For the folks in DE this weekend, how would you rank the teams you saw? Here's my take . . .
1. Venom - most balanced team, unselfish offense with great shooters everywhere - clearly the team to beat in Charlotte
2. 2Way - some of the best individual offensive players in DE this weekend - 44, 1, 16, 26 - all are studs, had to face off w pole vs Venom which will hurt
3. BBL - big athletic defense with good fogo will keep games close, but will need to score more to keep up with Venom
4. Eclipse - surprisingly strong performance this weekend - 7 is smooth
5. Freedom - balanced team, good goalie, not sure they have the alphas on offense to beat the better defenders
6. Blue Jays - some good pieces, got stronger as the weekend went on, will likely be a much stronger team in Charlotte as they get to practice together more
7. Express North - similar to BBL with big athletic poles, but they didn't have consistent play on faceoffs, and not as much offensive firepower
8. LIE - a bit of a disappointment not making it to the final four of the North bracket. Skilled and well coached - not sure they have enough elite athletes right now
No big arguments here. I think this is a good take. I didn't see the East teams play but saw all of the North teams.
1. Venom was clearly the best. They are so well coached and you can see the kids are 100% bought in. They don't take bad shots and work everything within the system...the most talented and disciplined team.
2. I think Eclipse has a slight edge on 2way but really splitting hairs.
3. Eclipse, 2 Way, Blue Jays, FCA, LI Express (they beat Blue Jays sat, lost sunday) definitely in the next group and very good teams capable of making a run.
4. LI Express North is a tough one to figure out but a rung below those teams IMO. Saw them play 2Way and they could have won that game. In fact they were either tied or leading going into the 4th if memory serves. Basing this ranking on looking at tourney machine. Barely beat Legacy and lost badly to eclipse. Had 2 kids that stood out, LSM and Middie but they seemed to have to do it all.
Either way, was a good weekend of lacrosse and some serious talent on display.
