Let's be honest, in the absence of the Maryland teams from the "National Championship" in Colorado, last year's results was not a true representation of who is/was the best U15 team in the nation last year. YJ teams are good, no question, arguably one of the best depending on the year and the athletes, but without playing the teams that have beaten them in other tournaments it was like they were given a pass, and not really tested. Its a shame that that Maryland teams opted out. Anyone know why? Hopefully the Maryland teams will return to the tourney this year to make it a truly competitive event, last year, it clearly was not.
Ask yourself why they would saddle their parents with the expense and inconvenience of a Colorado/Florida tourney that few if any college coaches even attend? Club lacrosse is for being seen and being recruited, that's it. Clubs like M&D, Skywalkers, Hero's TLC and Capital seem to do a very good job of that without the U15. If they want to play top competition with no college coaches watching, they simply schedule "Playdays" where a subset of the above mentioned clubs get together for a day of games. a 10-20 mile drive and a half a day is all they have to commit to play some of the best teams in the country. They've got all summer and fall to bang heads with the club elite at multiple, well attended, mid-atlantic tounaments. Would guess that's why.
As a YJ parent, do you honestly think the U15 is worth the time and money you commit? I'm sure the club likes the free (for them) publicity however.