BL has tested a new business model with '23 Academy. It worked. BL Zeus will be vastly improved in the coming year with the additions recruited through Academy. Hate 'em or love 'em, they have transformed themselves from "one of the top teams in Philly" to THE top team. Don't know don't care about the other years, but it's a compelling proposition that will certainly be copied. As we learned first hand with Duke's, once a very good player gets a taste of elite caliber play, it's f'ing addictive! The kids gravitate toward excellence--they want to play up.

IMO, this is good for Philadelphia lacrosse. The top programs should be developing teams that can compete with the Crabs, the Hawks, the 91 and Express wherever versions. Of course, it remains to be seen if BL will step up and take on comparable competition and actually risk losing an occasional game, or continue to slum in club tournaments.