Thoughts on Hoco alignment for 2030s?

Looks like the DC area teams have aggregated the top kids amongst BLC MadLax and Next Level. Any changes? Any other teams paying in Hoco? VLC?

Seems Annapolis talent was split between Hawks, Mesa & True with mediocre results in AAA. Is Mesa still around? If not are the kids now on Hawks or True?

In Baltimore many of the kids are staying with their Rec/Club programs. Crabs were bottom 3rd of AA. FCA and 91 2030 teams are new for this year. LTRC beat Kelly Post in championship. Hoco Blue Claws not far behind. Any of these teams move up? FCA a top upper level team? Guessing some of them were playing with their 29 team. Crabs get better?

Can't wait until spring.

2030 AAA
1 Madlax Capital
2 Next Level
3 FCA
4 True Annapolis
5 Annapolis Hawks
6 Bethesda Blue
7 LTLC
8 Team 91

2030 AA
Wolfpack
Kelly Post Grey
Baltimore Swarm
Blue Claws
Crabs
HoCo
True Severna Park
VLC Cleary/Kilgannon
Sidewinders

2030 A
Madlax DMV
Zingos
Cannons Select
ALC Bay Raiders
Kelly Post Green
Bethesda Orange
Arden Diamondbacks
Ville
BAYS River Dawgs
Team Maryland

In Baltimore, if your kid is on a AA or AAA rec club squad (at this age) and they aren't having massive player/coach defections, there is no reason to leave. Cost is low and the teams bond well over the years. That said, LTLC is going to get hammered this year. Team 91 as well. The problems with rec clubs can be seen at LTLC....while the 2029 squad is fantastic (and keeps getting better), the 2028 squad just has not developed and is in the bottom 10% of MD clubs. That's why I say if your son is a 2030 or 2031 and the rec club team is already good, it will probably get better. Don't bail.

In Annapolis, Mesa is gone. The 2029s went (overall) to Koopers but unsure about the 2030s. Maybe that's "True Severna Park." On the other hand maybe True is just trying to position itself to buy out Diamondbacks and/or Sidewinders.

DC talent, in order, is Madlax, NL, BLC, and VLC. True DC could not get a roster together at 2030.....and barely has a roster at the older age groups.

API will no longer have lacrosse - the owner of API says there are too many lax programs in our area and the amount of complaining outweighs the profits

When any business owner says that, I always encourage people to do the math to help you reveal their priorities.

With several clubs at the middle school level charging above and beyond $2200/year, netting the club $50-60K/year per team, gross rev.

Assume: club is a nonprofit, as almost all are (no taxes).

Revenue:
$52,000 dues
$3,000 optional "winter training" dues
$1,000 kickbacks on licensed gear, cleats, sticks, etc/partnership deals
Total: $56,000 income

Costs:
$20000 to club director (API in this case)
10000 head coach (contractor, no taxes paid by club)
$5000 asst coach (contractor, no taxes paid by club)
$1500 for an assistant to run the teamsnap, book tournaments etc (contractor)
$2000 HoCo League registration
$8000 tournament registrations (6)
$2500 uniforms (if you don't make the families pay extra),
$4000 in field rentals (often half field, split with another age group)
$2000 assorted supplies, goalie pads, balls etc
Total: $55,000 costs

So if the API director fields just 4 teams, and outsources 100% of the work to coaches and admin staff, he would have $80K income per year guaranteed, in addition to his other businesses and ventures. Boo hoo?

LOL plus technically he is paying himself for some of that field team, by paying club dues to API.

I am not sure what API is or why even we should care. As stated, there are ample programs and opportunities for kids to find a fit. If profit is the motive/end game for a club owner, not sure I would even want to put my kid in that program.

Dude. Every club owner is doing it for the money. Under the guise they want to grow the game. But if any of them wanted to grow the game they would focus on rec where all the other kids who can’t afford club have to play. But there isn’t any money in that so why bother….🤷‍♂️

API used to have a good program - the market has become saturated.

That's certainly part of it. But they've had backyard competition (Sidewinders, about 5 miles away) for 10+ (I think) years. Sure, the failed Mesa-MD effort and "True Severna Park" (lol) is less than helpful. But it is not awfully difficult to have a "decent lacrosse product" (from Elite to A to Rec) and have it be a profitable enterprise.

The owner's comment of "too many complaints" tells me that it used to be easier to recruit a good roster (at whatever level) and parents' expectations were lower. Again, take a look at the Sidewinders page, it discusses coach:player ratios, average practices per year (85), touches per practice etc.

As a business owner I look at the API owner's attitude about this and kind of write it off as, "It used to be easy for me to net $90K/year out of this, now it takes 3x as much work to net $200K." His choice as the head of Diamondbacks I guess, but I hope he does not expect anyone to feel sympathy that parents today expect a better product (and more of it) than parents 10 years ago.....and today's parents are being charged to the hilt for it.

For those of you new to Back of the Cage.... the owner of MadLax loves to post anonymously ... shocking he suggests ML is top in DC talent. 2030 ML couldn't beat Lutherville-Timonium Lacrosse Club, best case is finish 4th in HoCo behind BLC, NL, and Hawks. DC Express has taken over the top spot in DC for the older ages.

Don't worry Madlax is not the only one. 91 does the same.

Does anyone know why Crabs is playing down this year. They are beating other teams by 10+ goals.

My guess is because they went 1-6 last season. They were listed as a 2030/2031 team in 2021 but looks like they are a true 2030 team now. They will be moved up a division next year.

Does anyone know anything about the Baltimore Swarm. I have not heard of them before but it seems like they are very competitive in the AA division.

Used to be perry hall Rec. Rebranded and raised dues and are now a club.

Decent place for players playing for the fun of the game. Think LTLC.

Swarm is club team for Perry Hall, like Blue Claws are part of Belair

Any other reason to play in 4th grade other than "fun of the game" ?

That should be the only reason any kid plays.

Totally! When kids are having fun at something, they want to do it more! When they do it more, they tend to get better and have more success and accomplishments. It’s So important to make it fun at the younger ages.

Most Parents make it too serious too young, Then, it becomes a job for the kid. I See so many of those kids on the older teams and usually their parents are the screamers in the stands! Kid looks miserable

Baltimore Swarm 2030 team will be having tryouts at Concordia Prep 7/25/22-7/29/22. This year The Swarm 2030 team won MYLA club division and came in 2nd in HoCo AA division.

https://baltimoreswarmlax.com/

My son is fairly new to playing club lacrosse and we are new to the landscape on the boys side in terms of all the teams/levels in the area. Can someone give a general breakdown of local clubs and levels? I know I can look at the GHCL for the 2030s, but as they get older, there seems to be more teams/clubs and what becomes more competitive or is it all age based? Also, are there clubs that don't have parent coaches at some point? Thanks!

At this age there is AAA is the highest level, next one down is AA and so on. Tons of clubs at all levels, just have to decide how far you’re willing to travel. I’m unsure of any clubs that don’t have parent coaches, unfortunately. It’s a shame how much better some teams would be if not for Daddy ball and Buddy Ball.

What position does he play? Where are you located?

Goalie. Howard county area

If he is a goalie and is really good. Half the teams out here will take him.

If he's not that good yet and still developing and shows potential, the other half will take him.

No need to jump on the top level teams at this moment in time. Let your goalie develop. Best thing for him is to play on the worst possible team. That way he’ll see all the shots and work on his mental toughness. A lot of these top level teams will cut all the deadweight by the six grade. By then your goalie should be elite level. And will make any team. Now granite there’s a lot of politics, for example the crabs. And the only reason I picked them is because they seem to be the closest team to you. If you don’t plan on going to one of the powerhouse teams in the area MCD and BL for example then chances are your son will be cut unless he’s one of the best goalies in the area. Part of their business model is to use kids status on private school teams. They make people believe that they had something to do with your Kid going to one of those schools. As if they develop them. Play on the worst team in the elite level that way you develop and you can observe. Take these two years to scout each team. Beware of the teams with the highly social goalie moms and dads. If your son is better and tries out for their team they will turn all the parents against you and make your life miserable until you find another team.

This.

What are considered "top half" and "bottom half"?

When looking for a team I would suggest you look around and find a coaching staff that you agree with and feel comfortable with. Maryland lacrosse is a garbage show. Seems like new programs pop up and fold every season. You basically have 2 choices:

Real clubs:
Crabs
91
FCA....

Club Rec:
Ville
Balt. Swarm
BlueClaws.....

Real clubs will cost you a bit more but will provide things like Goalie training, nice facilities, and as you get older the Name which will help with recruiting. The negative of Real clubs is the Bottom line is important so if they find better players the existing players get cut.

Club Rec is often times much cheaper because the county recs pay for their field space. Their coaches are often dads and specialty training is usually poor.

Either way at this age group most of the coaches are dads. There are tons of drama in both.

I suggested finding a coaching staff because the kids will jump all over the place because parents are crazy. But having good coaches, dads or not, will encourage you child to learn while having lots of fun.

Remember the kids are 10 so the only reason they play is because the like the sport and want to have fun.

This is the time to start looking for elite clubs to play for. No matter what is said like above, the sooner the better to play elite.

I know this is a sore subject, but if you haven't done a prefirst, might want to consider holding back a year. Especially if you want to be a starter in private schools or MIAA HS's and beyond. Major benefits from it at early age, getting on better teams, more playing time, more maturity. It works no matter what is said, I know

Really, You think it is a good thing to hold your kid back for any other reason than they need additional help in school. Holding your kid back helps them Dominate in their early years but as soon as they Mature all the kids are the same. Holding your kid back is for the parents to feel better when they watch their kids play.

This persons kid will probably be burned out by the time he gets to H.S. from all the pressure.

Hardly, Most MIAA starters are either prefirst/heldback or born between Sept and Dec. It is what it is. Not the greatest look for lacrosse with the amount that is heldback now.

Cant tell you how many people have said, they wished they held their child back to give him a chance. If you want your son to play elite, Hold him back or you will regret it. Most MIAA parents know the drill now, you must be public school or one have of the lucky Sept to Dec ones .

Holding kids back for sports is ridiculous. The only reason this should be done is for social/academic reasons. Here’s a secret, there is no professional lax to pave a financial future for your kids. If they don’t have academics then lax won’t take them very far on its own. But hey, they can brag for the rest of their lives about playing in the MIAA, which I guess means something to people around here.

Anyone know of any teams looking for a goalie?

Your best bet is to try out for a bunch of clubs and take a chance at one you like

Anyone know anything about the predators 2030 team? They didn’t play in hoco league.

They didn't have one this year

How much religion is infused in FCA? Realize it’s an “elite” club but curious about that aspect.

Some the coaches have high school sit in groups and do "huddles" where they talk about religious stuff. I am not really religious at all and I don't mind it. My son actually loves it and they are one of the only teams that incorporate high school kids in their practices. In this age group FCA is not elite they went 0 -6 in the AAA hoco league. I am sure they will get better since in a year of 2.

With FCA it totally depends on your coach. Some coaches ignore it, some really breathe it into the culture of their teams.

How's the dust settling after tryouts? Heard FCA lost a few key guys to 91 and Crabs? Any other shifting around for the 2030s?C

In the 2030's...

Crabs picked up a few kids and cut a few.

91 picked up most of the kids Crabs cut and a couple that would have been cut/not asked back from FCA.

FCA brought in two young non-parent coaches and that paired with a bunch of different kids, the team will be get over time, though maybe not immediately.

LTLC lost top defender and top attackman after struggling on the tournament circuit.

Anyone have any ideas how a team can find a Goalie at this age group.

Local township league…ask the coaches or parents. You’d be surprised how many kids don’t realize how good they can be at that age, if they focused on it

A challenge here is that rec clubs and rec programs generally loathe the idea of giving up control for an all star type club team. It’s usually local all star teams eg LTLC. What it all the baltco teams put together a similar feeder? This issue comes down to “well which of the rec programs is most in charge?” which effectively means adding an additional layer of governance.

It’s all doable in theory but it’s never been done.

Crabs 2030 were undefeated HOCO Champs last year and after adding 6 more studs at tryouts will compete for the Elite title in the Spring.

Then Egos will destroy the team like all the crabs teams. Crabs recruits deep and falls short in coaching

From what I hear Bethesda is ridiculous at this age level. Asking for miracle to go from AA champs to AAA champs .

LOL 4th grade studs.

Where are the ‘31 and ‘32 threads?

Knock yourself out, create them.

Bethesda 2030 is a great team; son’s team played against them numerous times now and they’re impressive.
Well coached, talented and do not make mistakes; not easy to do at this age.
Still think Orange crush is #1 at this age…

Crabs 2030 chest thumping dad has entered the chat. What took so long? Will continue into high school when the 6 new "studs" are hired guns from Texas, Florida, Colorado etc. The worst scenario are the boys good enough to keep making the team but just when you're about to get the payoff junior year, tons of college coaches watching and now your getting 1 run a half, or worse. Good luck., Crabs is a meat grinder that will work out for just a handful of kids on the current team.

My boy’s team beat them this summer, they weren’t impressive at all. But hey, keep encouraging them, buddy, still plenty of time to improve!

How?

Yes anyone that knows how to do it please do.

create an account and then you can create a thread

Crabs are for a special lot of players. Most will play in college. D1 for many. Cant do that with participation, time to decide .

Anyone know how True teams are structured this year? Is True Chesapeake a combination of last years True Annapolis and Severna Park?

Crabs below 7th grade is a waste of money.

Mostly parents who want their kids to get a yellow helmet.

Kids who join the Crabs in 5th grade or below are the ones who get cut in 7th.

They played BLC Blue this Fall losing 6-3, beat Madlax Capital and Next Level. We'll fight for it in the Spring

No , if on age and a Crab below 7th , you are a Crab as you holdback a year. The prefirsts stay where they are. Only ones getting cut are the players that decide to stay on age. No that hard to figure out. Holdback and be on the Crabs or any elite for that matter, or stay on age and slowly lose your place

In this sport most of the coaches are dads.

Community-based “rec” OR for-profit “real” clubs. Middle school and HS.

Name a club and I will show you a dad coach/director. Any club.

Real clubs cost more than rec but will also make you pay more for specialty training and every extra too. Their dads might also have better resumes but be worse coaches. Take it all with a grain of salt. The for-profit clubs send you emails for extras all the time. All claiming to be “the best opportunity/training/camp/etc. it’s actually laughable.

If you think you’re getting good coaching from any of these high dollar clubs, you’re sadly mistaken.

Most kids come into hs with MAJOR fundamental issues.

Unfortunately, details are not a priority with these coaches. Most just make their kids play 6v6, when they should be focused on footwork, spacing, and stickwork mechanics.

Want your kid to be a hs student? For a start, teach him how to shoot using more than his top hand.

https://www.insidelacrosse.com//art...cation-is-coming-to-youth-lacrosse/60381

5th grade

Crabs needed 7 players, not 6. Good luck though

True Chesapeake is on the rise - look out 2030 Elite Division!

Is True Chesapeake a combination of the Annapolis and Severna park teams?

So why did all their kids leave and go to other programs after the Club lied that they had a team?

True represents all that is wrong with club lacrosse. While club lacrosse in general is cancer for the sport, true is stage four terminal…buyer beware…

My son plays for a top 2030 club and has played the top 2030 clubs…never heard of these clowns.

So do they have 2 2030 teams in AA County or did they combine the annapolis and severna park teams?

PRE_SEASON TOP 10
Maryland 2030 TEAMS

1. Bethesda Blue
2. Crabs
3. MadLax Capital
4. Next Level
5. Annapolis Hawks
6. True Chesapeake
7. LTLC
8. Kelly Post
9. Swarm
10. Team 91

(based on 2022 record - Spring, Summer, Fall)

PRE_SEASON TOP 10
National 2030 TEAMS

1. Igloo Black Ice
2. Legacy Admirals
3. Bethesda Blue
4. 91 LI Cyclones
5. BBL Black
7. Mad Dog National
8. Crabs
9. Madlax Capitol
10. Nationals

(based on 2022 record - Spring, Summer, Fall)

Nationals are not good at this age; team out of Philly (Duke’s Elite) beat a lot of these teams…
Not having Orange Crush on this list proves you know nothing about 2030s Nationally

Ouch - would you like to kick my dog?

Doesn't look like Orange Crush has beaten any elite teams.

By all means though - please share your Top 10.

Does Crabs, having been in the 2nd division of Hoco last year, deserve a top 10 ranking? I know they've had a good fall but did they beat any top teams in the summer?

Take a crack at this top 2030 teams list. Think a number of teams that are very good were left off:

2030 TOP TEAMS (no National teams just clubs)

1. Orange Crush - NY (beat Team 91, 2Way, Igloo, BBL etc in the summer)
2. Team 91 - NY (beat a lot of the Long Island teams and some quality national wins)
3. Legacy - NY (lost to Igloo at NAL this fall, but has racked up top wins all summer/fall long)
4. 2Way- CT (won a loaded Hershey tourney against Bethesda 2x, Igloo, Dukes, Madlax and lost to OC in a close championship)
5. Bethesda - MD (dominated HOCO elite, won Millon against great comp)
6. Igloo Black Ice - NY (up and down with great wins against Legacy and 2Way but losses to Duke's and others)
7. Rebels - NY (beat a lot of these top teams over the summer and fall, could be higher)
8. BBL Black - NJ (quality wins against LI teams and OC puts them solid in the top 10 - struggled a bit this fall)
9. Madlax Cap - MD (made the playoffs at Hershey after a big win vs Igloo, top 3 team in HOCO, good fall against local comp)
10. Annapolis Hawks - MD (good fall against local comp, beat Dukes in fall but still couldn't get over Bethesda hump, should be top 3 in HOCO)
11. Dukes Elite - PA (Lost to BBL by 1 this fall, beat a lot of top teams last year like OC and Igloo and Sweetlax and Hawks in summer)
12. BBL Shore - NJ (since being renamed from Team United has not played in many top tourneys, but has solid wins over the summer)
13. SweetLax Upstate - NY (battled with a lot of good comp over summer and fall)
14. Crabs- MD (look better this fall but can't put them in top 10 till we see how they do in HOCO elite AAA bracket since they were down last year in AA)
15. LI Express - NY (wild card team and this spot could of went to Next Level. Up and down in the summer and fall)

Who did I miss?

we are looking to join a club in the AA county area. How is Sidewinders? Looking at their fall, they beat a few of the teams you have as top 10?

Next Level has been missing there top players due to injures and other sports. No depth! Huge drop off after there top six players. All there top players are 2031s!!!

Hard to argue w this list, seems on point…appreciate the detailed analysis

That's a fair Top 15 - 2030 Ranking.

HoCo 2030 Elite is going to be fun to watch this Spring with Bethesda, Madlax, Next Level, Hawks, Crabs and True competing for the top spot.

Iron will Sharpen Iron for sure.

Then the next measure of the top teams will be NAL 6/10/2023.

Which 2 team round out elite? Did 91 and FCA improve their rosters?

91 only lost to Duke's Elite by 1 over the Summer but it was with a great guest FCA defender that ultimately joined Crabs. Don't expect them to improve very much from last year as they lost their 2nd best attackman to Crabs as well.

FCA lost their best defender but will likely improve with a few good 2030 attackmen coming down from their successful 2029 team. In a stacked Elite division they'll have to battle to stay out of the cellar with 91.

Crabs in addition to winning the AA division of HoCo averaging over 15 goals a game added top players from LTLC, 91 and FCA. They were 3-2-1 in the Fall defeating Madlax, Next Level and Hawks - only falling to Bethesda and Mad Dog National. Look for them to challenge for the top spot in Elite this Spring.

Actually, they’ve played twice.
The last time Duke’s Elite played Crabs, they won by 1; previous game, they beat them 9-4. Hopefully, they’ll play against each other more..
That 2030 BLC team is tough

Duke’s Elite an KD Crabs only played once, with Duke’s winning 9-6…
Heard there’s been a lot of player movement within the MD area teams, whether it be 29s reclassing or kids moving to different teams - will be interesting to see year over year performance

Which one of these teams are in need of a Goalie?

A dedicated goalie looking to progress in the position is always welcome. At the 2030 age group that seems hard to find.

Word around town is Crabs may be looking to add another goalie. Reach out to crabsoffice@gmail.com with interest and setup a tryout.

Definitely a lot of movement around teams with True combining their 2 local teams (Annapolis and Severna Park) into True Chesapeake and new ProStart younger teams program (they’ve only had HS teams up until now). ProStart’s 2030 team picked up kids from last years True Annapolis, Sidewinders, Hawks and Cannons from what I hear, but they appear to have gone AAA.

My money is on BLC and Crabs as top teams in ‘23. BLC destroyed True Chesapeake this weekend and Hawks only beat FCA by 3. BLC and Crabs have more depth than the other teams and have more than one or two kids that can score. I also hear coaching staff on some of these teams don’t all see eye to eye so it’ll be an interesting year for sure especially if it all comes to a head. Can’t wait to see the fireworks!

Crabs parents here. Appreciate the confidence. Watched Hawks/FCA game before ours-- didn't ever appear to be close, Hawks were running away with game and started messing with lineups typical in a big win. FCA appears improved though. Calvert Hall coach in their sidelines coaching them.

Will there be a coaching change with the 2030 Hawks anytime soon?

Why? Is your son not playing over the coach’s kids?

Maybe start with cutting the st Mary’s kids first.

This Crabs team moves the ball very well and the FOGO is incredible. Was a close game at half, but their ball movement wore down the defense in the second half. Very well coached team, going to give all teams in this league problems all year. As a new parent to 91, despite all of the fool amount of detest on these forums, their coaches are really good. I couldn't be happier we made the move. They'll be competitive, a lot of new players learning to play together.

Lots of daddy ball, buddy/neighbor/nephew ball on Hawks. They also picked up an assistant coach and his son mid-summer last year right before to tryouts. (Had no need for either) Word on the street it was a “favor” for getting another family member in as head coach for one of the other teams.

If Hawks cut the st Mary’s kids they wouldn’t have a team next year. I’m exaggerating of course, but more than half their team goes to SM. Wonder what’ll happen in the next year or two with SMHS coaches running their own club.

It's daddy ball central and easily the most embarrassing team in the Hawks org.

Only 4 Hawks SM kids

It’s unfortunate because when they first announce who the head coach was going to be it was very exciting giving his background. He’s just the same as the rest of these daddy coaches. He’s only focus on his son and a handful of the other kids and that’s it. Hopefully Hogan steps in.

ouch, sounds like you speak from experience.

Reality will set in when they reach high school and get cut

No, it’s definitely more, like 9 or 10 SM 5th graders.

if the new birth year rules come into play, it’ll be fun to see the shake up of all these teams.

Why does having 9/10 kids at same elementary school an indictment on the team or coaches? It’s based out of Annapolis area, of course you will have large faction of St Mary’s kids, that’s typical.

Hmmmm have you been to a game? The coaches son doesn’t play that much. Third/fourth lefty attacker, if that. That team is learning to play lacrosse as they should.

Head coach has no affiliation to this area or St Marys, just a long successful history playing and coaching lacrosse. You have some bad intel.

Head coach has no affiliation to this area or St Marys, just a long successful history playing and coaching lacrosse. You have some bad intel.

Coaches daughter will attend SM high school next year. Every other coach has kids at St Marys. Expecting a mass exodus to Prostart soon enough, as it's run by SMA coaches.

9/10 kids maybe 1 or 2 will play at st Mary’s. The rest just not talented. Daddy ball keeps them on the hawks only matter of time before they get cut. Wonder what the parent social circles will look like then.

Elementary age kids should play rec with their friends and wait until middle or even high school for the club madness (and expense). Coaching and access to good competition does matter so adding in a few camps, tournaments or playing in Hoco helps but save your money and mileage on the SUV and keep them nearby for few years. Puberty changes everything anyway. Hold onto those roster cards, very few will be on the elite club teams in 7th grade let alone 9th or 10th.

100% Truth

But hawks team is about parents trying to climb social status.

Most of those kids should be playing Annapolis rec.

These kids are 11. So much change will happen - kids that are good now will plateau, burn out because of pressure of parents, kids will start working outside of practice and some won’t. The difference between 5th-9th is astronomical. Making assumptions on where these kids will be in 4 years or what type of player they will be is insane. Parents should be asking 1) is my kid getting better 2) is my kid having FUN (not one mention of that above and they are in elementary school) 3) is the grass greener or am I the fool 4) why am I, an adult, ripping on 11 year olds

This. The idea of creating a Top 15 list of clubs for 5th graders is ridiculous and serves no purpose other than to feed egos and line the pockets of club owners. There are no...NO..'great' players in this age group. There are only POTENTIALLY great players. The kids you think are amazing now.... it's meaningless unless they continue to develop. And most clubs don't put in the effort toward your kid that you expect. Other teams that aren't on this ridiculous list (and I've seen a lot of them play), there are some kids that could very well be stars on your team, and there are kids that can't seem to hang. There are teams with coaches that are active and involved and teams where the coaches seem unengaged and disinterested. While all of these can affect how well any team plays any week, long-term is going to come down to a matter of the consistent effort, energy, and attitude any particular kid develops. Being on a supposed 'top 15' 5th grade team is NOT how that happens. I don't care if the kid is playing elite, AAA, or on a B team. Attitude, effort, and energy they bring on a consistent basis is where it's at and the teams parading around like they've done something important in 5th grade that think that's going to carry them into and through high school.... sorry... no.

Point is... lighten the heck up. Chill the f out. Try to go to games and just enjoy the moments where things are working, accept the situations where things aren't clicking, and be supportive of kids that aren't quite succeeding but want to be better. I seriously wish I could watch more youth lax where parents could calm down and cheer on good plays that happen on the other side of the field. A reckoning will likely come one day where your 'top 15' team gets blown out by one that isn't on your radar. You should be thankful for the opportunity to learn something from it.

I would also venture all this spewing is from people who never have set 1 foot on the lacrosse field to play but are “experts”

Making a list of top 15 or having your child train at the 5th grade level isn’t so fool…so pipe down.
We all know a lot of these kids won’t be superstars but I assure you, if your child only plays rec until 7th or 8th grade, he/she will be behind. Fact! Doesn’t mean they won’t succeed, doesn’t mean they aren’t athletic, but others will be better/ahead.
If you are content w your child playing varsity maybe junior yr, most likely senior year, kudos, because that’s exactly what he’ll/she’ll be doing.
Also, this may be hard for you to grasp but some children love the sport, love the competitiveness, loves the rivalries and the friendships they’ve made through all this, I know mine does.
So get off your high horse; you’re not a better parent cuz you don’t push your child.

Too bad this is anonymous- if not - we could follow your son and all the amazing things he will do in 5th grade and beyond.

Shoot me your name and contact info and I’ll send you his practice/game schedule…

This is hilarious to watch. By posts - my guess - hawks 2030- dad on sideline yelling who never played lacrosse.

My guess - madlax dad- never played lacrosse

True handed opened up a can of real Azz kicking on the HAWKS today. WOW have we really climbed the ladder that much so quick? Or do they just BITE! They play the worst brand of Lacrosse out there. Big BAD Hogan LAX brand. Well fair to say that's in the toilet these days. We played well today. I must say we out coached them, wasn't hard either, Hawks talk a Bug game. Not today boys. True is the real deal. We own AA County. They need more coaches with kids. Thats why we left. Couldn't be happier True has a much better culture. We teach Lacrosse and we proved that today. Hogan Brand is DONE!

Um what? Can we get an age check on this post

Wait until they start flying in boys to replace yours 😂
It’s 5th grade…… glad your life is made on 1 game. It’s the great thing about lacrosse - any given day.

True dad oldest kid is def his 5th grader. Sorry your kid got cut from Hawks, but it’s part of the process.

Hawks had a VERY off day it looked like. Couldn’t catch and throw and come up with 50/50’s.
Another day, another result. Good coaches, athletes know, never hang your hat on one game.

Hawks had a VERY off day it looked like. Couldn’t catch and throw and come up with 50/50’s.
Another day, another result. Good coaches, athletes know, never hang your hat on one game.

Hawks were bad. Got out coached and out played. Hawks defense is Swiss queso. Hawks studs did a lot of leaning on their sticks it appeared. Maybe the birds just don't like the rain.

Out played…yep. Out coached… no. Kids catching and throwing - not on the coach. Kids forcing a shot from outside - not on the coach. Coaches calling in what needs to be done….kids doing opposite - not on the coach.

Glad to see the drunk True mom in here posting.

You guys are all absurd. These kids are 11 get a grip. Keep getting better, try to keep up with the new kids that arrive with puberty.

Ha ha ha 2 people left Hawks that are on True. Isn’t hard to figure out who wrote this. Also not sure if you noticed but both sidelines, both coaching staffs - have their kids on the team. Would be hard to throw a dart in Maryland where this isn’t the case. Great argument though 😂

What's going on with Coach Kelly and FCA 2030's?? Another year without a win?? Not enough time for the 2030's during the spring with high school lacrosse going on. Hearing lots of grumblings from parents.......................

Seems weird Coach Kelly would be preoccupied with his MIAA team

Don’t worry they will bring in the reclasses soon. Those grumbling parents might have to find a new team anyway when the FCA reclass process kicks in.

Written like a true Madlax parent as they headed into the game this past weekend. UH OH....what happened?

Summer tournaments coming up time for the hawks to cut the dead weight on the team. Hold another tryout.

Will there be a coaching change?

Start with st Mary’s kids

Why? Judging by what I’ve seen on the few games I’ve been to, the bigger issue is the parents not the coaches.

Good start with parents yes. Blonde mom first to go.

No playoffs. almost losing to team 91.

Lots of coaches are out there - you don’t like it, go find a coach you want and go there. Life is full of choices. Grass is not always greener and may require self reflection instead of blame.

Just don’t go to Gilman !! Coach is an [Censored] and has no ability to coach.

Parents actually believe FCA gives their kid a better chance at CH?
FCA is an afterthought for the CH staff.

Hopefully she stays home this weekend lots of drama

What position is the hawks most in need of?

FOGO and Goalie

Tons of blonde moms on that team- be more specific

I am new to this blog and travel lacrosse. Who are the top 3-4 teams in Maryland club lax?

By any objective measure Hawks and Next Level are the clear top 2. After that there are really a group of 3: FCA, Team 91 MD and Crabs. Lots of quality clubs after that which may be a better option depending on where you live and what your goals are.

Ughhhhh BLC is by far the best around and years above NL and Hawks. Crabs closest team to them.

the sales pitch is literally "we'll have you ready for varsity in 9th "

What is happening at the NAL at Kirkwood? Bethesda LC looks unstoppable. What happened to the Hawks and Crabs?

Sorry to correct you, but 3 kids left Hawks, only one went to True, the other 2 went to ProStart. So there’s that.

Are there any clubs out there that don’t have dad coaches at this age? So sick of the daddy ball, buddy ball, neighbor ball, nephew ball, etc.

I’d be willing to shell out even more of my hard earned cash to pay a real coach. Hint hint to any club owners/directors out there.

Hawks looked weak, too much hero ball.
Only two teams to give BLC a real test were Duke’s Elite and BBL.
BLC plays true team ball, moves well, great on ground balls…impressive to watch at this age

Yes about hawks and the drama on the sideline with parents.

Please stay home and nobody cares about st Mary’s

BLC will need to upgrade at goalie soon before teams catch up!!!

Don’t look in AA County! doesn’t matter the level or how long the program has been around they ALL play daddy ball. If even one of these clubs wisened up and brought in a real coach who truly had the teams best interest and not their own kids best interest at heart, their team would dominate!

I’ve seen so many games lost over the years because dad coaches can’t see past their own kids and end up screwing everyone. They’d rather lose with their kids getting the majority of playing time than win with their kids on the bench where some of them belong. It’s in every sport I’m every town USA. But nothing will change until Club owners/directors do something about it,

They actually went 2-5 in Elite not AAA beating Madlax and Team 91. They also just won back to back tournaments.

Tell me more about FCA. Do their coaches and directors have any integrity, unlike those in AA County?

LOL, Im not sure which coach benched/cut your kid in AA County but im sure it was well deserved. You aren't doing them any favors preparing for life.

the Naptown 2023 tournament in Maryland is a couple days away. There are a ton of "National" teams. Does anyone have a scouting report on any of those teams?

Great 8

BLC looked really strong at Great8, but went down to 2Way in ‘Chip. It was a battle
I heard a few of their boys are playing down at Naptown this week w Premier Nationals…

Hawks lost 9-1 daddy ball has caught up to them

Hawks lost 2 more times after that…

Time to blow up the hawks team and rebuild.

Lots of talent what to make the move to the Hawks but no one wants to play for that coaching staff

Yes all the negative people have to go. They are a great team when the kids can block out their dads voices on side and follow the coaching. Catching, throwing and work ethic have zero to do with the coaches.

Worst performance by a hawks team since naptown started embarrassing for the whole organization. Just not any talent on the team know matter who coaches the team. Come next tryouts this team will look a lot different according to hogan. Better start looking elsewhere now no spots are guaranteed.

[Censored] up…. Check your house first

The little man over at Next Level strikes again. Poor BLC, they develop the talent and Next level poaches away.

St Mary’s parents drama makes it worst.

Hawks had their time in the Sun. Its Over ! . Hawks are not what they used to be and are now like any Club USA, Little Loyalty ,Some teams decent, others ok to worst and the owners pulling in the money along with Daddy Ball everywhere....

???

Always some other very sketchy club coach trying to stir up drama. It’s actually sad, feel terrible for those kids and his son ( dad coaches are everywhere).

Correct on Daddy ball, And Hawks are just like them along with other aspects of all Clubs ? Not sure where we disagree . Dont be so sensitive sam.

Need some more information on this, please explain

NL is convincing BLC players to make the switch. The whole 2030 BLC team is moving over to NL to include coaches. Second straight year this has happen.

Will they pick up a few from NL? Or will the current NL team be the B team?

I would assume there would be tryouts as they’ve advertised. All players should have a fair shot at tryouts, yes?? Unless NL has made some backdoor deal with BLC coaches to take over the team as they see fit?!?!

Will there be a tryout? Yes! Will there be a fair shot? Not for every position! If you are a current NL player and make the team you will have to look at who from BLC will be at that position. If you are even that BLC player, you will not see the field. If are better than that player then you have a shot at seeing the field. BLC players will have a longer leash than current NL players. If you make the second team, it is a money grab. Do not be fooled. It will be a team of cash cows. Don't get [Censored] into the second team. Just find another team that will also play in the HOCO elite division.

I find it hard to believe that NL is going to be able to convince a lot of BLC players to switch. The BLC team is far better than the NL team and I don't know why BLC parents would want to move over to NL.

Any word on who will replace the coaching staff at BLC? If BLC is smart, they would bring someone from DC Express to run that team. There are still good players to be had. Lots of folks are on the fence on where they will end up. BLC.... Consider Free tryouts for this age group to combat the Next Level takeover!!! People...... Don't forget BLC/DCE won the naptown tourney. Not one team from Next Level won in any age group!

Hahaha! Have you been under rock? The BLC coaching staff is moving to NL and bring over half the team.

Why wouldn't the BLC coaches stay there and just pick off whatever NL kids they want? The BLC team has barely lost any games since they started playing together. Seems weird for the coaches to upend all of that success for the sake of joining a NL team that's way behind.

That is the million dollar question. NL parents were notified a couple of days ago about the change.

Egos! They want to coach there kids all throughout high school. DCE will take over at some point. DCE will not allow daddy coaches!

That’s rough. I’d assume that if you’re not among the top handful of NL players on the team you need to start looking at other teams right? This is the second BLC team to implode and move over to NL in the past year.

Easily 6-8 NL players over all positions will make that team. Those kids are tough and talented. Reality check coming for those with the comments about them being ‘far behind’.

Can your share more about what exactly was said to the NL parents? Curious how this was exactly messaged.

Can your share more about what exactly was said to the NL parents? Curious how this was exactly messaged.

Can your share more about what exactly was said to the NL parents? Curious how this was exactly messaged.

BLC announced a new coach for the 2030 team on their Instagram - the current head coach of Gtown Prep. Pretty impressive for a team that’s apparently imploding.

Haha

Looks like someone will be moving to another club.

Well Played BLC! Well Played!!!

Hawks are a dumpster fire.

Mic drop. You get G Prep head coach to coach your 6th grader’s youth team? He will clean Dave Mitchell’s plate… would have to think BLC keeps a lot of kids considering the move, and will likely pick off a bunch of Madlax kids too. Mater Dei pipeline into Prep…

Now NL tryouts are moved in between BLC tryouts to try allow parents with the inside access to shop which team/coach they want. This is now beyond comical and turning into an absolute gong show. Our kids deserve an equal and fair chance. Wouldn’t surprise me if there were some secret tryouts or roster already made

Of course they did. Do Not be fooled by the fakeness. They will go out and pull out all the stops. I wouldn’t be surprised if they will have bounce houses and free ice cream for the children.

Do we really believe Urick will focus on developing 6th graders between Feb-June?

The same can be said for every coach at NL.xS9YD

The BLC 2030s have been great because of their coaching staff. That staff will bring all their best players to NL and scoop the two good poles and lefty attackman and become dominant. If the NL goalie stays, the team will be unbeatable.

We already have the best goalie coming! No need for NL’s goalie!!!

Anyone know who will coach the NL Red team that they will inevitably have to create for the existing NL kids once the daddy ball coaches come over and take all of their BLC studs with them?

Easy there tiger…

The current assistant for the NL 2030s team.

Why would you want to play on the Red team. Find other club and compete against top level teams.

Why would you want to play on the Red team. Find other club and compete against top level teams.[/quote]

No other DMV teams worth commuting for outside of NL and BLC. I’d never give a dime of mine to ML and don’t feel like driving to Annapolis

I know a lot of teams already have goalies but any looking to add?

No

Looks to me that they already have their team set up. Their goalie is already in place and all they need is the two poles and the lefty attack. Don’t waste your time on tryouts.

If willing to practice in Towson - Kelly Post. Won Hoco AAA, Beach Lax, finalist in Lax Splash and NXT. Great kids, coaches and families

Totally uncalled for to say that. Where do you get off saying something nice about a team. Now Hit The Wall !

Word on the street is that a lot of the current BLC players will stay and a number of key players from NL will make the move to BLC..... Will this new coaching hire backfire on NL???

Any idea on what changes, if any, the Hawks are going to make?

Nice try!

Anyone who tags along with Daddy Ball Vs an opportunity to be coached by a top local HS coach is downright foolish

Looks like there’s a new club in AAC

I guess your kid won’t make the cut! Enjoy BLC…

Multiple forums you are posting...why don't you just spill instead of waiting for the attention you so obviously want your post to receive?

Start with replacing fool blonde mom half the teams problems go away.

Then upgrade a few players. Team needs more depth. After starters are out team drops off to rec player lax. High level club ball is not for everyone.

Then once the team has all the talent we will see if the coach needs replacing.

So what’s actually happening? Is BLC coach going to NL and bringing best kids with him? Are kids leaving NL to go to BLC because of the new coach?

BLC coaches are moving to NL. For what reason we do not know. They have been the best team in the age group for the past couple of years. BLC current players will be moving to NL to follow their coaches. NL players/ parents are not too happy about it because most likely the new coaches will only be taking a handful of kids as stated above. NL parents are not too fond of the options and playing on a B team and felt handcuffed about the situation. Until, BLC’s announcement of their new head coach. Which is way they are moving to BLC. Current BLC players that have not made the move just yet are now trying to figure out whether to stay or follow their coaches. Which is why NL is holding unofficial tryouts as we speak.

The elephant in the organization is that the narcissistic daddy is the one who needs to go. On multiple fronts. Everyone knows it. Nobody does anything about it.

So is NL the new team to beat in elite HOCO?

They could you please keep this on the hush hush.

Shame for BLC. They had a good thing going. Could've been the best BLC a team ever. Shame it got swallowed up.

Wow, new dad to the game of lacrosse and it seems like one of the fastest growing sports on the planet. So excited to learn the game and this is the chatter…. Just went through the threads and I’m completely overwhelmed. Coaches putting massive amounts of hours in and sacrificing when we can barely keep up with all the practices and tournaments. And you want to call out individual parents, coaches and players…. This is why this sport will never get the recognition it deserves and go main stream. Well done superstars of 1994! I’m sure you’re just as awesome as you were then….

Maybe! If NL is able to convince players to play on the B team, then yes. NL is not only trying to bring in the BLC team as there A team but also trying to keep there current players on the B team. Which in turn NL will keep all the talent in the area in house and hold down BLC from being competitive.

Parent of a 2030 here asking that the folks posting some of this [Censored] grow up and knock it off. Firstly, you’re all getting absurdly worked up over 6th grade lax. You’re playing a silly ego status game when you should be asking whether or not your kid will learn the game and live the game, will the new environment be supportive and welcoming or will you tarnish it before your kid even straps on a new helmet. And remember…and this goes both ways…if your BLC kid comes to NL, you are putting on an NL jersey. Same if your NL kid goes to BLC. Accept and be respectful. Realize a culture is in place and you can make the next 12 months great and fun or be a BadPerson and bring your toxicity before the first practice.
Fact is none of you, including the coaches, know who’s on the team until after tryouts. Coaches will make picks and owners will have to agree and sign off. It will be based on merit. Yeah, there are a bunch of shoe-ins but that’s par for the course.
Just relax and zip it and let the ELEVEN YEAR OLDS have their time to prove themselves without you making everyone stressed and miserable. Jesus…

The darn starting lineup on NL is no B team. Guys need to get a grip.

You sound anxious; good luck at “tryouts”

NLs current roster wouldn’t win the B division.

Mom, please! Coaches don’t know who they’re picking? Merit based? Hahaha! Good luck!

[
I feel sorry for you, pathetic lost, talking [Censored] about 11 year olds. It was awesome watching you guys lose to 2way…the team NL tied and was on the way to beating…with their backup G in net…before the game got cut short from the weather delay.
But yeah..wouldn’t win a B div. Jesus. Get bent.

NL #9 good luck at tryouts! You are going to need it.

What are your rankings now that the summer season is over?

NL #9 good luck at tryouts! You are going to need it.[/quote]

If parents can get out of the way, this BLC/NL merger has the potential to be a BEAUTIFUL thing. Don't let trolls from outside of the opportunity alter what is going to occur.

Attacking that NL #9 just isn't smart, he's a great kid and player. (as I assume your child is as well). No way anyone believes the B division stuff, especially a BLC parent. They know what they are getting should this thing pan out.

Don't be afraid of the competition, embrace it! That is the point of sports isn't it... This will be a great tryout to witness tomorrow! Kids will be dialed in as well as the PARENTS! I can't wait to see lol

Parents, parents that have zero idea what they are talking about and that put so much value on winning and not on raising upstanding, accountable young men…. Are destroying this sport and culture. It’s sad to watch.

So…… how did tryouts go in the DMV?

Good luck at your tryouts for biggest butthole.

Ok folks here is the inside scoop! The BLC daddy coaches left BLC due to the fact that after 7th grade they will not be able to coach there boys. NL has a huge problem developing talent and jumped at the chance of having a great team join the club. The BLC daddy coaches will be bring over and have guaranteed spots to their top 3 attackmen, top 6 mids, top 3 defensemen and their goalie. LSM is a need and possibly a Defensemen. With that being said...... Good Luck! If you barely saw the field on the original NL team don't waste your time. If you were a starter on the original NL team you will not see the field as much as you once did. If you play a position were the BLC daddy coaches sons play at, then you will not see the field. Welcome to Travel Club Lacrosse!!!

lol

First round of offers are out from yesterday…

But I thought there was going to be two days of tryouts…. merit based and fair!!!

BLC?

no, NL.

Anyone know when Annapolis Hawks or ProStart are releasing coaches for 2030's?

Releasing?

When they figure out who it is…. Or in the Hawks case when the parents tell who they want.

Might want to check your inside scoop source cause you were not even close.

Hawks parents don’t want the blonde problem mom back for sure.

We will find out soon. Only time will tell!

PSA...... New Head Coach is coming! Check the website. TBA under HC. Finally. We may come back now. Noticed it the first year he was there. Had to leave right away.

Crabs tryouts are finished - over 50 kids at each night. Look out DMV - we're coming for that crown.

2030 TOP TEAMS

1. 91 LI Cyclones
2. Bethesda (NL?)
3. 2 Way
4. BBL Black
5. Legacy Admirals
6. Orange Crush
7. Igloo Black Ice
8. Laxachusetts
9. Crabs
10. Duke's Elite

A home run with the Hawks hire! Lets is if politics get involved. The current goalie is a client.

Who is the new hawks coach, still not published?

Just put on IG - Alex Woddall and Scotty Rodgers (both played in the PLL) have joined the 2030 staff

Wow, 5 coaches at the age group!

Who is trying out for the clippers?

The Hawks. A lot of long faces at tryouts. The gravy train is over!

How many original NL players get invites to the A team?

This was a name drop only….. Hogan head coach until they find someone.

Hogan is using a tea cup to try to save this sinking ship………

12

Lol….. between 4-6

Crabs 2030 team falling apart...........coaches moving down.....coaches moving up.............lots of players looking at other options.

heard a bunch are trying out at FCA.

Wishful thinking of a competitor - Crabs are simply reloading

Sidewinders kids whose parents didn't think to have them play with other clubs this summer.

Hawks be better off if blonde mom stays away. Go to prostart maybe that will like your drama.

My sons' teams (2028, 2030) have played ProStart twice. Two memories of note:

1) Surprising low lax IQ with the Annapolis parents (stereotype is the opposite...I was surprised). Kids getting cross checked to the face in front of a ref (easy flag, not a horrible hit but an easy penalty to call), with a dad yelling, "CMON LET EM PLAY, THATS NOT EVEN A PUSH." Parents constantly pearl clutching, not understanding the rules of the game, giving helpful yells like, "STOP HIM JOHNNY!" (as a much larger, obviously faster kid runs right past him).

2) Kids have been coached (or at least are being actively encouraged....aka coaching) to flop on any light contact from the rear. I know that True Baltimore also coaches this and it's awful. Kid does a superman dive on feeling a stick from behind, gets a flag, pops up and the coach is cheering and everybody high fiving him.

Maybe these are one-off observations, but they are things that actually happened.

How is the DMV doing? Everyone happy with there new teams?

Sweetly Navy - 2030 National Champs

Bench rider ontop tier team or starter second tier team. Some parents just like being on a top tier team for their social status while the kid just loves to play lax and wants to play. Parents just did get it.

Tryouts are over pretty much everywhere? How did the teams change? True? Hawks? Madlax? BLC? Crabs? Sidewinders/Clippers?

Heard half the Hawks starters went to Clippers. Hawks coach was fired. Uh oh. True stays status quo over here.

Interesting to see how good the new Next BLC Level team will be.

Sounds like promotion for that coach.

Didnt True head coach get moved down too…. Ran entire offense through son, so they made him offensive coordinator. Makes sense

Give it time. True will do what True does.

“ 2028 True Chesapeake Team,

My Staff and I want to thank you for letting us have the opportunity to coach your boys over the past 8 months. We got a chance to develop great relationships with all of them and we genuinely cared about them. As someone who has been doing club lacrosse for almost 20 years around the country, I've come to realize that the Maryland Market and the parents are completely transactional. It doesn't matter how much training you will do for them or how much time you will spend with them, the relationship will always be a transaction. It makes you detest your job. We all do this because we love to teach, coach, develop and build young men. That is why we do this. I started True Lacrosse because I love developing players.

Between the directors and myself you had 17 years of College Coaching Experience, 12 Years of Professional Lacrosse Experience, and 25 years of experience of being in the industry and helping kids get recruited We were all dedicated to your boys and helping them develop as lacrosse players but more importantly great people. This was not good enough for you guys. It was not good enough for this parent group.

I hope all of you find whatever you are looking for.

The door is always open,

Coach Deane”

Clippers $2500k glorifies rec team trying to feed crofton high school.

I think it sounds more like the $2700 Hawks will be a rec team. But, who knows. Could be wrong. We've always beat the hawks. Never a worry with that team. Maybe you're an ex sidewinders parents.

Not anymore, we coming!

Your kids are too young to take lax this serious and there are no feeders anymore buddy. High school clubs teams have multiple kids from multiple schools. Go back to picking on true

Whats wrong with that, Man is gotta make his money somewhere.

Tough when your son cant make a supposed glorified rec team, maybe Baseball is a better option for him.

How about we just wish all the boys luck and hope that each team helps build better men and lacrosse players. fool fool thought for 6th graders.

Heard there was only about 25 kids at Hawks tryouts the first night, that can’t be true?

Anyone hear anything about ProStart?

25 night 1
Called early night 2 with about 20 there

Hogan should look at the culture - looks like people are done

Sounds like a great opportunity! They only pick up like 15-17 kids. If you are on a lower level team and you have talent or not seeing time because daddy/buddy games then jump on it. You know they will be playing in all the best tourneys and the name speaks for itself. there was a lot of dead weight there before.

Did the get rid of the problem parents? Typically when people voluntary leave (not cut) there's bigger issues going on.

Out of 21 from old team - maybe 9 returned - 3 are coaches kids. Possible bigger issues ….

Think only 9 returned, 3 are coaches kids.

St Mary’s parents still part of the 9 team will still have drama.

Hi 2030 parents-

I'm with Kelly Post 2030. Our tryouts begin next Sunday. We are open to new players at any position but are in particular need of a goalie as our guy has decided to pursue another sport full-time. We have a player that would serve as back-up so the right keeper could play full games rather than split. We are a highly competitive group having won the AAA division of GHCLC (Hoco) & top division at Beach Lax. We were finalists in the other 3 tournaments we played in - Trilogy Chesapeake Fall, Laxsplash and NXT Mid-Atlantic Summer. We have a terrific group of boys and parents with little to no drama. The coaches all played at a high level - Hopkins, Delaware, Bucknell and one Team USA. More importantly we are invested in coaching at youth and HS level - KP, Crabs, Looneys, Loyola Blakefield & St Paul's. We practice mainly of the turf at Loyola, Meadowood Park, Carver HS or Towson HS. Winter training is in the Airdome at Loyola University Ridley Complex. We do all this at about half the cost of the private clubs as there is no profit motive.

Should you son be interested I can be reached at kplax2030@yahoo.com

There's no cost for tryouts.

Thx

ML

Spalding lacrosse camp was excellent

They run a nice program there.

Going to be a powerhouse for years to come.

Here we go, heard that a couple years ago when they blew it. Only have gone downhill since. They will rise from the bottom tier, but still be mediocre.

Great opportunity this weekend to join the best Club in Maryland! Hawks tryouts for 2030.

How did the season go last year??? Exactly....

Exactly..... out with the old in with the new! Head coach gone! Toxic Parents gone!

False, they are still around. That’s why there was such a low turnout for tryouts. The same kids, will get the same push and the team will have the same results. What players are you going to get now? A great opportunity maybe next year when the rest are gone.

Only reason for supplemental tryouts at this point is to bring in $$$ for the club. A 13 man roster doesn’t help the bottom line.

Hogan already has his million dollars so he could care less.

Talent pool at this point for a supplemental tryout has to be the bottom of the barrel. May get lucky with a rec kid but that’s a long shot.

If the coach that is gone had cut some of the kids on that team 2 years ago, he would’ve done the whole program a solid.

Having MORE supplemental tryouts for the 2030 Hawks.

Having one narcissistic st Mary’s parent ruined the hawks team. Be interesting if they can rebuild.

It’s the st. Mary’s culture, maybe it will change with new ad. That’s why most AA kids are going to Spalding now, no one wants to deal with them.
Same problems still exist!!

Hoping we can get this 2030 thread back on the rails......

What is the 2030: 23-24 landscape looking like?

Crabs reloaded with an even more talented team that made the HOCO Elite division playoffs in their 1st year up from AAA. Is Next Level really the former undefeated Bethesda Blue squad? Is Clippers really the former Hawks squad that was plagued with bitter culture? Can True Chesapeake be as good with the loss of numerous key players from their Elite HOCO runner up squad? Will Predators (former LTLC) try their luck in Elite?

What do we think the HOCO Elite division alignment will be - Clippers? Predators? or? Pre-Season Rankings?

91 will continue to develop elite level players and will run the table. Current 2030 91 starters will all be committed to Top 25 D1 on Sept 1 of their junior year, book it.

91 is terrible; only way they have committed players is if they recruit a brand new team

With the BLC take over of NL.... How many previous NL players made the team?

Who joined BLC, backups or kids from other clubs?

Rumor is the Clippers inherited the bitter culture.

Only takes one bad apple to ruin and entire team. Hawks were smart

Hawks kept them. All the entitlement stayed.

Any reactions from folks at tourneys this weekend? How’d the all HOCO teams look?

I am sure the clippers won instagram

Next Level is legit

…what’s left at BLC? Not so much

Well if the one man team #6 is gone and the righty attack followed, then BLC is essentially decimated

Saw BLC this weekend at Aloha Tourney,
they got some work to do

They are above all the rest. Dont be jealous

What’s going on this weekend in the 30’s ?

True Parent here. We watched FCA play and played against the Clippers team. FCA looks improved and they beat the Clippers, Clippers were up by 3-4 goals at half, not sure what happened there. We smoked True Balt and the Prostart team, but lost to the Clippers by 6. Clippers were good. Wish we would have played FCA instead of True Baltimore. They are a rec team, not a club.

We…..you out there dogging True dad??? Haha

I have no problem with him using we - beat it, nerd.
The amount of money parents spend on lax, you darn right it’s we!

Make sure you get in that team picture dads!!wMTkFN

Hawks are bad! Are they going to move down in HOCO!

How would you know they are bad, from what I can tell they haven’t played a tourney yet.

hahaha! I hear Goalie is a huge hole!

How are new superstar coaches working out?

Sour grapes, Hawks will be fine.

Sounds like clipper dad pounding his chest after going 5 and 1 against mostly glorified rec teams!

I don't even think it's a Clippers dad tbh. Also the Clippers played two HOCO Elite teams. So, not sure about your comment either.

Also heard they were moving to AAA.

Looks like the trolls are out in force today. Chill out it’s 6th grade lacrosse…who cares about clippers or hawks or any specific team.

I guess we will see this weekend at Fall Brawl - who ya got winning it

Hawks
Bethesda
Dukes
Madlax
Next Level
ProStart
Richmond HAwks
True Chesapeake

With all respect to the field …I’d think Dukes and NL will go undefeated

With all respect to the field …I’d think Dukes and NL will go undefeated

Hawks might be only team to challenge Dukes, NL and Madlax

Lots of good games today, will be interesting to see where teams shake out

Whoever predicted Duke’s and NL would run through undefeated was right. Conversely, whoever predicted the Hawks having success was sadly mistaken. I mean, they list to the Richmond Hawks, yikes

A Dukes dad made the prediction! It’s a shame they didn’t get to play each other. Would love to see #6 from the old BLC run all over dukes.

IL Fall Cup next Sunday - Crabs, Next Level and Mad Dog National competing for the Cup - should be a great competitive tourney.

Interesting that Crabs are playing IL instead of NAL. Also looks like Mad Dog National Black is at NAL and their second team, Mad Dog Gold is at IL.

Amen. You folks are PATHETIC.

Where was the narcissist this weekend? Did not see her on the sidelines this weekend.

Which one, lol.

I got to watch NL play True between games and I wasnt impressed. True played a great game just needs more depth.

Richmond Hawks parents might be as obnoxious as Annapolis Hawks…and that’s saying something.
Maybe Momma Hawk was quieter by the team’s ineptitude?

Looks like NL went 3-0 as did Dukes. NL put up some impressive scores though compared to Dukes. Curious what wasn’t impressive about the True game…

NL had a close battle against True Chesapeake, Dukes smoked them - NL scores more impressive?
Duke’s schedule def harder, Madlax was 3rd best team there. That was easily game of the day

Watched the Dukes/Madlax game on one side, NL/ProStart on the other, which was ugly. Madlax v DE was def the best game of the day, too bad it was 9am! Lol

Some good ones coming up this weekend …wonder where everyone finishes up heading into winter

Had the pleasure to observe Clippers and Hawks parents on the sidelines today. What a bunch of characters. And to think they were all on the same sideline last year. Wow just wow!

Clippers parents are loudmouths and, sadly, the kids playing are too. Hopefully, their game will match their moxy, one day…

Looks like some ones kid didnt have what it takes to make Clippers. Dont be jealous. Give him some lessons, might help.

Clippers is a B program. They should be quiet and just enjoy the game.

“What it takes to make the clippers”…2600 bucks and whoever try’s out.. laughable

Lacrosse is so sad because of the parent’s egos. Especially at this age group. Glory days are over. Cheer on and support the kids - ALL OF THEM. You can compare “d” sizes later.

Dear Hawks coaches and parents, newsflash this year is a rebuilding year. The talent level is just not there. Your expectations are foolish. Watching you guys operate on the sideline treating those games as if it’s the Super Bowl is unrealistic. If you guys continue this behavior you guys will lose the rest of the talent you have left to the clippers!

Clippers will be better than Hawks and 90% of clubs by summer . Count on it.

That attitude will not get your son to D1. Say what you will, but besides the very very few truly gifted, majority players are around same level. It is what they do in these young years that will get them on the field in High School and beyond. Parents need to push some to get them there along with ...holding them back. May not like it, but it is what it is.

At NAL, Sweetlax Florida won the Saturday Blue bracket beating LI Express 6-3, Thunder 10-6, and Legacy Admirals 8-6. Then today won the Sunday bracket as well, Tied MadDog Nationals 4-4 (MadDog won the Saturday Red bracket), beat Prime Time 4-3, Dawgs 6-4, and then beat MadLax 6-2 in the final…. Good weekend of lacrosse in Delaware!

Been there done the D1 thing. It has less to do with the parent trying to live through their child and more to do with the child’s desire and work ethic. Also lots of time between now and D1. Hope you get your second chance. Also hope you model not being a laxer to competition to your kid because they all could be teammates one day.

Classic example is the number 1 recruit from last year, Without MM doing everything he could to get him elite before 14, no way he has the habits or he has or skills to play for UVA.

They'll all forever be Hawks parents. InstaFamous Clippers are gonna tear through hoco aa like a tornado.

Fall/first ever rankings are out for 2030s and the Annapolis Hawks were waaaaaaay down the list. Got some work to do parents

What a joke. Clippers ha…wait till the toxic families repeat what they did the last 3 years at the hawks.

The toxic ones stayed at the Hawks, just because you say Clippers got the toxic parents does not make it true.

You’re both a set of clowns, awful loud for a bunch of average and below average players! Unfortunately you ladies are more entertaining than the games your sons are playing in.

Not sure why everyone has so much detest on this site but the usclub ranking have the clipers @ 15 in the country and there are only 2 Maryland teams ranked above them which is FCA Blue at 12 and Next Level @ 1. So the clippers must not be that bad. I wonder if the detest comes from the clippers taking players from Hawks and other programs in the area.

FCA has won 2 games combined in 2 years in hoco elite…ranking system seems a bit off.

Never heard of the Clippers? Are they a team? HOCO AA? Go away

Their parents are insufferable and the club is determined to win the Social Media game above all else.
They are not that good and will be exposed come spring.
Other than that, they’re an exciting, new club

Instagram Clippers vs Peaking in 7th Grade Hawks, you love to see it.

Sounds like someone's son didnt make the Clippers. Look inward and sign up for their summer camp to learn how to play the game the Clipper way!

But remember this is Maryland Lacrosse and half the kids leave teams and go to other teams every year so you never know what a team will look like until spring. I think FCA has a good team this year and so does the clippers and so does NL. Personally i think it is notIntelligent the rank 12 year old's but what do I know. As far as good vs bad its a [Censored] shoot. At this age it is all about if the kids come to play or if they had a sleep over the night before.

As far as the clippers, If the kids were happy with the teams they were on previously then they would not have jumped ship <-- hehe Pun

There used to be an awesome team in that side of town called the SS Cutters that were really good then they got bought out and Pooed on by True. Maybe it's just them making a reappearance with a different name. I look forward for my kid to play them again they were good competition. Most likely all the haters are from the Hawks, I heard that team got hit the hardest by the culling.

Welcome to 2023 if you don't have a strong social media game your team will suffer. It's the way of the Future!!!

They are doing the same thing to AA County that the Predators did to Balt County, take over and become the talk of the county

Not really the Preds are not good the clippers at least win games

I see a showdown of best teams in State,, Clippers vs Predators, now that I would like to see

FCA team at this age is bad. Attack no skills or IQ, middies lack stick skills to clear and defense and goalie are acceptable. They will need to bring in a ton of talent to be competitive.

Interested to see what teams make up the Elite division this Spring in hoco. All will be chasing NL …

Did anyone see NL play in any fall ball tourneys? We didn’t get to play them, curious how the remade team looks…

They looked good. It will be interesting to see them in the spring. The player from BLC is still very good and it doesnt look like many can defend him. Will be fun to watech

The Crabs are a 1B, will be those two running HOCO this spring. The others will be fighting to lose to those two in the playoffs, the gap between 1-2 and the rest is pretty large.

The gap between 1 and so-called 2 (crabs) is also huge! NL wins hoco by double digits

I’ll take MadLax at 2. They’ll beat the Crabs. Clippers will surprise folks as well.

Crabs are not good - Madlax #2 and it’s not close.

Anyone arrogant enough to think they can predict how 12 year old boys will perform 3 months out is foolish. All the Elite division 2030 teams will be competitive and Next Level, Madlax, FCA and Crabs will undoubtedly be in the mix for the Championship.

Unfortunately it happens and at this age there is always a much larger gap NL has talented group and for next year or two will have a huge advantage over the rest Like a previous post stated NL and then everyone else They win hoco by a landslide

Sad. A large handful of boys that are on this team that are talented but waiting on the sidelines as 2nd and 3rd string need to jump ship this Summer. They aren't getting enough playing time and will be far better off in the long-run not worrying about being on the winning team and instead getting their reps elsewhere. It'll be 7th grade, not world championships. Prioritize in yourself and don't be beholden to some non-sensical status or ranking. Lots of really good kids that could form a very competitive team if this happened instead of letting one club [Censored] it up and sit them.

Sounds like a competing coach is begging for some NL players to leave…lol, that’s sad

Attitude like that will not get your son to D1 . Start's now for most of us in the know. Seen it many times, it doesnt matter at 12,,, it does !!

NL wins Hoco championship by 11

You mean BLC…. Oh yeah, NL! NL please don’t claim credit. That would be next level arrogances. NL’s new slogan, “Championships bought not earned!!!”

Ha! My commentary was about the prediction of Next Level leading the league not about importance of lacrosse at 12. Obviously, if you have your son competing at the Elite level of club lacrosse you know full well that it matters. I'll predict that the HOCO Elite 2030 division will be a gauntlet of talented boys scrapping to be the best and Next Level will have its work cut out for them to beat Madlax and Crabs. I've seen all three of the aforementioned teams and they are all very good.

More importantly we need the Maryland teams to stop letting teams from New York and Florida eat our lunch at the 2030 age group.

…don’t forget about teams from Philly. FL? It was one tourney, that team got lucky. Jersey? Meh, not so much

Drama drama it’s amazing how much one lady can cause on the team especially when her son gets very little playing time. Some kids only play lacrosse because their parents make them and think it’s for social climbing.

Very vague, can we explain what this person has done drama wise and what team or club? This is the forum, dont need names, but good to hear. Thanks

Probably referring to Hawks Mom…she be cray

When will HOCO brackets be set

There are some common threads between leadership of Insta Clippers and the Talk of Ruxton. And the same tired defenses of both on bot. I'd bet the same guy haunts this page, propping up both programs.

Yawn. An athlete's motivation at age 12 is just to please his dad. By the end of 8th grade, most of those will stop putting in the extra work because Dad's approval isn't a motivator at 6am in January.

But there's something to the "on track for D1" that hardo elementary school dads love to mouth off about. Funny thing is, they are things you can't control in your son's behavior or workouts.......genetics and what age he hits puberty. By 8th grade, you'll see that elite/NLF clubs simply don't take late bloomer kids who are 4'10", 5'2" etc. No matter how fast they are. No matter their work ethic. No matter their stick skills. They can generally find another kid with those same attributes who is 6 inches taller. Now, sure, that late bloomer may show up in 12th grade on those rosters, but so much will happen in college prep, training and recruiting between now and then.

So....... much as one of the known keys to corporate/financial success is "be really good looking," the key secrets to D1 talent, through at least 10th grade, are "have tall genetics" and "hit puberty before the rest of your grad class." You cannot beat those two factors with wall ball or with "former D1 player coaches." Or with "14 year old work ethic."

I take it your son is tall but unathletic?
I see big kids all the time that [Censored]; everyone sees it.
Keep telling your boy he is good, I’m sure he will get there

Mikey Sowers would disagree…

There are outliers but look at any top D1 roster. It's heavily weighted not only towards players who are 5'11"+, but also most of those kids (not all) grew at age 11. Take a look at a top 10 2028 sideline this summer while at a tournament. They're 8th graders and the smallest kid will be 5'7"-5'9"

So hit the wall etc etc but acknowledge there's some luck in the mix (unless ypu hold back your son).

It's fool how kids automatically grow 6-8 inches taller for every year they are held back.

My sons are 2027, 2028, 2030. There is nothing more pleasing in youth sports than watching "That Dad" of THE 10-12 year old super star, the Dad who has been a tri-county champion loudmouth since his son's 3rd grade Hoco season, suddenly have nothing to say at his son's age 14-15 season because not only is his son not "the best midfielder in the nation," he's not even the best midfielder on his team....which does not win their Hoco bracket. There are certain kids who were 5'6" in 5th grade and a stunning 5'9" in 6th grade.....still 5'9" in 9th grade like everyone else.

Let's all give a quick memorial, "THAT'S RIGHT COOP THAT'S YOURS BABY! SHOWTIME!!!! HE CAN'T STOP YOU! WOOOOOO!!!" shoutout to That Dad. You all know him.

Listen there is a reason Lacrosse has the players it has, The most athletic white players go to the other sports that might pay money one day. Minorities dont go to lacrosse on any consistent basis. They are out. Lacrosse is mainly a prep school with a decent amount of Public school boys.
The majority are the 5-10 - 6' player who has some decent ability. There are some others that are 6' to 6-4 who have decent ability too. We are who we are, and we sure arent Football players

People melted down on another BOTC feed when I mentioned that in the UA and Iron 44 combines, the winning 40 yard dash times NATIONALLY are in the 4.7-4.8 range. Yeah, part of that is that very few lax players are taught how to properly explode off the line and run a 40 yd dash properly, but another part of it is exactly what you way. 5'10" - 6'2" moderately fast kings unite! (5'7" - 5'11" for D2/D3/college club). Benching 305...but not 500. Running 5.5 minute miles, but never sub-5 minute.

And rather than associate it with race, I think anymore it's more tied to socioeconomic class.

The relevant and non-objectionable portions of the conversation go to a) childrens' growth as an athlete and growth as a lacrosse player changes over the years as they grow up to full development and b) that lacrosse athletes at the top level can have lesser stats than those in a sport like football. As to a), who can argue on the athletics growth? However, lax skills & lax IQ as well as the speed of the game as the levels increase continues to develop over the years even after heighth slows down. As to b), a wealth could be written, but in short: the 55 yard dash that occurs in around 5 seconds, give or take a fraction, isn't relevant to most sports including being a lax midfielder. Midfielders (and other players) are on the field for minutes or more at a time. 0.4 of a second a couple times a game that at most gets a little fast break or requires a slide, are traits that are relatively minimal compared to the speed of the ball, and lax skills and IQ easily overcome this. So the ultimate lax athlete can easily be the 5'11" shifty strong skilled smart athlete, rather than a 6'6" football player who burns out after 5 seconds running. Anyone who has actually been in ground ball scraps or runs full field fast breaks will know how fast the lax burn out occurs.

I still play mens league and your last sentence gave me the PTSDs. Amazing how big the field seems when your old self has to sprint down its length.

Did HOCO brackets get posted?

2030 Elite

Hawks
Crabs
Clippers
91
True Chesapeake
Madlax
Next Level
FCA Blue

And your kid still is below average even at lacrosse. That has to hurt.

There is a ton of overlap with lacrosse and football. I can name more than a few successful college/professional football players that also played lacrosse.
So, in that sense, you would be wrong. Keep trying though

No BLC?

Can you post the AAA teams? Thanks!

BLC Blue
Cannons select
Fallston
Kelly Post Grey
Predators
Prostart Blue
Team Maryland
Wolfpack

Did you seriously ask “no BLC”??
Have you seen the team play, since all the boys went to NL? I’m shocked they’re in AAA …not good

So… Preds talk of AAA! (Did I do that right?)

Looks like someone has Napoleon syndrome. Dont worry he did conquer Europe. So there is hope for your son.

Good warm-up weekend of lacrosse. Hard to make judgment off a knocking the rust off tourney.

Next Level: Shows still the the best. A confident bunch, will the disease of more impact them in HS? Until then, best team for the foreseeable future.
FCA: Two tight wins vs. Clippers and 91, much improved over '23. 2-0 vs. Clippers so far.
Clippers: Have the horses to compete, aggressive style of play, in the mix for top 4.
True: Only scored 9 goals, but played 3 of the top teams in the country. Lost some kids to Crabs, tough road to top-4.
91: Tight games vs. Clippers and FCA, will be competitive, but HOCO Ws will be tough to come by until add a few more pieces.

*Soon to be 91 Richmond will struggle. Have a few top-end players, but not nearly enough.
**Legacy not a top 10 team in the country, good team, but would be battling for 4th in HOCO.
***Not sure why Red Hot Nationals is playing in a Maryland warm-up spring day of lacrosse. Had kids from the West Coast there.

1. NL
2. Crabs
3. Clippers
4. FCA
5. Max Lax
6. True
7. 91
8. Hawks

Spring Thaw parent here - in case anyone was interested, Hawks parents are still insufferable.
They really think they’re God’s gift; the team is not good.

Wait, how is that possible? Thought all the “drama” parents left 😂

False, they multiplied and now are ruining two aa county teams. You’d think the coaches would step in, oh wait

And no one wants to go to st Mary’s.

Been around a lot of teams in AA - no other team even remotely comes close to the Hawks toxicity

Prostart parent here- and not an Annapolis resident. What is the deal with these insano Hawks parents? Yelling the wrong things, screaming at the refs after every single whistle. Just insanity if you ask me. Does Matt Hogan still own the Hawks? Someone ought to alert him to these parents. We used to look up to the Hawks, they were the best program around, but I would never let my kid be around that team. They are extremely undisciplined. We watched the Hawks v Crabs game, and the Crabs are much better coached and the parents are better too. Crabs team seemed like a much better team to play for. Sharp uniforms too!

I really wish we had beaten them yesterday, and we had our chance! Although, maybe it's better we didn't, those parents might have fought the refs in the parking lot!

Trust me when I say....MANY MANY people always wish you had beaten the Hawks. The Royal Blue Club would have imploded!

Two straight weeks of reporting on Hawks parents. Are they must see TV during Hoco this year? I've never seen them play, BUT i may just have to look up their schedule.

Are the Hawks 2030 team must watch? No
(Watch the Clippers, that’s where their good players went)
Are the Hawks parents and their sideline antics must watch? Affirmative

Was that the game where the kid was yelling at his parent in the stands at the end of game (we were on that field next)?

I would feel bad for any normal parents on that team (if there are any)

Most likely. Dad yelling Locks. Over and over.

Lox!!! Come on Son!!!!!!

Sounds like the Prostart families finally got their dose of the Hawks parents Hilarious

Hawks are unrealistic. They have major holes at key positions. Lots of ball watching on D and no movement on O. They should of taken a page from the Crabs 2030s. The Crabs played down for a couple of years to develop and build confidence and find love for the game. Now they are competing! Even after losing holdbacks from last year they’re still competing. BLC has done the same thing after NL stole there team from them. Hogan does a good job at tryouts. Most of the time the best players get select. Unfortunately, once tryouts are over he washes his hands of the teams and leave them to their coaches’ staff, which is hit or miss most of the time. Good luck Hawks.

1. NL 7-0
2. True 5-2
3. Crabs 5-2
4. MAD Lax 4-3
5. FCA 3-4
6. Clippers 2-5
7. Hawks 1-6
8. 91 0-7

Thoughts from this weekend:

Hawks: this is not a good team! They have one good player with a really good shot, but looks for a flag if you get within 2 feet of him (and sadly gets the call a lot). A lot of ball watching and chasing on D and didn’t seem to sub a lot either

ProStart: only saw them vs Crabs, they have some pieces (great LSM, good Faceoff kid, some shooters) and looked to still be working some things out. Will be interesting to see them after HoCo if they are able to put it together

Madlax: watched them the least but solid all around in the game I watched, moved the ball well, great set-ups on offense and smothering on D

Crabs: best of the group, had good size and speed their off ball movement on offense was really impressive and set up great scoring opportunities. Defense was very sound as they always seemed to be in the passing lanes and didn’t give up anything easy

Thank you delusional True parent. If you think this team is going 5-2, you're as insane as your loudmouth coach Agee. That guy is a lying disaster.

True went 5-2 last year. They should do the same or even better. Unless the age rules affected them.

One thing we can all agree on is that NL, formally known as BLC, will give everyone one lost for sure! And for those lucky ones, they will get two!

- NL is legit…would probably do well playing up a year
- should be a good spring in this bracket. Teams and players getting better each time out.

NL is very good but def human after this past weekend 12 year old lax where kids just need to get better We needed to eat some humble pie

Did NL lose to someone?

Lost to 91 9-3 but in fairness to our team we had just finished playing a strong Dukes team 15 minutes prior.

Eh.. 6th grade. And it's early in the season.

NL is a great team, Cyclones caught them right after a battle w Duke’s Elite. Had that game been played prior or few hours later, who knows…
Cyclones v Duke’s was very close as well, think 91 pulled it out 6-4.
This is what the best teams at all ages do - play the top teams and learn from bout wins and the losses!

You took the words right out of my mouth. NFW True ends up in top 4

Agreed…hats off to those teams for organizing, getting after it and learning.

Hawks relax with the win. You just beat a team that hasn’t won in two years. Good luck seeing another one. HAHAHAHA!

Was def pulling for 91 in that one …how was fool Hawks Dad?

91 parent here. Hawks fool dad was in full effect. His kid had a couple goals but just as many turnovers. Dad was going berserk. The HOCO league officials should actually come watch their next game and ban him forever. The kid is an obvious holdback so he should be scoring against smaller kids but his dad is embarrassing. Best part is.... it's obvious he doesn't even care. Not one bit. I actually felt for his kid on Sunday

I love that kid does some cheesy celebration every time he scores. Stay off the internet son

Kid is a good player and can tell he works hard. Let the kid celebrate with all he has to deal with, he deserves it. The kids are old enough to decide if celebrations go too far, parents don’t need to get involved or upset. It will be handled on the field.

Also no more holdbacks, you either meet the age or your don’t.

Speaking of age, what is age cutoff now? Is it what is on USA lacrosse website or at discretion of each tournament?

It's at the organizers discretion.

Some good matchups this weekend …predictions?

HOCO is using USA Lacrosse, as are a majority of the tourneys. Some teams will try and skate the rules, but in this community, everyone knows everyone, so it is harder to do for the local teams. The 6/1 date is more logical as it allows the pre-K holdbacks to play either in their current class, or the one they would have been in. Summer boy pre-K holdbacks are so common now because it makes sense, allow those kids to play with their friends. Anyone holding their summer birthday 8th grader back for HS is a dope, but that doesn't impact this age because a 2029 wouldn't be able to play in HOCO in 2026,

6/1 is lame, arbitrary and used to placate holdbacks.
9/1 is used by school systems for a reason

Some states do 8/1 as the cutoff. In general, most research shows boys will benefit from a Pre-K hold back for summer birthdays. Doing it for lacrosse is insane, but doing it pre-K for the boy's maturity and development for school is generally accepted as the better choice(and encouraged by many schools).

Any date selection other than strict birth year is arbitrary.

I do agree that the 6/1 date picks favorites and allows only a select few kids to play with their classmates, which is inherently unfair. I would love to hear the reason 9/1 is such a perfect fit though? What exactly happens to kids in September? Have you ever considered that maybe the government picked a totally arbitrary date too, which is why so many independent schools have pre-first programs. Or do you have some scientific evidence to share?

Regardless, in the Baltimore area most middle schools have teams, and many of those are mixed grades. Probably best to just get used to playing with older kids.

What’s age cutoff for World Series? Are they using USA lacrosse or sticking to previous cutoff?

9/1 for world series

It should be strictly age if they want to be some date,, 9/1 would be best as it along with school, but frankly who cares , Pick any date 1/1 6/1 9/1 ,, but let anyone play that falls within that age. Letting select holdbacks play down is against what youth is about. HS it is grade so get your advantage ,,,But youth below 8th, common sense ...

What is the acceptable "common sense" age variation? When I was a kid we played 14u, 12u, etc., and we all survived just fine.

What loss is worse? Madlax or the Crabs.

Jeez, Next Level, leave some for the rest of us.

Looks like the Hawks got trounced. Ouch. AAA at best after watching them play.

Congrats to FCA and the InstaClippers for their big wins respectively.

Annapolis Hawks 2030...... WOW!!!

Madlax is bad loss. Clippers outplayed the Crabs on all fronts.

Clippers had the better Fogo. And better goalie. Crabs are good, but they got beat in those two areas.

Slow down with the goalie talk. The goalie is all show! Pay close attention when he faces a real O!

Who,would the real O be?

They’ve played two of the “top teams” in the league and have only given up 12 goals…. Not bad.

Thanks for crapping on your own team and offense loudmouth crabs goalie mom. Your whole family is all show! Hilarious!

Next Level

Give me a break! both those teams lost holdbacks. they are not the same teams from last year.

Unbold prediction …NL will be at the top, there will be two at the bottom …lots of games to be had in the middle to get 2-4 seed for playoffs.

Sure. Looking forward to that NL v Crabs game also.

NL will smoke the Crabs #guarantee

Agree, NL is much much better, Crabs are only good when they get to 8th grade and they bring everyone down.

Let's hear those predictions for the weekend!



Mine:

Crabs fall to 1-2, second straight loss, NL wins by 7

FCA upsets True

Hawks lost to Madlax by 6

Clippers beat 91 by 5

Some tight ones yesterday

Impressive

Crabs fall
FCA wins
Hawks lose by 8
Clippers squeak out a win in OT with Hawks parents joining last 5 min to cheer for 91(classless)

That Clippers vs Hawks will be a SHOW! Not on the field but off the field. Point the cameras to the stands it will be much more entertaining then the game.

Get your popcorn ready for that one.

FCA look to be in a good position to make playoffs

Which parents are more insufferable? Gotta be the Hawks Dads/Mom right? I might drive down from PA…

FCA bring a lot of new kids into the fold or did the existing team simply grow together? Impressive play by a team I didn’t think was that good…Keep it up!

Hawks staring at a 1-6 season, a demotion to AAA, and major departures from their team after the season. It's safe to say they are easily the most uneducated (lacrosse wise), delusional fan base. Also, an embarrassment to the once great Hawks organization. The coach they promised and posted all over social media about never showed up. They are poorly coached by wannabe dads. Not a single kid on that team recruitable for high school after next year. Kinda sad if you think about it....

What Coach are you referring too?

PLL star right? They were all talking about it before reality struck…lolol

Didn't they announce some old Bayhawks player? Is he coaching?

This league!

Agreed. Lotsa parity. And lots of questions to be asked?!

What's up with the Crabs?

Are the Clippers a playoff team?

Can Next Level be beaten? Heard the lowly Hawks even had a lead on NL

Is FCA legit?

Highly competitive lacrosse. Parents who dislike one another because of various club swapping over the past year. Makes for good Sunday entertainment

Sad when the only victories you achieve are moral ones…
Keep trying, Hawks!

Clippers are a playoff team - they play tough. They will win some games. Goalie keeps them in any game.

FCA is absolutely legit - was up 4 goals with 2 minutes to go in the game vs Clippers... Final score was closer than the actual game, especially the second half.

Crabs have a couple of key guys out with injuries....

Next Level is the best team at this point, and it isn't close, but any team is a sleepover away from a bad game at this age.

What moral victory have they won?

Cool shiny helmets!!

“Hey, we only list 8-3”

What are the predictions for the weekend?

Hawks dominate today

Any given Sunday with this group …hawks / clippers should be a blast in the bleachers

NL and FCA looking set for playoffs. Big game today for MadLax against NL. Upset today and looking good for playioff spot. Tough task though.

Parents were chill in the stands. Largely because the Clippers straight punched the Hawks in the mouth. Continuously through the game. Hawks should be in the AAA.

Insta Clippers 13, Hawks 3

Wow

Did stay at home carpool hold back dad cheer for clippers with his hawks gear on?

What happened to these coaches posted on Instagram?

Looking like NL, FCA, Clippers and Madlax (?) set to be the playoff teams for Elite. Good season so far

Judging by the score, This take didn’t age well…🤔

Hogan made empty promises. Bet on wrong horse. 2030 is daddy ball at its finest and the kids unfortunately are suffering for it. If the one shooter leaves they are doomed. Sad to see a once top notch overall program (all younger teams are a mess) go down the pooper.

More like Next Level, FCA, Madlax and Crabs for the playoffs.

What has happened to Madlax? They looked strong in the fall, now they go 2-4 in HOCO??
Injuries? Bad coaching? Kids leave?

Hogan has done his best job so far for the company..... the biggest bait and switch of all time. I have never seen a bigger accumulation of cash cows on one team in the history of youth lacrosse!

Just discovered this site/blog. Parent observation. Annapolis based. Kid is good, but not great.

1. Every lax game we've attended in 4 years (from lowest level to Elite) has the contingent of loud parents yelling at (i) the refs and (ii) their kids. Every game. Every level.

2. These parents don't realize how embarrassing it is. For some, it seems involuntary.

3. These parents don't realize that it harms the kid emotionally, either eventually or immediately.

4. Never seen a sport with the refs abused more than lax. Never seen a sport where the refs actually respond to the yelling in the stands.

5. If a kid is successful in high school and/or college, it is because he or she is talented (mostly born with it) and has worked hard and is coached well. It is not because of all of the parent stuff (and almost certainly in spite of it).

6. Most of these coaches are volunteering their (and their family's) time coaching these kids. Thank them regularly - or at least at the end of the season.


Finally, there is a contingent of parents in the stands that very much enjoy watching and listening to the vocal parents inserting themselves into the yourth sporting event. It is a little pathetic, but entertaining nonetheless.

Agree with everything you say, parent watching is often the best part of a Sunday afternoon

With that in mind I will say that the officiating this year is often just plain awful. I’m not saying it’s bias or there is some secret plot to fix 6th grade lacrosse games, it’s just been lazy, reactive, or in some cases just a total lack of knowledge of the rules

Being a ref cannot be worth the money.

It’s not! I ref basketball because I love the game, but if you’re going to do it, please put in the effort!

Can someone explain to me how 91 made it to the playoffs. it looks like the Clippers had more goals for and less goals Against than 91. I am confused