Brine National Lacrosse Classic – parent observations on Middle School Boys Academy division

Of the 400 players over 300 were 2017s, about 80 were 2018s and less than 20 were 2019s

The athleticism at the event was phenomenal. The game was played very fast. All regions had great athletes. I do not think any one team stood out athletically.

The Long Island teams stood out the tournament for two reasons

Coaching – it is painfully obvious that the boys from LI are receiving better coaching day in and day out when back at home. For example, on other teams, basic slide packages failed regularly. One of my son’s teammates repeatedly claimed to be the “hot” slide regardless of where he and/or the ball were on the field. Middies dodged through heavy traffic while wide open teammates were stuck watching the turnover.

Team Play – with two teams for LI at the very least each club represented by multiple players should have had their club rosters split in half. The LI North team did not fully utilize their allotted field practice time on Monday. Why would they? Two games to play in the heat later that day, and these boys have been practicing together for years. Another 45 minutes wouldn’t make a difference. It was clear from the execution of plays that these boys were running plays beyond what was coached on July 1st.

This is very disappointing and a lost opportunity. All Star weeks are all about meeting new friends and passing to someone who is wearing a different helmet than you.