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Fall 2014 Signing Week coverage
Matthew Clibanoff (above) is an attackman. Identical twin Michael (below) is a goaltender.
This doesn’t involve baseball, of course, but we have a big double play when it comes to the Class of 2018.
Identical twin brothers Matthew and Michael Clibanoff of La Salle College HS (PA) have both verbally committed to Ohio State University.
Matthew is an attackman. Michael is a goaltender. Matthew is 5-foot-10, 165 pounds. Michael is 5-10, 155. Both are righties.
Their decision was first reported when it was made earlier this week by Joe Lombardi on LaxLessons.com’s Lacrosse Insider premium coverage section.
Matthew is a dodger who is dangerous attacking from X. Michael is strong on clears as well as on low shots and bounce shots.
Now, here’s a Q&A with Matthew and Michael on their commitments.
What were the main factors in your decision?
Matthew: When I stepped foot on Ohio State’s campus I knew right away this was a place for me. The coaching staff made me feel like I was at home.
Also, it’s just a huge plus that I will be attending Ohio state with my twin brother Michael.
Michael: Right away when we got to the campus, I knew this is where I was going to school to be a student-athlete. The coaching staff and I, as well as my brother Matthew really seem to hit it off right away.
What other schools were you considering and what schools did you visit?
We have both did a visit before Penn States prospect camp. Also we had some interest in Maryland, Harvard and Lehigh.
What are your strengths as a player, how would you describe your style of play and what area of your game do you need to work on?
Matthew: I am a very hard dodger. I really enjoy taking my man from behind the goal and drawling a slide and dishing the ball to a team for an easy dunk.
Something I need to work on I believe is my lefty outside shot.
Michael: I believe I am a very good at clearing the ball when it is time and talking to my teammates. Also, I really enjoy saving the low or bounce shots.
Something I need to work on is keeping my stick up, and stopping more high shots.
How did you get introduced to lacrosse and what other sports have you played?
Matthew: I got introduced to lacrosse when I was in first grade. I always went to camps for my youth team and that was the first time lacrosse was brought into my mind. I have also played football and basketball.
Michael: I was in fourth grade when lacrosse can into my mind. Actually, my twin brother Matthew was the first to actually tell me the basics of lacrosse. I have also played soccer and basketball.
What travel team do you guys play on what showcase events did you both participate in?
The travel teams we play on are Dukes and Big 4. We have done no showcases.
Any final thoughts and people you want to thank for helping you get to this point?
Matthew: I would like to thank Coach Ebe, Jason, Billy and Eric and the rest of the Dukes and Big 4 coaching staff for all what they have done.
Special thanks to Coach Bob from the Horsham program. Also a special thanks to Jack Forster for helping my to improve my game.
Someone else I would like to say thank you to is Jake Durkin for helping me to improve my game at such a young age.
Lastly, I would love to thank my entire family for helping me become a better person on and off the field.
Michael: There are many people I would like to thank.
I would first like to thank Coach Ebe, Jason, Billy and Eric.
Also my mom and dad along with my sister Bridget, and my two brothers Austin and Matthew.
Then there is my mentor Niko Amato who helped me out a lot.
Also my coach ever since I was in the beginning of my lacrosse career, Coach Bob from Horsham.
I also would like thank Elliot Templeton on helping me out with my lacrosse.
Have a recruiting commitment to report? Send an email to info@laxlessons.com, contact Joe Lombardi directly at joe@laxlessons.com or send a Tweet to @Joe_Lombardi or @LaxLessons.
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Recruiting coverage
* Updated tristate recruiting commitment rundown for Class of 2014
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* Updated tristate recruiting commitment rundown for Class of 2016
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* Class of 2013 commitment rundown by high school/prep school
* Recruiting commitment story archive
* 2014 National Letter of Intent Fall Signing Week story/photo archive
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Posted In: Pennsylvania lacrosse, Recruiting Rundown
