus, Fusco-Town
McCormick, Near-Bville
OCallaghan, McReddie (attack as well), Boneventura, Chapman-Rye
Foley, Okie-Pac
Grasso Brothers-FL
Donohue, Lombardo-Somers
Monteferante, Caffrey-LP
Defense
Cooley (D), Fahey (D), Poritsky (DM), Burke (D)-Town
Bonsal (D), Collins (DM)-Rye
Shurr-Somers (A Lock)
Hamilton, Perrillo-Pac
Lambert, Caviola, Lonza,Beck-J
Zaverella-Ossining
Fergeson-Mamo
Goalie
Fraylick-Pville
Stephens-FL
Alleyne-Clark South
Larrabee-BHills
ESG Roster predict
attack
Daniello-JJ
Pray-JJ
Caffrey-LP
Carey- Pac
Middie
Walter- JJ
Mabus- Yorktown
Foley- Pac
Prunty- L/P
Schult- Yorktown
Morris- JJ
Bernarbo(if tries out)- pac
Defense
Shurr- Somers
Fahey- town
Cooley- town
Bonsal- rye
Poritsky- (DM)- Town
Collins (DM)- rye
Caviola of JJ or Hamilton of Pac
Goalie
Fralick-pville
Aellyene-C town Shouth
just a try
Prime Time U17 Tournament Schedule 2010
June 26th-28th – – King of the Hill – – Swarthmore College
July 9th-11th – – Tri-State National Summer Lacrosse Festival – – Princeton, NJ
July 16th-18th – – Long Island Classic – – Hofstra University
July 25th-28th – – Battle of the Hotbeds – – Delaware University
ESG — July 21 – 25
Don’t really see how how or why someone from Prime Time would play ESG especially given that ESG and Hotbeds appear to overlap…
… so that would seem to take 15 or so players off Slacrosse’s list.
howdy all…
slacrosse, it’s Zavarella, not Zaverella. My bad on the original post.
esg predict, that’s a nice team, but sort of ‘ol boy network-ish and not the section’s best. Make three changes and get back to us.
lol.
I think a lot of people don’t understand that kids don’t harbor any resentment about ESG they simply don’t even think about it. It’s not even on their radar because they’re too busy with their travel teams and having summertime fun. (You know, girls, beach, vacation, etc.)
I agree with the fellow above who notes that its a great resume builder, but just look at some of the programs guys have gone to without ever even trying out and it’s definitely not as important as it used to be. It’s a nice opportunity that may or may not be worth the hassle.
I know that last year Westrock sent two teams to Hotbeds and I doubt those guys would blow that off to go ESG.
Prime Time had a great Hotbeds last year and that, I imagine, will remain their main focus.
I can certainly understand why certain kids can favor summer teams/tounaments over the ESG as they need all the options they can get to be seen by college coaches.
All i can say is that having followed the “08 Hudson Valley team with Ranagan, Jo Jo, McCormack, Brando and other really good players, etc, the pride, excitement, and camaraderie of these kids representing Section 1 vs the best in NYS was resounding!!
I hope that all players and fans in Section 1 will really support the team, whether you are playing or not. it’s not ESG vs the Primetime, etc. Kids that play for summer teams made their own choice not to try out for ESG, so please support the Hudson Valley kids that are playing their guts out for Section 1.
guys, have tried to be gentle with this topic – but someone introduced it above.. one of the top 3 sectional teams will not be sending anyone to ESG – get out of 2004 – not happening. JJ kids play prime time – and it serves them well… If you play well at hot beds you get a look. and you get to play with YOUR team.
P&G
I introduced the topic and always appreciate your opinion..
Guess I failed on making my point above which was ONLY to say I hope at least that there is no negativism to the HV team (“their a lousy team”, “look who’s not playing”, etc.etc, etc). Probably kids that will try out for ESG that would have liked to play for Primetime but who could not for various reasons.
Again I understand the Primetime thing and why kids may choose not to try out.
This may not be “2004” but there still is an ESG in 2010 and I wish the 2010 Hudson Valley team the best of luck.
P&G, it’s disgraceful not to send kids to play ESG. It’s about pride for HV, brings kids together to remember who they represent and pay respect to the history of lacrosse in the area. A few JJ kids did that in the past for other reasons and it really hurt the team. Changed a possible gold medal team into a bronze medal team. I hope those top kids think twice about it. Coach Schurr is a stand up guy and always wants his kids to do the right thing.
Didn’t mean to fan any flames….Just telling you what I’m hearing.
Cards Lax – Disgraceful? No. Disappointing….Yes.
Things change…not always for the better.
P&G, I was wondering how many college coaches do you know? In respect to your comments, being on a ESG team carries a lot of weight with college coaches. When players visit colleges one of the first questions coaches ask, is if you played on the ESG’s. In respect to your comment about Hotbeds yeah its ok but it is not Jake Reed or UA Underclassman. Based on conversations I have had with many a college coaches here is how they see the Summer:
1. Jake Reed
2. UA All-American
3. Empire State Games (for NYS Residents)
4. Adidas National Lacrosse Classic
5. Maverick Showtime Lacrosse Classic (rising sophs and juniors)
6. Top 205
7. Brine Shootout
8.. Top 16 (brand new event 2010)
9.. Hotbeds
If you are a top 300 player in your area you should be involved in one of the top 5.
Lastly the ESG’s games is much more then lacrosse, it is as close to being in the Olympics as you can get. You are treated like celebrities and you mingle among 6 to 7 thousand athletes. The opportunity to represent your region is one that you will never forget.
Final thought, if you think you might make a team then do it, a chance like this will never come across most people reading this blog again.
Good Luck!
The two year old Maverick Showtime event is on a par with Bill Tierney’s Top 205 for rising juniors? That would be news to most college coaches other than the ones who are buddies with the guys running Maverick. Must be a NY bias.
Laxdude, I know a fair number of college coaches – and have discussed this with them but you are missing my point (which is completely undertandable, as I most likely didn’t articulate it effectively).
1) Please don’t make me out to be the anti-ESG guy. I’m merely trying to add information to the discussion. I’m not anti-ESG in any way.
2) I don’t agree with the rankings on your list (specifically 5 thu 9), but I’m not going to re-order it because there are no right answers.
3) There were no ESG’s last year – so players found other existing avenues to be seen. Coaches (as it is their job to do) find these players at these events.
4) The world of either make the ESG team, or go play with WestRock are over. Countless opportunities exist for players, teams. Want to get noticed by an Ivy or a NESCAC school? go to NE Top 150. Fortunate to score an invite to Jake Reed? Good for you. Want to look for a school down south? Plenty of events in Maryland, Virginia.
5) Someone introduced this earlier – but the ESG selection process has created enemies. Santavicca and Chris Daniello didn’t try out. Rabidou’s had issues. Bocklet and Drew had personal reasons. KI didn’t make it. It will never be perfect, and my intent is to not trash the process – but merely say that some will choose to not participate.
6) I would love for Section 1 to put their best team forward – and do battle with the rest of the state. Honestly, regional pride is great for the kids and the sport. I’m just stating the world has changed – and kids will decide what they feel will give them the best shot at the next level. Selfish? Perhaps. Reality? Definitely.
P&G, understood my point; it was to point out what I knew? I agree every player has his own agenda and yes to being selfish; with the competition there is for college, you have to be.
I have attended many ESG’s and talked too athletes who attended and they still talk about it like it was yesterday. Politics play a part yes and it is a shame but pretty much as is with most all-star selections everyone is not happy.
At the end of the day the HV team will take who they believe are the best and I will root for them as always.
P&G
On Galasso’s resume the only Summer team is ESG, it carries a lot more weight then you might think, only saying, enjoy!
Nicky Galasso, Attackman, West Islip, N.Y. (West Islip H.S.)
Nicholas Galasso is the son of Daniel Galasso 6-0, 185-pound attackman was born December 5, 1991 in West Islip, N.Y. attackman at West Islip High School for coach Scott Craig No. 1 Young Gun Rising Senior by Inside Lacrosse two-time high school All-America Newsday Long Island Player of the Year two-time Empire State Games member MVP of state championship game all-time leading scorer at West Islip holds school records for points in a season with 136, goals in a season with 72 and goals in a game with 11 member of three state, Long Island and county championship teams led WIHS to 2007 national No. 1 ranking high school team was first to ever be featured on cover of Inside Lacrosse led L.I. Empire State Games team to gold medal honor roll student.
Laxdude, and your point is that the number 1 recruit in the entire country – played on the ESG’s? OK – thanks. and yes it carried alot of weight. I honestly wish it still did.