BOTC - US Lacrosse Community Forum Forums NEW JERSEY LACROSSE NEW JERSEY FORUM Top Boy's Club Teams in New Jersey

With two national teams I don’t see them “cutting” United’s top players. The better question is what were they told about the makeup of teams? 2 equal national teams or is there still “Black” and everyone else?

The idea of 2 national teams under one club banner is nonsensical and is what is wrong with the entire club lacrosse scene. Previously you had to be good to play on a travel lacrosse club, kids were actually cut. Now anybody can be on a travel lacrosse club and the prestige comes with being on a "national" travel lacrosse club. Which club is going to be the first to put out a "World" team?

they didn't cut the kids, the players left on their own.

Thats why its in quotations, sounds like another year of the BBL exodus

I'm not suggesting that the United merger will result in a ton of amazing talent coming out of the shore area to make a "National" team...but it was a good merger in the sense of buying into an established program with a good reputation in the area, as opposed to just creating some new BBL regional program from scratch.

Top NJ 2023 club teams based on this past summer’s tournaments:

1. Tri-State
2. Bluestar
3. Leading Edge
4. BBL
5. Riot

Change my mind.

Bluestar is still alive? Have not seen them play this summer. They must have been at the Hershey Shootout.

Does your son play for Riot?

Anyone on Tri-State will sell their sister to play for LE

lol this club imo will not be around in 3 years

Except for the kids who left LE and went to Tri-State, and then stomped on LE when they played.

Good One! But we all know a BlueStar dad created this list.

Get over it...not saying that they are the best team, but Bluestar probably has better quality wins than any other team on the list this summer...they would probably get a good run from Tri State and LE if they ever played, but we know that Tri State and LE keep avoiding that match-up (clearly LE does not want to risk losing to Tri State and Bluestar in the same season, which was very clear last weekend)...they beat BBL, and BBL and their parents know that the game was not even remotely as close as the score. I sense that the routine negative comments on this forum about Bluestar stem from a much deeper personal issue with the Bluestar directors/coaches as opposed to a true assessment of the club.

So, what club does you son play for....

I truly hope that you are not a LE parent making this comment, especially after last weekend.

You mean the 22s who got cut from LE And became Tri state 23s

What a dense argument probably started by a person trolling. September is coming and at the end of the day thats what matters for the players.

Any movement within the 2024 & 2025 teams? Rumors flying that BBL and LE are trading players.

But the real accomplishment was beating all of the 21's that play LE 22...

Who did Le 22 lose to?

I have heard the same. Sounds like a couple of BBL 24s are going to LE. And 1 LE 24 is going to BBL.

For the 25s I have not heard the same. My guess is 25 BBL team stays in tact. 25 LE apparently added the top Jersey Express kids.

I think you mean 22's playing for LE 23", but the irony is still appreciated

Nope. The 23s that left for Tri-State and it seems to be the right move. And since Leading Edge is a reclass factory, probably not a good defense.

AH said he was getting the top Mad Dog kids to come to BBL. Did that happen?

Mad Dog just started a North program. With their prominence on the national level, kids might wanna start heading over there. I don't see BBL getting the shore kids.

At the 2025 and 2026 level who is happy with their club.
Develops players, good communication and coaching.

So AH wasn't telling the truth?

If you’re son can make the BBL or Tri-State top teams, that’s your best bet. If you’re son is a stud who matured early and is just looking to get recruited (and you don’t mind paying for it), Leading Edge is a good option but after freshman year.

Shocker

Did they have any numbers at their tryouts?

Just curious, what makes bbl 2025 or 2026 “develop” players better than that of LE or Tri-State? I have heard nothing but good things about coaches at both programs, I am just curious.

Good question. That area is so saturated with clubs. I suspect, they are going to have an uphill battle.

It basically comes down to their youth programs. BBL and Tri-State will develop kids. LE will tell you straight up that they don’t care about their youth teams and that they are a “destination” club for high school level kids. They aren’t there to develop, just showcase. If that’s what you’re looking for then have at it. Hasn’t been working of late.

I believe this may be changing. Their 26 team did well this past year and I’m hearing they attracted some of BBLs top players. Someone else mentioned Jersey Express players going to the 25s. Their founder was even back coaching 27s this summer.

It won’t change. It’s been horrible. We left.

What was your experience like? And what grade if you don’t mind saying

don't know who AH is but Mad Dog seems to rule to Shore. their national team is legit and seem to offer great year round training.

not sure on numbers. they are practicing out of Cedar Grove, I'm not so sure as to who the competing club teams would be. Brotherhood, Evolution? like i've said before, i think the prospect of potentially playing for a legit national team could draw kids in. Kids from Verona, CG, Caldwell, West Essex, Wayne, etc might be drawn to Mad Dog North.

Mad Dog has never ruled the Shore. They lose their top high school players to other clubs every year. They had one good NJ group the 2021 and all but one of those parents have kept their younger son at Mad Dog. Not a great sign.

AH is the BBL owner.

Mad Dog had a decent run at the shore a few years ago, but the implosion of the 2023 teams was really tough on the program. The 2025 team is very good, but the only thing that keeps kids around at this point is the National team. Obviously, the National teams are very good, but I have heard from many parents that when it comes to recruiting, a lot more emphasis is placed on the West coast kids. The NJ program had some really good coaches at one point, but it seems like they have either left the club or headed West.