Use this thread to discuss lacrosse for Girls from the class of 2029 in the Mid Atlantic Region.

Are there any 29 squads playing indoor games at the moment?

Skywalkers, MD United, Coppermine have 2029 teams in the Coppermine Indoor League.

This place is dead. Who is losing kids, who has the best coaches?? Someone needs to traffic shape this tread to the 29 parents.

M&D and Heros seemed to be the most complete by the end of the NGLL spring season, with Coppermine and MDU in a close tier 2. HLC, BLC and Pride way behind.

This should be the first year that all of these teams play in HoCo fall league? Who are the favorites?

There was a ton of movement with girls trying out four new clubs. Who came stronger? Who came out weaker? Any coaching changes?

M&D has a whole other team with the addition of Red along with some additions on the Black team so they look tough to beat!

Besides M&D, who else looks strong?

Coopermine and Hero’s looked to be the others that separated themselves from the frouo in the spring. Coopermine seemed to fade as season went on and in tourneys.

*rest

Coppermine has a phenomenal goalie and middie who doesn't seem to lose a draw. Always a tough match up.

Coppermine lost a middle to M&D but added one from SW. They won a 6on6 tourney a few weekends ago in Reisterstown.

haven't seen anything about hero's or maryland united. how do they look?

Both look strong. Added high impact players. Heros came on strong in the summer tournaments.

Heard heros brought in some speedy midfielders which should make them a difficult matchup. MDU added to its attack and got a lot faster as well which will make them even more problematic during shortened tournament games

How did teams look at Young Guns Fall Fest this weekend? Any standouts or big drop offs from the spring season?

M&D went undefeated in the FallFest notching 28 goals in only 3 games!

Which M&D team? 29 black lost to Heros

Reading is fundamental. They said Fall Fest meaning national fall lax fest - https://tourneymachine.com/Public/R...;IDTeam=h202108232340375144a3468600e344d

M&D lost to Heroes the following day at the Prime Time Young Guns Tournament

Lucky for them it won't go into the rankings since there were no official scores taken. But the PP was talking about NFLF.

They won’t rank 2029 for two more years so it doesn’t matter anyways

How did Hero's do in that tournament ?

Anyone know why the NEMS ‘29 team isn’t registered for any fall tournaments?

Not sure they have a 2029 team yet...

I didn’t see all their games, but think they went 3-0, including double digit wins against Coppermine and Renegades and beat M&D 8-3 as was stated earlier.

How about Skywalkers Blue?

How did 2029 teams look at Lax Clash this weekend?

Coppermine Black 7
HLC Limelight 0

Coppermine Black 7
MC Elite Midnight 0

Coppermine Black 13
MD United 2029 West 1

Coppermine Black 5
BLC 2029 Blue 3

Coppermine Black 5
Pride 2029 Red 3

BLC went 2-2. Beat Pride Red 7-2 and MCE Midnight 10-2, and lost to Coppermine 5-3 and Limelight 5-3

Pride in the last two tourneys has played much better. Lost to M & D by 1, tied Coppermine, beat limelight and a few others. Just lost to Coppermine in finals at Lax Clash.

Who is the top team heading into the spring? MDU? Coppermine? Heros? M&D? Darkhorse?

Just based on the last NGLL tournament it's appear to be the regular players atop the heap. But where was Maryland United and Coppermine in the Fall tournaments? Does Skywalkers join A division? They've got to be on the fast track to contention.

Coppermine 29 was at the MidAtlantic Showcase in Nov. They did not make the playoffs.

Not sure who they've added but Hero's has a strong program for 2029's. Won NGLL Mid Atlantic this fall. Maryland United 2029 added to an already strong roster. Saw they added a midfielder/draw specialist and a couple of quick attackers.

How long until Skywalkers is battling for first?

Appears that Skywalkers has still not registered for NGLL this spring, so might be a while.

They played in the lower division against the M&D and Heros B teams, plus Crush, in Young Guns in October. Not sure how they did as that tourney doesn't seem to post scores.

M&D, Heros & Coppermine are at the top, followed by MDU. SW isn't at the same level & would lose to any of the previously named teams by 10.

Who does SW have as their head coach? It'd seem that there are more than enough talented players on some of the top tier B squads and A squad players not happy with their playing situation that SW would be an ideal landing spot to build quickly.

Heros won Midalantic pretty easily (7-3 I think) against MandD. It would have been worse if it was a 60 minute game.

Really? Doesn't sound right....

60 minute game? I assume you are new to club lacrosse.

I think they merely mean a full game, 46 mins vs 38 mins

SWs best 29s — 3 I believe— are playing up on the 28s. Hard to be competitive without three best players

Considering they didn't have a 29 team a year ago do these three move down to their own grade?

They did the same thing last year with the 29 team - they put the 3 best players on the 28 team, dropped about 3 and made the 29 team play in the 28 league.

They had a 29 team last year, they just put 3 28s on the team and made them play in the 28 league.

When do they start playing on grade?

Anyone's indoor league getting canceled or postponed because of the uptick in COVID cases?

Only a couple of weeks until the season ramps back up! Any new clubs in the mix for the 29's? Any movement between divisions? Who's the odds on favorites?

Based on the fall, its M&D, HG and Coppermine. Pick the order depending on the day.

Next Level moved up from B and should be middle of the pack.

I agree with all of the above

Where is Next Level from?

Were there any head-to-head games between Coppermine, M&D and Heros this past fall?

Coppermine went 1-1 vs. M&D and beat Heros. All one goal games.

Heros lost twice to M&D

Coppermine parent here. Can’t speak for all of it, but much of this is not correct. We went 0-2 against M&D and 1-0-1 against Heros this fall. Heros won the Midatlantic Tournament, defeating M&D in the finals, so beat them at least once.

Correction - Coppermine lost 13-3 to Heros in the fall and then tied them in MidAtlantic, so 0-1-1.

Heros and M&D in this age group (2027) are strong and balanced. I saw Coppermine play in the fall and while they have a few strong players (coaches kids) the rest are OK. Coppermine at this age is focused on winning not development. Sandstrom (program director) wants these younger teams to win to establish themselves as the new premier club. It comes at the expense of development, so I expect to see Heros and M&D pull away from the rest of the others in this year. Skywalkers is an unknown but they are focused on development in the long-term and with 3 strong 2027s playing up, may be good in another year or two.

I don't think they won these games but with almost a new team and trying girls in different positions to find fit, I don't think winning was the goal.

2027’s or 2029’s?

They practice mostly at Washington Episcopal. Players split fairly evenly between Bethesda and NoVa.

They practice mostly at Washington Episcopal. Players split fairly evenly between Bethesda and NoVa.

I was referencing 29s (typo)

The Skywalkers 2029 team has 3 2027 players playing up? That doesn't make sense. They may have a few 2030s but the best 3 2029s on SW play on the 2028 team.

As they mentioned, the 2027 was a typo. What the PP was likely referring to is the fact that 3 of the best 2029s are playing up on the 2028 team. One would guess they will eventually drop down and help to make for a strong 2029 team in the long run.

Or is it there are 3 2027 players on 2026 team, would make sense as 27 SW is bottom of the teams

Orignal poster had a typo. There are three 2029s playing on 2028 blue this season. In the long run, 2029 blue should be in the mix, but probably not for a few years. Unclear what Skywalkers plans are for that 2029 team for spring league as they weren't registered for a league as of last week (I think). Time will tell.

No 27s on SW26s

SW hasn't had a 29 team, up until this past fall, so any 29s that wanted to play for the program would've had to play up on the 28 team. We'll get to see how they're built in a couple of weeks when they play M&D Black.

26 squads registered between the A & B divisions so there's a ton of new girls playing this year. Will definitely be exciting to see new match ups!

Pretty sure SW still has their top 2029s on 2028 squads. In any event ,the SW 2029 squads played in the fall didn't they? I can't imagine they'll be competitive with M&D, Heros, Crush or MDU.

Top of the Bay coming up March 13 should be fun early measure. MDU, Next Level, Heros, Limelight, BLC among others among the 29s. Is it showcase or tourneament?

Showcase

Showcase? Bwahahahahah! These are 5th graders? Yes, I'm certain college coaches will drop what they are doing mid-season during a dead period to come watch your daughter play. Rookie!

Showcase, as in there's no bracketed playoff to an eventual champion. No one is thinking college coaches are watching...

Funny. Showcase = no playoffs or advancement

Lots of new talent for MD United this year! Can't wait for this week's season opener.

I’m curious where the new talent came from. Other club teams?

Everyone has played for first games, which squads are looking sharpe?

Ummmm, assuming you’re asking which teams looked good during the opening weekend… I’d say that nothing shocking happened during the first games. Lots of good lacrosse was played!

The top team from last year did not appear to have been tested (M&D, Heros, Coppermine, MD U). Though the MD United score against BLC was closer than one may have thought. Skywalkers is new and doesn’t appear to have been close to M&D though I did hear the first half was within a few goals and M&D was better organized in second half (hearing that second hand). It’s one week, though, so really hard to say how it will all shake out.

Remember Skywalkers always has its 3-5 best fifth graders playing up. They are never competitive at this age.

Agreed. Would also add that the 30 degree weather, hail, wind, etc… that a number of teams faced makes the results a bit murky, regardless of team or is they won or lost. Should start to become more clear after this weekend.

No need for indoor leagues anymore if these girls can play through last weekend.

Actually, looking at schedules this weekend, I still don't think Heros, Coppermine, MDU or M&D will be tested. MDU v Skywalkers, Coppermine v Integrity, Heros v Pride, and M&D v Limelight. I expect to be easier wins for MDU, Coppermine, heroes and M&D this weekend. More looking forward to those 4 playing each other which doesn't seem to happen until later in the season.

It’ll be curious to see if any of the new additions to the better programs contributes.

This proved to be right based on Tourney Machine scores fron this past weekend. Coppermine 12-6 over Integrity, MDU 15-4 over Skywalker's, Hero’s 12-3 over Pride and 15-6 over NL, and M&D 11-3 over Limelight.

Head to heads later this season should be good.

Any surprises or predictions now that some teams have four games under their belt? Looks like the top 4 (MDU, Hero’s, M&D, Coppermine) and then everyone else.

MDU has to run the gauntlet now with Heros, M&D, Pride, and Coppermine

Coppermine ends the season with Hero', M&D & MD United in consecutive weeks.

Why is M&D off for 20 days from 4/3 - 4/23?

hmm.. its almost like they know who runs the league.

Is M&D the favorite this year?

They're one of the favorites. There's no clear-cut favorite among the top 4 teams in my opinion (Coppermine Black, Hero's Green, M&D Black, Maryland United East) and they're the only undefeated teams right now.

Heros and M&D are co-favorites. I'd give Heros the edge since they won at mid-atlantic. MDU and Coppermine are next level down. Could beat top two on any given day, but would be an upset for sure.

What teams were in the playoffs last year and who won the league? Not the most recent offseason tourney is the deciding factor.

MDU, Coppermine, M&D, and Hero’s were in the playoffs last year.

MDU defeated Coppermine 8-7 and Hero’s defeated M&D 11-6 in the two semi games. Hero’s beat MDU 10-8 in the finals.

Agree with Heros and M&D at top (both very balanced and deep, play team ball well and are fast and athletic), followed by MDU and Coppermine.
Last year, Coppermine went 8-0 in season and lost in first round of playoffs to MDU.
Also, last year is no indication as many teams have lost and replaced talent through tryouts and offseason.

In that case, I'd say Hero's is rightfully the favorite

Do the 2029s have a playoff yet for regional winners?

no

Has that day happened?
How much of an upset was it really??

Wut?

But there is a 29 festival which most top teams participate in.

Hero's gave Coppermine its first loss today and it wasn't even a close one. Curios to see how the other head to heads shake out.

Can't believe it's almost the end of the regular season.

Best units so far?

Does anyone pick up additional talent for summer tourneys?

Any B Clubs make the jump to A and vice versa?

M&D has separated itself from the pack. Not even close.

MDU is close, but M&D is clear top team. MDU has a chance in playoffs if it doesn't play its bench.

Tough schedule for the Live Love Lax tourney for a NEMS 29 team that doesn't exist

Long Island Top Guns Black v NEMS
Coppermine Black v NEMS
NEMS v Pride RED
NEMS v Heros green

With two already past middle school, I can tell you with certainty, all this will change drastically once they hit 8th grade or so.
Enjoy it now as much as possible because the gauntlet will be coming in just a few years.

I don't know - 1 goal is pretty close. It's not like M&D is blowing teams out - they could easily lose in the playoffs

I think M&D had to go to OT to beach Hero's green. I don't think there's a ton separating the top 3 (MDU, Hero's, M&D). What happened to coppermine? Didn't expect them to have 2 losses at this point in the season. They may make playoffs but not sure if it depends on how they do this weekend and how Next Level does?

That is a tough schedule for a new team. They could be like Skywalkers and not care about Ws and Ls so much, just trying to give the girls an opportunity to see what the competition is like. Who knows.

If Coppermine and NL were to end up both 5-3, Coppermine wins the tie breaker with the head-head win.

Lol.

They have 2 goal wins over MDU and Coppermine and 1 goal win over Hero’s.

Regardless of the score, M&D knows how to close out games.

Thanks to the Hero’s or MDU parent that posted this to try to stir things up.

How come NEMS didn't play in the regular season? Did they do any warm-up games prior to jumping into tournaments?

Where are ppl finding schedules already?

On their website they only have 10 players on their roster. Assuming these 10 played rec and they are hoping to fill the rest of the roster with other rec players.

Filter by Club team

https://teamsportsinfo.com/livelovelax-girls-summer-2022/schedules

Can't believe the "experience" will be a fun one getting beat consistently by double digits.

Exactly! Should be placed in a lower tiered bracket. Makes no sense for them to be placed in this bracket, unless they have some ringers coming to the team.

There can be value gained from losing 13-3, there is rarely value in losing 24-0 which is more likely to happen

I’d agree but all of the other strong programs are also in this tournament.

Hey most certainly do not. It’s. 29U team and the only good 29’s they have play for the 28 team.

They only have two decent 29s playing up. The other two definitely do not belong!

What team are you referencing here?

How can you weigh in if this team has not played a game yet? Are you going to watch their practices? Just wondering how you are able to comment on the talent level of a team that has not yet played.

You're absolutely correct. But, not participating in a regular season to get experience before hopping into a super competitive tournament schedule could make for a long summer.

Great weekend of lacrosse in sweltering heat. Congrats to all of the girls. Hero’s Green 12-7 over M&D Black in the finals.

Well deserved by Heros. The 29 team interrupted M&D’s A division dominance in all of the other age groups

Why is it every year tryouts seem to be announced a little earlier than the previous year? And does anyone change their dates to match earliest program?

M&D had the earliest tryouts last year and it seems as though the other clubs are following suit. Surprised any club puts tryouts before the summer tourney season is over honestly. Some Girls found out about M&D tryout results AT MidAtlantic last year and it wasn't pretty...

That's a good point. However, you also need to consider that any kid serious about switching teams will have already worked in with them during the season.

The unfortunate reality is that for most top clubs, tryouts are really only for B teams. Most coaches already know who they want on their team.

This process tends to work well. When it doesn't work is when a top team doesn't have its tryouts on the first week. Then you have more kids turn down already accepted offers.

Any big surprises from this weekends tournament? Looks like a M&D held on against Coppermine… Again… In the top bracket.

What are the predictions on biggest changes to 2028 rosters [and why]? It is that time of year.

Should probably ask the 2028 thread.

word on the street is 2028 Skywalkers have great 2029 talent

I think this has been noted here before. 2028 Skywalkers is carrying three 2029 girls. Not sure when they will move down to their age year but when they do that team should get an instant lift.

think they meant that as sarcasm....

Lot of good teams this weekend in Live, Love, Lax tourney, including some New York teams Yellow Jackets and Top Guns. Should be a better judge of where teams stand

How did squads look this weekend at Live, Love, Lax?

Heros is head and shoulders above everyone.

Who did Hero's play? Its hard to tell scores from the sites.
Coppermine picked up a late season add and beat M&D.
did NEMS play and how did they do?

From the App:
NEMS 18 CClax 4
NEMS 4 M&D Red 18
NEMS 6 MD United West 6
NEMS 0 Heros White 11
Heros Greeen 8 M&D Black 5
Heros 11 YJ 5
Heros 11 LI Top Guns 1
Heros 12 Pride Red 1

Is it safe to say that Heros is the “top team” in the nation in this age group?

I think they had a good showing at lax for the cure and have beat M&d black the last several times they have played them.

The Maryland clubs represented well against some tough long island and new york teams.

Did they tho? Coppermine lost to a long island team.

Coppermine went 3-1. They lost to the same LI Yellow Jackets team by 1 that they beat last week by 1 & didn't make the playoffs.

M&D also went 3-1. Lost to Hero's Green by 1 but otherwise won out & didn't make playoffs.

MD united went 4-2 and lost to Hero's Green by 2 and to LI Enpire Team 91 Bandits by 1 in their championship game.

Hero's Green went 7-0, beat M&D and MDU, plus the teams that beat Coppermine and M&D.

Hero's Green has my vote as the best in the area and probably the country.

Coppermine was also in a lower bracket than those teams you mentioned.

Coppermine played Heros white. They are a good B team,..but…why? just based on that I’m guessing they were in a lower bracket. Agree about Heros green. Will be interesting to see if M&D adds any talent through tryouts; I am sure they have some new players lined up.

Would not be surprised if there is some team jumping with all the teams with parents looking for more playing time

No idea why Coppermine played in a lower bracket - my guess is that they didn't want more than 3 MD teams in each bracket, since that's what they had. They probably went of the ngll final standings. I can tell you no one on Coppermine wanted to drive to NJ to play in a lower bracket.

Looks like they didn’t even win their lower bracket.

Thanks for that valuable input - that was already mentioned. Try to keep up.

Being this was a bracket style championship there was no need for a A pool, etc. Top two pools were somewhat even as Heros B is better than A teams from other clubs. Plus having Heros, MDU, M&D and Coppermine in the same pool would have knocked out two good teams from playoffs. Look at M&D missing playoffs finishing 3rd in their pool. And they played heros one of the toughest tests of the tournament.
Coopermine should have made it in but never got to play that LI team that won the pool. No doubt if they had the chance thet would have gotten in.

Ok coppermine dad. Did you lose your game of paddle and have too many at the Valley Inn?

Maybe Coppermine will have a chance to redeem themselves this weekend in Hershey… Or maybe not considering they play heroes green and aces.

I didn't mention this when I posted the above, but the Baltimore-area 2029 class is pretty special. All of the teams above are excellent and there is a TON of talent on the rest of the area teams. Very fun to watch. We all get argumentative & emotional when talking about our teams, but we should all take a minute every once in a while to acknowledge how good all of these girls are.

I’m not so sure they would have beaten 91. The YJ game could easily have gone either way.

How’s everyone doing in Hershey? Any good upsets?

Tough schedule for Coppermine. Could end up winless. Lost to HG and Eagle Stix by identical 9-6 scores. Those two teams are excellent and play in the morning. Winner will cakewalk through bracket play.

Her
Hero’s green 3-0, should be a good match up today against Eagle Stix

That’s interesting re:coppermine. Heard they picked up a new attack just in time for tournament season (and were already carrying a large roster), either an off day or some pieces missing?

Tryouts are upon us: who makes the most changes? least changes? do any key players leave for greener pastures? Any coaching changes for the coming year? What teams make the biggest jump?

Skywalkers make the biggest jump in my opinion

Coppermine, HG, and Eagle Stix far better,,is there really a debate. Do not think so as settled long ago.

Do not disagree that skywalkers is primed to make a big jump just by virtue of being the lowest ranked of the established clubs. Can easily see quality players from established teams leave to find more playing time, different coaching philosophy, change of position, or a better social fit.

Yeah I understand that - the question is who will be most improved, not who is better. I don’t think SW will make the playoffs next year but they will be much improved mainly by adding 5 2029s that have been playing up on the 2028 blue team

It will be interesting to see how much turnover there is with the upper level teams… M & D and Hero’s. Coppermine has to be looking to make some key adds along with Maryland United. Skywalkers definitely has room to improve, don’t think they will be in the top-tier in the next year or two but by end of middle school expect them to be competing with the top teams nationally

Coppermine is already adding pieces. They've added a middie and attack during the tournaments so expect to see more additions. Already have a lights out goalie so thats a huge draw.

Generally at this age, the top clubs will drop and add 5-7 girls per year with the number dropping a bit once you get to 7th and 8th grade. Biggest X factor at this age and the next year is how many kids will drop lax in order to focus on another travel sports (usually soccer). Once ECNL clubs start fielding academy teams, they are much less understanding about missing any game or practice or another sport or activity.

I am always curious how this (adding players for tournaments) pans out, esp for rising 6th grade teams. Does this create resentment from players who have practiced and paid dues all year, only to have playing time minimized by new players come tourney season? I understand at older age groups the focus is on winning, but for younger girls (like 29s), seems silly but curious to hear thoughts. Why not wait 2 weeks and add them after tryout is my thought.

Yes, it creates resentment and confusion for the girls and families. No, the teams/coaches/clubs don't care.

Its a bush league move for an A team to do that. Teams that are B or C level, who need bodies do it all the time and that's fine.
Least its a way for parents to see what they think of your kid if a "guest" player is taking their minutes.

are they even allowed to "guest" play anymore? I thought it was the fastest way to get asked to leave a team

I think thats kind of the point. I think these girls who are jumping in with Copp (Copper, Coppy? whatever they call themselves) wanted off their current team to get to a higher level program. And, agree, its bush league for an upper level A to do that.

Between adding for tournaments and the “Tucker tune up” they hosted a couple of weeks ago where girls were offered spots prior to tryouts, it will be tough for any new girl to make the the team just going to regular tryouts

Thats interesting considering Coppermine 29 Black turned over like 8 players last year (note - with no improvement in record comparing 2020-21 season to 2021-22 season), so wondering how many current players will be demoted and what their future results could look like.

Every club has its own policy. Top clubs tend not to care as long as you don't miss any of their tourneys -- they like you getting more gameplay.

Lower tier clubs tend to get more sensitive, afraid that the player will leave for greener pastures. I can tell you M&D, Heros and SW all have no issues with players guest playing as long as you don't miss any tourneys or practices.

Not true. Clubs care much more about winning in middle school. Once you reach fall of 9th grade, no one care about winning. Its all about exposure.

Biggest thing is to get good competition in games. Don't want blowouts either way.

Appears the strong clubs are getting stronger

Hearing this also, that coppermine 29 tryouts are a facade, they already know who they are taking on Blackand have extended a considerable number of offers already

Pretty sure Coppermine had 2 girls leave the 29 team before last season and added a handful. No where near 8.

I guess that Skywalkers 28 team will fold considering the 29s are hoping teams

The 28’s have 2 teams, No way they’ll fold because a few 29’s have to go down to their age group…

Hopping teams? Where are they going?

Skywalkers 29

How did teams fare with tryouts? Any major pick ups or adds or losses by any club?

Last day of Coppermine tryouts… Any updates if NEMS will have a 29 team this season?

I keep getting NEMS ads in my Facebook feed. According to them, it looks like they will have a 2029 team. Google NEMS lacrosse and the site seems to have some details. Good luck with coopermine, rumor is that the roster for black is already set.

NEMS 29 team this summer consisted of 2029-2032(!!)….supposedly the tryout number is very low. I would not anticipate them having a 29 team again.

Correct. Club is trying to fill in Blue team players with this extra tryout

The NEMS program may be on life support...especially with Coppermine North, Fallston Lacrosse Club, and the Tidewater Lacrosse (through Bel Air Rec) program starting up.

Are tryouts finally finished for everyone? Looked like HOCO had gotten postponed a couple of times for weather...

What clubs prospered and what clubs got gutted with this summer's tryouts? Which teams will stand out this fall?

The top teams, M&D and Heros didn't have much change to their rosters. Coppermine added throughout the summer and not sure they got "better" but they may have got deeper. MDU will compete as usual since they have a strong D and the best goalie in the age group. If I had to guess... it will be the Heros and M&D show this fall with M&D working to prove themselves again after a tough summer against Heros.

I agree, Heros is the best team right now but as a parent of MDU, M&D is harder to beat when their top player controls the game. M&D went 9-0? in NGLL and beat Heros to end the regular season in OT on the back of their top player who tied the game and scored the winner in OT. They were up 3-1 in the NGLL Championship with the top player netting two early. She barely touched the ball the rest of the game, kuddos to Heros for making the adjustment early. In the game referenced above M&D lost to Heros by a goal but had the ball at the end of regulation with a chance to tie... the ball never touched their top players stick. Again, kuddos to Heros for making someone else beat them. When they run through her though, they are the best team. Teams in Maryland know they need to keep it out of her stick and M&D is very beatable. We, MDU, tend to play Heros well but struggle against M&D. M&D stuggles against Heros. The 29 class in Maryland is stacked with 4 teams trading blows all year.

Talking about coaches...hearing that the Hero's and Coppermine coaches are a little too much. Causing friction, players crying, and pitting the girls against each other. Forcing some to leave the club and others to not take offers from them at try outs...

You heard wrong re: the Coppermine coach, but keep on trolling. I'm not aware of anyone that was forced to leave the club, but some players on last year's team got cut. Also not aware of anyone given an offer who turned it down.

Is it troll season already? Guessing someone is upset Heros and Coppermine got better during the off season...

Not really, just starting to see the hockey mom-makeup hawkers on heros becoming too much to bear, first lax and now school
kinda funny to watch but getting old quick

IDK about Hero's but that Mr Clean Coppermine coach is too much. There are a handful of talented players that get significant field time, but outside of that there's no commitment to developing the bottom 2/3 of the team. All about his ego. How long will he last? We shall see. Coppermine constantly boasting about getting better in off season, but last year was unable to beat Hero's or M&D.

Thanks for your insight, Coppermine coach.

Dirtiest team in NGLL. They don’t teach them anything other than how to play dirty. Don’t correct dirty play but encourage it. Start beating them and their coaches melt down and push for more dirty play. Coppermine coaching staff is a disaster. Owner is a good dude so not sure why he allows his brand to have a staff like the 29 coaches.

Show us on the doll where Coppermine's coach hurt you

This comment wins the day!

On a site where stupidity rules the day...I concur. It was brilliant

Disagree. My daughter plays on a different A level team and we have played Coppermine several times. I think their team is generally fairly aggressive but not over the top. There is only one player I can think of who is legitimately and consistently out of control on that team. No stick skills, very fast and athletic but an injury (to another player) waiting to happen. These are 11-12 year old girls so I will abstain giving from any further detail, but most teams are well aware. Hopefully coppermine can harness that energy at some point.

The one that uses the stick as a tomahawk chop!

Bingo

Who has done it several times from what I have heard... I can agree with the OP, their coaches do nothing to stop it so I would agree they favor dangerous (dirty may be a bit much) play... maybe even encourage it given their lack of willingness to stop it.

Looking forward to hearing how teams fare in the first fall ball happening this weekend… Also curious to hear how many tomahawk chops occur from Coppermine!!

It was a good competitive tournament.

MD United was the best local team and went 3-0 but lost out to Eaglestix on goal differential & didn’t move on. They beat coppermine 9-6 Coppermine beat M&D by a goal but otherwise not a lot of in-state comp. M&D and Copp both went 1-2.

Biggest surprise in my opinion was next level taking eaglestix to OT in the championship & pride beating coppermine.

Could be a wide open spring.

Eagles stix won the “A” bracket going 3-0 and beating MDU on a goals against tie breaker to get in the championship. They beat Next Level. M&D Red winning the “B”bracket Championship. Coppermine went 1-2 and our only win was against M&D, 6-5. Seems we really get up to play them. We came from another club who didn’t play them and talking to our parents it seems every club gets up to play them. They had one player that was tough to stop. She had 4 of the 5 goals I think. We were able to keep her in check for the most part and the rest of their team struggled to finish against our goalie who played great with 11 saves. They didn’t seem any better than MDU or Pride who beat us. I would say Eagles Stix and MDU were the top two teams there this weekend.

We lost to MDU in the first game, 9-6. The sun was terrible going one way early and they jumped out to 7-0 halftime lead. We just couldn’t recover when we had the sun advantage in half 2. Lost to Pride in game 3, 8-7. I think the high of beating M&D in game two had us flat in game 3.

As for all the talk on the coaches, this is our first year with Coppermine. They have been great to us. I haven’t seen any of the play being discussed. Our girls play hard and the coaches are intense but nothing dirty. It’s a shame people have to [Censored] talk 6th grade girls. Welcome to club lacrosse, sad.

Second person to mention M&D's "one" player, I am assuming you are talking about number 12 since you mentioned the 4 goals. It seems everyone is on to the fact we don't really pass the ball and everyone assumes we go as she goes. That seems to be the M&D way at all ages but, with a little more ball movement, we probably beat you guys and everyone else. We are an iso offense right now and everyone knows it. We have the most talented roster in the mid Atlantic, we aren't just one player. Our players have yet to be coached to the level of these other teams.

Don't they have a couple of "hold backs" on their roster too?

4 or 5 if I am not mistaken. She isn't one of them and don't get me wrong she is a very talented player. We just can be better if we played team lacrosse. There are several girls on that team who can play at a very high level.

Not too sure about that. you can already see some of the M&D girls won't be around in 1-2 years.
Just not fast enough and not projectable

Not "projectable"? Please. They're 11 and 12 years old. I'm going to go out on a limb and guess the person pretending to be an M&D parents....is not an M&D parent. The team will get sorted out - it's one tournament in the fall.

It's M&D, they will get the players to replace them

I think by 8th grade a lot of this will be sorted out. There are 2029s out there that you can see have hit puberty (or are starting to) and are bigger, faster, stronger. Probably majority of the 2029 girls have not. Things change quite a bit with kids in these middle school years, so I agree that there may be some turnover on the top teams as teams start to see who gets faster or stays fast, and those that are a step or two behind or just don't quite shake out into the faster group and will be replaced. (not an M&D parent, but I do have an older teen and have seen it shake out over the last few years)

You must be one of those "MOVE THE BALL!!!" dads UNTIL the ball gets to your daughter. If you want her to be able to take more shots, move to a different team. The sheriff is already in your town.

It's great to watch dads complain about a girl who scored 4 of the 5 goals while the rest of the team went 1 for 12 (if I read the comment correctly). Lax dads are the best... my kid was 0 for 5 but that student didn't pass to her enough... We know #12 and the family, I hope she gets fed up with their parent sideline and joins another club because she will make any team she joins better, including Heros who is by far the top team in the NGLL.

Love watching these parents argue on an anonymous site. I log on just to see who is in the cross fire of irate lax parents who hide behind a computer screen to air their displeasure. The 29 forum may be passing the 26 forum for the most petty parents award. If there is one thing I've learned from the 26 forum (check it out if you haven't, true comedy over there), the unhappy parents end up even unhappier.

Buckle up will get worse on this forum as they get older and if the kid is talented huge target on their back

I am ready to see what happens this Sunday. M&D will take on Coppermine again and Heros's has a competitive schedule. It will be nice to get a look before the Mid-Atlantic Tournament. I think that M&D will fall short again, and Hero's will come out on top as the team to beat.

what were the results from these games?

Games are 11/6

Scores from local teams yesterday:

Hero's Green went 3-0 in the Purple division beating MDU East 9-4 and Pride Red 12-3 & Aces Elite 16-3.
MDU East went 2-1 beating Aces Elite 6-4, Pride Red 11-7 and losing to Hero's
Pride Red went 0-3 losing to the above teams and to Aces Elite 8-9

Coppermine Black went 3-0 in the Gray division beating Jesters Black 8-2, BLC Blue 9-4 & M&D Black 3-2
M&D Black went 2-1, beating BLC Blue 11-2, Jesters 13-0 & losing to Coppermine
BLC Blue went 1-2 losing to the above teams and beating Jesters Black 11-5

In the Royal Division, SW Blue & Hero's White tied 7-7 and then both beat Hoco Black & NEMS

There was also a Magenta Division with 8 teams. M&D Shore Black went 3-0, M&D Red went 2-1. SW White & MDU West both went 0-2-1

Seems M&D may be the 4th best team in Maryland now behind Heros, MDU and Coppermine. How far they have fallen. They are the team that has been around the longest, started as a prep team, and they just aren’t developing. It’s M&D so I’m sure they are just waiting on the players who were developed at other programs to come but, it’s really unfortunate for the girls who have been there the whole time as they seem to be falling behind the rest of the 2029 class when it comes to learning the game of lacrosse. They bought in early and in the long run it may be their demise as M&D will absolutely shake up the roster if they continue to struggle.

Coppermine wasn’t even at full strength either. Missing two of their top players. M&D got out coached and out played. But seems Coppermine found the formula and has their number. Or… M&D is a house of cards falling down. They have heros next weekend and that may be brutal.

I don't have any association with the club, but I think rumors of M&D's demise have been greatly exaggerated

M&D got out coached and outplayed? You won by one point both times and this last one was a 3-2 game. Relax.

24 #1 in the country last year
25 # 3
26 #1
27 #1
28 #2

I think the organization should fold. Seems like they're struggling

If you follow those M&D teams closely, you'll see a pattern of about 1/2 that High School M&D roster isn't playing on M&D in 6th grade.

Ahh yes. But this is the 2029 forum and I would venture to guess they won’t be a top 5 team when the fall rankings come out. Heros, Coppermine, MDU, Eagle Stix, Aces all ahead of them. They are 3-3 this fall with wins against B level talent and loses to Eagle Stix (blow out) and two to Coppermine. They have been a disaster since losing the NGLL Championship to Heros and from what I’m hearing, coaches have zero control over this team and parents. They refuse to set expectations and roles, allowing kids to just do their thing after mom/dad complains while their better players stand and watch. Why those better kids are staying right now is mind blowing as their loyalty will not be reciprocated once M&D decides these results are unacceptable. Don’t believe me, ask the parents of an older M&D player who learned loyalty is a one way street at M&D.

Their 2030 and 2031 teams are legit too. So what’s the issue with the 2029s? It’s an outlier. Either they are being out coached, as I said, or outplayed. Or both! They have fallen over the last 1-2 years. Denying that by showing me rankings from other ages is laughable at best. Thanks for commenting though “non club affiliated” M&D coach.

Good news is they are 11/12 years old (maybe older. Lots of holdbacks which doesn’t help their argument) so they have time to make a change. Either with better players or better coaches. I can tell you this, no top player from Coppermine, Heros, or MDU is looking at that team and saying, I want to play there. And those who went there over the last 2 years are trying to find a way out because the grass wasn’t as green as they thought. Pay twice as much money for inferior coaching, less practice, and less training isn’t something most parents want at the middle school ages. You go to M&D to develop for HS/recruiting years, not regress.

Good luck! Funny how all the lax dads on here bad mouthed the Coppermine coach yet it seems their staff is getting it done.

It's fall... Some girls have soccer and other commitments. Some girls are injured. Some teams were playing with very small rosters last weekend. M&D will be fine.

Heros on the other hand, looked better than ever. Well coached, and more importantly 5 or 6 girls who are just more physically mature - bigger, stronger, faster - than other girls playing in the 2029 age group. They will be tough to stop this spring.

Coppermine parents getting way too animated over middle school lacrosse? Who would have ever thought?

Making your (M&D Coach?) case already as to why Heros beats M&D this Sunday? The Heros roster is essentially UNCHANGED over the last 3 years. Why have they blown by M&D? I won't speculate but I think the answer is clear to everyone outside of the M&D program. Not to mention, when M&D played us this fall their sideline looked full so, not sure "soccer and other commitments" had anything to do with their losses.

My goodness you are relentless... 6th grade FALL lacrosse, RELAX! Whoever you may be, you are going to be unbearable come HS.

But if it helps your ego, CONGRATULATIONS on the wins! Let me know when a college coach asks your daughter about those awesome fall wins in 6th grade

Seriously, are you going to be okay?

Can only assume it's a salty parent whose kid didn't make M&D at some point so now they get their revenge using an anonymous website.

You must have visited the 2028 forum as well 😂

That would make sense since, especially since both 29 and 28 teams continue to win.

Your team went 1-2 in your first tournament and in the last one the only decent team you beat was M&D (who you claim isn't even good) so, again, relax.

Tomorrow's Mid Atlantic games got canceled. Sunday teams will play 2 games and then a playoff and potential Championship.

Schedules:

All Teams Game 1 - 7:30AM
All Teams Game 2 - 9:45AM

Heros vs. Team91
Heros vs M&D

MDU vs Pride
MDU vs Renegades

M&D vs Renegades
M&D vs Heros

Coppermine decided to sit this one out which is a surprise given the field. They could have quieted the doubters on here

Two teams come out of the pool play and by the looks of the schedules, it would be surprising if it isn't MDU (who has an incredibly generous schedule) and Heros. With Heros winning the championship.

The best game should be the 9:45 game between Heros and M&D. Essentially being the 2029 Championship game as the winner most likely wins it all and the lost goes home.

You were correct...

Heros went 4-0 beating MDU in the Championship 9-1 (they played the equivalent to one half, 22 minutes). They knocked off M&D 7-2 in a full game.

MDU went 2-1-1 including playoffs; beating Pride 7-4 in pool play and BLC 5-4 (shortened playoff game, 22 minutes)... tie was against renegades 5-5 in pool play

M&D went 1-1; beating renegades 11-3

Team 91 went 1-1
Renegades 0-1-1
Pride 0-2

The 2029 class in the mid Atlantic still comes down to Heros and M&D. Heros is the best team right now.

Agreed that Heros is the best. Don't agree with M&D at the next best. MDU & Coppermine are right there with M&D if not better.

Eagles Stix 29 is right there with those teams.

Agreed, but we were talking about the 2029 class in the mid Atlantic

👆

With the new proposed legislation to change grade-based clubs to aged-based clubs, which club gets impacted the most? Do any? I've heard that parents are sweating bullets on the boys' side.

What date will they use for the Age cutoff? I'd assume 10/1 to align with how School grades are determined.

M&D

Sept 1st will be cut off.

Its going to drastically change a few teams, whose star players are holdbacks, more so on boys but def affect some girls teams. I think we all know the club known for having multiple holdbacks.

where and when will that legislation actually come to fruition?

Effective Immediately for the Summer of 2023:

* September 1st to September 1st is the club season
* Players are to Play in the class they are currently in
* No player can play down in the summertime

Effective for 2023 Fall / 2024 Spring and Summer (Not Finalized)

* Age Verification through an online portal to upload DOB and Report Card
* Age Window for each class that is 16-18 months - TBD
- September 1st to December 1st - Vast Majority in favor
- September 1st to February 1st
- Birth Year with a window like hockey

This post is misleading. If you read the whole article you see there’s a lot of steps that have to be taken for this to become the norm in youth lacrosse. As they say, there’s a chicken or the egg situation where either clubs or tournaments have to lead the way. If tournaments go age based they run the risk of fewer teams participating if clubs aren’t aligned this way. If clubs go first they run the risk of having less competitive teams than those who don’t. Seems like it’s still a ways off based on article.

M&D holdback parents cheering on this post as they try to maintain that competitive advantage in middle school lacrosse.

Where can one read the whole article?

https://www.insidelacrosse.com/arti...cation-is-coming-to-youth-lacrosse/60381

Seems 3step is on board. They now own M&D and Robinson sports who runs a bunch of girls tournaments. This article makes it seem like it’s a done deal with final parameters to be released by January. This could very well be the last spring we see girls 2 years older in 4,5,6th grade playing down. It’s a significant advantage till High School and personally I’m glad this move is being made.

It makes sense that 3Step and other major clubs are interested in the move because they'll ultimately have more teams based on birth year vs a school year that captures multiple birth years, regardless of hold back or not.

What are you talking about? The PP cherry picked information without posting the whole picture. Either they didn't understand the article or they are intentionally trying to stir people up. Either way, clarification was needed. And BTW, the article uses 3Step as their main source and points to them as an org who may lead the way. 3Step owns M&D, so actually, seems like M&D could be at the forefront. So maybe you'll get your wish.

This is going to happen much quicker then most people may think.

I know of one club already going to lead the way come July tryouts.

Who?

Ranking finally have all the top teams with enough games played to be included. As for 2029, only team not in there for 2029 is Aces and their rating would have them 17th... M&D gets the benefit of playing good teams at all ages, no cupcakes.

https://www.USCL.com/rank?v=2029&alpha=N&y=2022

24 - 5th
25 - 4th
26 - 6th
27 - 2nd
28 - 4th
29 - 4th

Only one program outside the top 5 and that was last years number 1 team....

Who's playing where this weekend? I am assuming this is the last weekend of games for most...

And that's a wrap for the fall season. Does anyone look to make moves based on their fall results?

Coppermine is the only club that ever adds kids midseason. So not sure you will see much movement from the top clubs in the mid-atlantic.

Is there a reason only Coppermine makes changes midseason?

My only guess is they are trying to get to the top at all cost. I know of several parents who were blind sided last summer when kids showed up and played over their kid who was on the team all year. Then when those kids decided to leave (can't blame them) and go to another club after summer tryouts, they were told if they don't accept the Coppermine offer they will be removed from the roster before the last summer tournament. Club is cut throat but most clubs have the decency to wait till summer is over to make roster changes. Coppermine seems to be willing to add and delete at any time.

All true. That last summer tourney is awkward for many teams, though, as it often occurs after tryouts and girls are cut. That being said, why girls and families still play for Mr Baldie and fired RPCS AD is beyond me. In any year, this could be your girl sitting when a new player shows up mid-season.

Not sure fall is such a great sample size.

lol - lots of salty parents. Coppermine added 1 girl in season last year. The rest of the so-called facts are untrue.

You must be new to club scene

Nobody cares about Coppermine trying to compete with the big clubs. As a matter of fact, I can tell you, the bigger clubs don't even consider them in the same league. Club lacrosse eventually is about recruiting and being on Coppermine is not the same as Heros, M&D, LIYJ, Aces, etc. So no we aren't salty because no one outside your little club really pays attention to Coppermine. It just another game on our schedule...

Fixed it for you. "It's just another game on our schedule where we lose to Coppermine".

Stay Salty my friends.

Do you consider M&D a bigger club? If so, Coppermine is just another game on your schedule ... that you've lost to twice in a row.

Your 29 must be your oldest daughter. Your statements are not true. They are what the big clubs want you to believe. Having had a daughter go through the recruiting process, the college coaches are at the fields of the top teams. If your team is in the top brackets at the big torunaments you will be seen. It is not only the big 3 with track records that get girls recruited. The game is growing and the teams with top athletes is increasing every season.

I agree with this comment. It seems the commenter before you had a bad experience with Coppermine causing them to lash out on an anonymous forum. It's a shame because these girls are 11/12 years old. As a dad of a young athlete, I am just hoping they continue to grow and love the game through middle school. AND KEEP PLAYING. Kids stop playing sports at such a young age and for girls it's even younger. 70% of kids stop playing sports by age 13... their number one reason, IT IS NO LONGER FUN!

"Studies from the National Alliance for Youth Sports (NAYS) have found that of the 40 million youths who participate in organized sports each year, 70% will drop out before the age of 13! When asked why the number one reason given is that they just don't find it fun anymore."

And anyone who asks, why is it not fun anymore, send them the link to this forum.

The facts are in the stats. M&D is falling further behind the rest in the 29 division. Their brand of "ISO" lacrosse that seemed to have carried them in past years is no longer working. Opponents defense is better and girls on other teams are more powerful, skilled, and coached to play a team game. Are players leaving M&D to go to other clubs? I mean of players in the past, do they leave M&D or do they stay for the name and opportunities a big club name provides.

To suggest players would start leaving a good club and currently #4 team en masse because of a few losses is ridiculous. I get that you'd like to believe in their demise, but there's no reason to believe they won't continue to work hard, adjust, and develop as players and as a team.

Make no mistake, M&D will remain one of the strongest teams in the 29 division. They have incredible talent and experienced staff. No doubt they will make adjustments, but those tweaks are not nearly as exaggerated as some of you anticipate.

Just because the better girls are getting the opportunities doesn't make it "iso" ball. Most teams at this age have 2-3 girls who can score. Heros has 3-4 and that's why they are number 1 right now. And watch Heros play against M&D, MDU, Eaglestix, i.e. the top teams, rarely are shots taken by anyone other than those 3-4 girls. IF you watch a game with M&D they have several more kids taking shots every game than most clubs. If anything, one could argue they would be better if they let their better players get MORE touches and shots. M&D has 2 or 3 girls who can drive, keep their head up, and pass or finish. No different than most clubs at this age. Not saying other girls can't score but the game is different when the better players touch the ball. If they ran more of your "iso" ball with those 2-3 girls, they would be even better. The argument can be made they play MORE of a team game than other clubs at this age which is limiting their wins this fall. If they wanted to win at all cost my guess is they would "iso" more not less.

And no one is leaving the number 4 team in the 29 division and top overall club in the country during middle school, voluntarily. With that said, my guess is half that team will change over before 9th grade. I've seen it on at the older ages in the last few years. With girls making the jump to try and get the advantage of M&D name during the recruiting years.

This! But you can't fault parents from other clubs from trying to create a problem that doesn't exist. Maybe they are hoping enough leave and their kid can make M&D...

As previously mentioned, don't be fooled by the M&D sales pitch. If your daughter plays in the top bracket at tournaments, they will get the same exposure to collage scouts. Not to mention, if this team continues to falter, do you think college coaches care it's M&D if they don't have the top talent on their roster? I talk to some M&D dads on the sidelines when we play them, and they have all drank the kool aid completely missing their child's development is lacking due to the same issues you discussed. Just sit back and watch it fall while the rest of the mid Atlantic passes them. Coppermine has... next up MDU, SW?

You are hilarious. "If they continue to falter"? They're in 6th grade, do you realize how much will change for all teams and players between now and recruiting years? As has been previously stated, Coppermine beat them twice by 1 goal...in the fall. So, congratulations, you've "passed" them by 2 goals total in a one month span. As a club, Coppermine has yet to pass any of the top clubs in the area. And if they're waiting on the 28s and 29s to change the landscape, it's still gonna be a while.

This is actually the perfect time for the 28s and 29s to change tbe landscape. In addition to their top 10 rankings, they will be seen at camps and clinics all summer. They are already playing in top tournaments in top brackets and their teams continue to add talent. MDU is doing the same thing. If their top teams were a 24 team, than yes, they would be 1 and done and not have an impact on the future of the program. But, the 28s and 29s are the perfect groups to build the name of the program. Add in fantastic facilities for both coppermine and MDU, resources, and recruiting outreach with names like Janine Tucker, and the formula for success continues.

Couldn’t agree more. The bang for your buck is significantly better than M&D. Talk to any M&D parent at the games and ask them, what’s your fall or off-season look like? I can assure you, you will be shocked at the little they do. We know players who left and went there and are struggling with their decision. The expectation of their coaches is to learn and train on your own and on your own dime. I’m not a hater of M&D like some on here and honestly struggle every year with whether or not to take my kid there (been asked every year) but in the end we stay where we are because I’m just not seeing the commitment and development from the staff. Their parents know it too but, what is the play for them now? Leave and try to come back in HS when it matters? They seem stuck… This is a critical 3 years of development in my mind. Someone said it earlier and I believe they are correct, wait to go there till HS. Get the advantage of developing at your current club and make the change when it matters. M&D couldn’t care less how they get to the top in HS. They will cut kids who played for 4-6 years if needed. Lastly, look at their 2024 roster, maybe 1 public school kid? All their kids didn’t go private school, instead they team became an extension of McDonough, St. Paul’s, etc. M&D isn’t the same as Coppermine, Heros, MDU in terms of philosophy. In the end it all depends on what you want. Again, not a hater of M&D but I agree they are losing the advantage at the younger ages because their philosophy is old school and seems the time is passing them by as parents realize the benefit of these other clubs.

As programs like coppermine, and MDU continue to grow, there is no reason to leave at HS. Being in the top tournaments and brackets in HS is what matters, not the name on your jersey. And that is also how the game as a whole grows grows. M and D will not fold/falter with the rise of other clubs. They will still continue to get good players and have top 10 competitive teams. The game is growing there is room for more than a handful of top competition.

Clubs also like to over promote their role the recruiting process. The parents and athlete have the bulk of the work to do. Getting to camps and showcases is where a lot of the work is done. You cannot rely on the club team name to get you a spot on a college roster.

These programs are not actively going out and finding college programs for your daughters. As the individual above notes, it's on the shoulders of the player and parents to do the work in terms of going to on-campus clinics, showcases, etc. Winning also becomes less of a priority in high school, in club, as the vast majority of the touraments become showcases so you're not playing for a championship. It's about playing your best against top-level talent and getting good tape to share.

Couldn't disagree more. Whereas I've observed other teams who are determined to win at all costs to establish their club as a top contender, I see clubs like M&D losing games they could win because they do things like play all their players at younger years (for example, M&D says that all players must play close to even during showcases) and trying and get all their girls involved in scoring and/or playing lacrosse the right way. They also don't bring in players in the middle of the summer to win a few tournament, replacing girls who've played for them all year in the process.

Clearly some people are critical of M&Ds game plan at this particular year, which is fine, that's why it's great there are so many good clubs in the area. But to say they aren't developing girls as a club is silly. Their fall isn't fool, that's true, they practice 1-2 times a week. What are other clubs doing that's different when soccer and field hockey is going on?

Also, your private school assertion is odd. First of all, teams like Coppermine 28 and 29 already have a ton of private school girls. Not to mention, they've tried to partner with every private school in the area to say their club has a "special invite" to admission event clinics. Clearly they would like to cement the connection between Coppermine and private schools, which is fine and probably smart, but undermines your statement. One of the reasons clubs like M&D, Skywalkers, Heros have so many private school girls on their teams in older years is because their players are good and IIAM coaches have recruited them to their schools. If you have good public girls on your team, it will happen to them too.

Finally, if you think any team vying to be at the top aren't going to cut a girl in who's been playing for them for 5 years if someone better shows up at tryouts and they need to make space - you're dreaming.

Spot on. People forget.... they are in 6th grade. The reasons some clubs may be doing better now is simply two fold, girls matured quicker and in turn they are bigger faster stronger right now (that will change) and they play to win at all cost against M&D. Perfect example, since Coppermine loves to chime in, they have two goalies and they played both in all games this fall except against M&D where they played their top goalie (drastic difference in talent between the two) the entire game. Also, they had girls stand on the sideline a full game against M&D but not against anyone else. In contrast, M&D played their girls, all of them.

So much will change in the next 2-3 years. M&D will gain and lose girls like all clubs but it will be in large part due to the Childs development physically and whether they want to continue to compete at a high level.

M&D is fortunate to have strong and physically mature girls who are already good at lacrosse come to their teams early. So their teams are particularly strong when girls are young. It is not the coaching or the M&D model. Their coaches aren't any better than other clubs. M&D is a collector of already talented players. And I can't speak to the 29 black team but M&D teams also play to win. They emphasize winning at all costs. They do not play all of their players equally and also have girls sit the bench for entire games against strong teams. They like to win and they play to win. Since most girls on M&D teams are already strong lax players their teams stay somewhat strong in high school. It's in recruiting when M&D coaches are forced to play players equally that the various abilities on the teams start to show and they start to lose games. In high school and recruiting is when other club teams "sneak up" on M&D because they've been forced to develop players as opposed to just taking the best and biggest 5/6/7th graders. if you watched the 23,24 & 25 black coaches play advancing tournaments and NGLL games before recruiting you would see that lots of girls sit while others play almost the whole game. You will see the same as the 26,27, & 28's come through. If the coach stays around the 29's will play the same way. You will see M&D parents shocked when the girls get to high school at how many other good girls and good teams start to pop up. Their games get more competitive and they start to lose games. Same happens to heros.

I don’t know about this fall, but M&D 2029 has definitely played to win the last couple of years in NGLL play. As another person mentioned, playing time is not equal and there have been games where several players have not touched the field. That should not be happening at this age (and younger).

It’s not unique to them. However, glad to say that my daughters team plays everyone every game. Not equally, but a decent amount.

In NGLL they definitely play to win and that's why they went 7-1 and 8-0 the last two years in NGLL play. Losing to Hero's in two Championships. That's the whole point people are trying to make. If they wanted to, they could play less girls and be more successful. It is not a knock on any player on their team, it's just the reality of lacrosse at this age. Most teams are carried by a few girls and the more they play and touch the ball, the more successful the team. You are correct in saying at this age girls should see the field and I bet that ways on the minds these M&D coaches for this 29 team. Otherwise, I think you would have seen better results this fall.

Point being, too much stock being put into the fall by Coppermine parents excited for two one goal wins. Which, they should be happy about not saying otherwise. I just don't read into it as much. Come spring M&D will be just fine.

So sometimes they play to win and sometimes they don't... sounds like an identity crisis. Here is my guess with what is really going on given the nature of club lacrosse... They play to win and win. Instead of the team being happy for one another, parents complain because their kid didn't play enough or didn't touch the ball enough, coach caves, kid plays and shoots more. Team struggles. It happens everywhere and it seems M&D is willing to make concessions in the fall to keep parents happy in order to win in the spring.

Easier to say you weren't trying than to congratulate Coppermine on good games.

Nah… we all said good game. It’s you all coming on here acting like you’re now national champs for winning a few fall lacrosse games. Tells me you know how big of a win it was otherwise you would, as they say, act like you been there before. See you in the spring.

Whoa Nelly! Online anonymous forum tennis match going on here. Haha. This is BE, Coppermine's coach. A parent made me aware of the comments on this website and I took a quick look back to try to understand why this is happening... To be clear I have never commented on this website and anything said prior to today do not represent my values or views. I will not be commenting on this site again after today.

It's unfortunate that comments can be made and answered anonymously (possibly by the same person), creating a false narrative on what is happening on a 6th grade lacrosse team. Comments about my looks, my coaches, and directly commenting about my players is unacceptable. Would our daughter's be proud of this online banter - would you show them you wrote it? Why is Coppermine living so rent free that anytime a question is asked we are brought back to the forefront?

How we coach our team, the players development, our personnel decisions and approach to games is the business of the club, coaches, players, and families we coach for and no one else. Yes I coach to try to win and winning is part of an overall team experience equation for a competitive team. We also treat our players and their families like family, working with them to provide an abundance of opportunities to develop their lacrosse skills and life leadership qualities. If that's not for you then get in where you fit in and that's ok. I as well as all coaches have made decisions that they would take back and just like our players, we evolve and grow.

I have zero issue with any lacrosse team or program we play. I love that we can compete with M&D, Hero's, Maryland United, Eaglestix, LIYJ, Ace's, etc. These are all great programs that make us work hard to be better. I want our team to find ways to be successful against all of these teams as they are all very tough teams. I also want to see our teams represent the Maryland area well and grow the game.

This is our 3rd time through the club lacrosse scene as parents. The lacrosse scene is a smaller and more tight knit community and our focus should be on lifting each other up, showcasing we are the class of the game. We are neighbors, friends, and often share networks. As you start to get into the college process, you will find that your daughter's efforts to get engaged with her potential landing spots by attending camps, emailing interest, updating their online profile, etc. will be far more valuable then anything else. Most importantly they will fall back on the education they receive when lacrosse is over.

I'd like to respectfully ask that the back and forth games come to an end. Let's be better and use this site for it's true purpose which helping folks.

Take care all and good luck to all of our local youth who we are raising to lead us down the road.

So, fall is over and the spring NGLL is next. How many teams will we see in the "A" division? Will they go to two brackets like they do in the 28 and 27 division and if so, how would you think they should be split?

BE scared everyone away....

My expectation is it will be structured similar to this. Based on last year's NGLL regular season and playoffs, the top four would be seeded coming in as 1) Heros, 2) M&D, 3) MDU, 4) Coppermine. Split those teams accordingly and then distribute the rest evenly based on their 2022 regular season standings.

*Group*
Heros Green
Coppermine
Next Level
BLC
Renegades
Skywalkers
Legends (moves up after winning B).


*Group *
M&D
MD United
Integrity
Pride
Limelight
Heros White (moves up based on last years performance in B).

This would probably be ideal, but I believe that in the past they've done North/South divisions based on location and logistics. So M&D, Coppermine, Skywalkers, Legends, Limelight would most likely be in the "North Division" while MDU, Heros, Next Level, BLC, Pride, Integrity would be in the "South Division" so on and so forth. It doesn't always mean balanced divisions, but this is generally how they've done it in the past.

Considering all the games are played at central locations, not sure location or logistics really matters. Everyone plays at the same locations.

I do think with possibly 12-13 teams competing in the "A" division this year, two divisions within the A division is a must.

Heros white may not move up because they already have their A team in the division regardless of their performance.

The white team will be in the A division.

White was not in A last year for the 28s. And if they didn't win the B division they aren't guaranteed to move up.

There is a possibility that a team like Stars could move up ahead of them if they enter their B team in NGLL this year.

White team has been in A in 2027 the entire time of NGLL. Its a year by year thing.

White was not in A last year. They were able to beat all of their regular-season competition by a healthy margin. They lost to Legends in the championship. I believe they asked to play up for the coming Spring and were granted that request. They will give a number of these established A teams a run for their money.

Exactly which established A teams do you see them giving a run?

I see White playing competitive games against Next Level, BLC, Skywalkers, Integrity, Legends, and Limelight. Their biggest problem will simply be a lack of depth whereas other teams will have more firepower.

The club names def helps. Look at the last couple years. M&D , Heros and SW dominate the big schools. Look it up.

Yes, because they Have top level talent, are playing in the top brackets, And have recruiting connections. Guess who will also be in a similar boat in a few years.. Coppermine and MDU .Just because things have happened a certain way in the past does not mean they will continue that way forever. The gameIs growing and clubs are expanding period.

I understand the thinking with Coppermine since they've hired Tucker but what is the thinking with MDU? I look at them differently since they just recently got acquired. Feel like these groups that are acquiring clubs and rolling them up are taking the personal connection out of it and it feels very transactional. I would have said before the sale that MDU does have a good representation in the collegiate recruiting scene.

Tucker can connect top schools with the top talent. Coppermine and MDU don’t have that yet and watch as some of the 28 and 29 jump instead of sticking with their current team.

[Anonymous]

Tucker can connect top schools with the top talent. Coppermine and MDU don’t have that yet and watch as some of the 28 and 29 jump instead of sticking with their current team.[/quote]

Are you saying top players will leave Coppermine and MDU for other clubs? That isn't the case from what occurred this past summer.

The 28s and 29s aren't leaving....that is wishful thinking by the other top teams.

The other top teams that can't beat the 28 and 29s!

You guys are awfully full of yourselves for a team that's currently ranked #7.

Are you saying top players will leave Coppermine and MDU for other clubs? That isn't the case from what occurred this past summer.[/quote]

It will happen before high school. you wont see it until your top sneak away for elite clubs.

Well when someone says a few posts up, the team doesn't have talent and any good players will leave you need to defend that. A top ten ranking shows they do in fact have talent. And that talent plans to stay together

I don't think anyone would deny a team ranked in the top ten has to have some talent, but if you've been periodically checking in with this site, you know the bragging about this particular team goes beyond that. You'd expect them to be the best team in the league based on their presence here. It's like they want to believe they're the 28s...but they're not.

Personally I hope they do stay and continue to push M&D and Heros. I enjoy going to tournaments and NGLL game knowing we have to show up and play 3 of the better teams in the country in Heros, Coppermine and MDU. Throw LIJ and Eaglestix into the mix and that's a heck of a field. We should celebrate the fact the 29 age group has a ton of talent.

It will happen before high school. you wont see it until your top sneak away for elite clubs.[/quote]

Keeping thinking its circa 2015. No one is leaving the up and coming clubs and they are becoming the Elite clubs.

Keeping thinking its circa 2015. No one is leaving the up and coming clubs and they are becoming the Elite clubs.[/quote]

They aren't leaving FOR "elite" clubs when they are BECOMING an elite club themselves. There is no reason for them to leave. They will have just as good of a chance at being recruited as those on M&D, Heros, and Skywalkers. Hopefully this post stays around long enough to prove you wrong. The game is expanding outside of Maryland as well. Coaches are finding Athletes all over the country. So your status quo way of getting on M&D as a 2nd grader with the hopes that you will be garunteed a college scholarship is less realistic than those saying coppermine, MDU, or similar club can break into the top.

Here's the thing, the Director and Recruiting Coordinator at MDU hasn't changed. True took over a giant administrative burden that now the director does not have to worry about. (website, social media, registrations, uniforms and apparel)

3-4 years down the road, who knows, but as of now, nothing in the relationship category has changed.

M&D and HG will add talent, no doubt about it, but its going to be made up of a few diamonds in the rough and out of state players. can you grab a Coppermine kid here or a MDU kid there, sure it happens.

They aren't leaving FOR "elite" clubs when they are BECOMING an elite club themselves. There is no reason for them to leave. They will have just as good of a chance at being recruited as those on M&D, Heros, and Skywalkers. Hopefully this post stays around long enough to prove you wrong. The game is expanding outside of Maryland as well. Coaches are finding Athletes all over the country. So your status quo way of getting on M&D as a 2nd grader with the hopes that you will be garunteed a college scholarship is less realistic than those saying coppermine, MDU, or similar club can break into the top.[/quote]

Coppermine is the one I can see making the biggest strides. They have the facilities, Tucker and coaches seem to be doing a great job developing the players. M&D is going to be in for a rude awakening when they don't get kids to jump after being developed elsewhere. Their philosophy has never been about developing players it was a "build it and they will come" philosophy. If anything the 29 M&D team could be the one with players looking to jump once they realize the other clubs give a similar opportunity with better facilities and coaching.

Im not sure how big of a feather Tucker is. Sure, shes well respected with a track record, but wouldn't the directors at SW, MDU, M&D and Hero's still have better and longer relationships with D1 coaches? There's a trust factor built over years that when these director's say "this kid is one that will help your program", you know its legit.

Im not saying Tucker isn't good for Coppermine, it is, just not saying it leaps Coppermine to the top.

Here is my other concern, and this goes for M&D as well, who has what, 100 kids (Black, Red,, White, Shore, Orlando) they are now trying to find homes for each year? I'd prefer to be on a club with 40 or so that they are responsible for recruitment.

Maybe the point is being missed… M&D will struggle to sell their kids to the top programs if the top kids aren’t there. That’s the discussion. The current M&D roster at the 2029 has maybe 2-3 top level kids who would be starters on any club in the country. And the clubs in Maryland know who they are, this has been discussed previously. The rest are no better than the top players at other clubs. Now it’s 6th grade so a lot will change but unless M&D gets the kids from other programs, I don’t see them improving as it seems they have regressed as a team, at no fault of the kids on the roster. Teams around them are getting better.

Here's a fool thought, maybe the team that wins doesn't always have the most talent?

M&D can still develop in house and they will certainly pull some kids who want that brand. As previously stated, M&D will pull in kids from other states, they always do and always will.

Coppermine is the one I can see making the biggest strides. They have the facilities, Tucker and coaches seem to be doing a great job developing the players. M&D is going to be in for a rude awakening when they don't get kids to jump after being developed elsewhere. Their philosophy has never been about developing players it was a "build it and they will come" philosophy. If anything the 29 M&D team could be the one with players looking to jump once they realize the other clubs give a similar opportunity with better facilities and coaching.[/quote]

This person who keeps saying M&D doesn’t develop players is hilarious. Their teams are good across all ages… they must be doing a terrible job.

Anyway, the teams that are committed to developing players are not necessarily the teams who are winning every game at the 6th grade level because they do things like distribute playing time and challenge the girls to learn new skills and build IQ, which isn’t always smooth sailing. The teams who only care about the win in 6th grade ought to be far more concerning.

This person who keeps saying M&D doesn’t develop players is hilarious. Their teams are good across all ages… they must be doing a terrible job.

Anyway, the teams that are committed to developing players are not necessarily the teams who are winning every game at the 6th grade level because they do things like distribute playing time and challenge the girls to learn new skills and build IQ, which isn’t always smooth sailing. The teams who only care about the win in 6th grade ought to be far more concerning.[/quote]

With that said, whoever this is who keeps pointing to other ages in a 2029 forum is hilarious.... we are talking the 2029s here. But keep using other age groups to justify why the 29s are okay. Tell me this, how much do they practice as a team fall, winter and spring? How much offseason skills training do they offer their kids? Any film study (I know the best team in the 29s does this)? Coach check ins with expectations and feedback?

Coppermine offers free clinics year around, Coppermine and Heros practice year around with film study sessions and constant touch points with their players. All of this is "developing" the athlete. This is top level club lacrosse, the expectation is far greater given both the financial and time commitment of these athletes and their families.

So, MAYBE the Coach is just waiting for the girls who were developed elsewhere to come like everyone else is pointing out... I can assure you the people who seem frustrated over the "iso" lacrosse are also pointing out your flawed theory that they are learning "high IQ" lacrosse. Seems you like to blame 6th graders for not getting it with your smooth sailing comment but as an observer, I think you should look internally at the staff before blaming an 11/12 year old because, if they aren't getting it, then maybe it isn't being instructed very well or dare I say, at all...

This forum is full of M&D coaches and parents who try to sell the brand and protect the brand. They do so by trying to bring down other clubs. I suggest everyone who is thinking of taking a sip really do some research first before jumping ship at this age, 2029.

With that said, whoever this is who keeps pointing to other ages in a 2029 forum is hilarious.... we are talking the 2029s here. But keep using other age groups to justify why the 29s are okay. Tell me this, how much do they practice as a team fall, winter and spring? How much offseason skills training do they offer their kids? Any film study (I know the best team in the 29s does this)? Coach check ins with expectations and feedback?

Coppermine offers free clinics year around, Coppermine and Heros practice year around with film study sessions and constant touch points with their players. All of this is "developing" the athlete. This is top level club lacrosse, the expectation is far greater given both the financial and time commitment of these athletes and their families.

So, MAYBE the Coach is just waiting for the girls who were developed elsewhere to come like everyone else is pointing out... I can assure you the people who seem frustrated over the "iso" lacrosse are also pointing out your flawed theory that they are learning "high IQ" lacrosse. Seems you like to blame 6th graders for not getting it with your smooth sailing comment but as an observer, I think you should look internally at the staff before blaming an 11/12 year old because, if they aren't getting it, then maybe it isn't being instructed very well or dare I say, at all...

This forum is full of M&D coaches and parents who try to sell the brand and protect the brand. They do so by trying to bring down other clubs. I suggest everyone who is thinking of taking a sip really do some research first before jumping ship at this age, 2029.[/quote]

As BE said if the club ain’t for you maybe you should find a new one. Coming on here to bash a club while staying anonymous does no good. M&D isn’t for everyone. That’s okay, there are plenty of options. No one will be upset if you decided it wasn’t for your daughter.

To be clear, the initial post say "M&D is going to be in for a rude awakening when they don't get kids to jump after being developed elsewhere. Their philosophy has never been about developing players it was a "build it and they will come" philosophy." This comment, as well as several previous comments, is about the club - so LOGICALLY my response was about the club. And it isn't "blaming" to say sometimes when people are learning to do new things, both individually and as a team, they struggle at first...kids and coaches. And this comment wasn't about the M&D 2029 team, is was just a general comment about how people learn new things - aside from your team I guess, which is good at everything they do right away? Congratulations.

As many M&D parents and coaches as you claim on are here, there are clearly plenty of people on here on a mission to tear M&D down and other clubs down. One has to wonder why you bother if you're so content with your child's club...and why do you sound excessively angry every every time you comment about M&D?

There are only 6 clubs in the nation that all three of its middle school age teams are in the top-12 of the rankings.

3 of them are in Maryland (Hero's M&D MD United), to me, the club with the biggest upside is MDU if it can continue to develop, retain and add talent. Big if obviously, but but I don't think the local clubs to MD United are in right direction (M&D Shore/Integrity/CC Lax).

Are you implying that Coppermine has no upside because their 27 team is ranked lower than their other teams? Let's be real here.

OMG not everything is about Coppermine.

Coppermine has little track record with HS age teams.
Sure, they have "upside" but they do have a few disadvantages vs say other clubs with upside.

First, is location. They have to compete locally with Skywalkers which does have an elite track record for HS recruitment. SW isn't good in younger ages, that is undeniable. But they tend to get really good quick, case in point, 2027 SW now in top-15, was ranked 58th in 2020-2021.

Second, Tucker doesn't have experience on this side of the fence, that is, the one trying to get players recruited vs recruiting players. Maybe that doesn't matter but its worth noting.

Third, and this is just my opinion, with Coppermine Central, Coppermine North, Coppermine West, they may be spread a little too thin. The brand does get watered down that way.

Coppermine Middle School teams are hard to figure out. The 28 and 29's are really solid. But their 27 team is really, really bad. Maybe one-offs happen in most programs.

I would say the next 2 years will dictate if the new direction of Coppermine takes hold. But I will say along with M7D and Hero's they have the best chance to become relevant at these 2 particular age groups.

Coppermine 2027 is not "really bad". They finished last year ranked 25th.
They are certainly trending in the wrong direction (ranked #12 in 2020-2021) and have a good amount of girls who are soccer players and missed some fall tournaments.

They even made the NGLL playoffs in 2022 (Granted that was due to uneven division alignment).

I'd put them 7th in the mid-atlantic region at moment.

This.

I think over time Coppermine will develop a strong recruiting rep, but it is likely years off. The 28 class will likely be their first big time class.

Just let the trolls be and don't feed them. M&D has a fantastic reputation. It is and has been the number 1 club for a long time. Let people be upset, jealous, or whatever.

A few things need to happen.
Tucker needs to be in full time. Or find another recruiting coordinator.
The best on their 28 team don’t jump ship.
The coach better be good at getting buy in from all.
None of this is proven at Coppermine.

sw has some pretty good coaches that will cycle down. Not sure who’s bashing the M&D 29 coach but she has a few high school state championships. Does any other 29 coach have that on their resume ?

One of the best HS coaches in the state, and that will do these girls well when they are in HS. We are talking about 6th grade. I don't know her or her style but I have seen many great coaches who couldn't coach the younger ages. Big difference.

Where would the top players go and why would they jump ship?

Do you know the coach or know how things work? Sounds like no.

Listen, end of day, HG and M&D add a few kids every season and replace the back end of their roster every season. Most of these kids they add will be the top few on other local clubs, Coppermine being one of them.

Doesn't mean it always happens, it just means that typically how to plays out.

Over half the kids on those two clubs in 3rd grade are long gone by HS. That's they way it works. Then they bring in top kids from other states to play for them.
Yellow Jackets does this as well.

Every grad year is different obviously and that player/coach/parent relationship goes a long way to keeping the kids at the same club year after year.

You are putting way too much stock into the job of a recruiting coordinator. Having a daughter who has already been through the process at a top club, the bulk of the work comes from the player and the parents. Showcases, camps, being at the right tournaments have much more of an impact than the recruiting coordinator.

There is no reason for the girls at coppermine to jump ship. If they remain together, add some players every year, and continue to improve they will be a contender with the other top clubs. The scare tactics from some clubs trying to convince girls they need to leave their current clubs is just to try to improve their own situation.

It happens the summer after 7th and 8th grade every year. Top players from 2nd tier club leave for M&D, Heros and SW, driven by their recruiting reputations and connections.

Biggest clubs impacted by this are typically MDU, Integrity, NEMS and TLC. Now that Coppermine is a top 10 club for the 28 and 29 age bracket, i would expect SOME but not all top players to leave.

The real question is can Coppermine attact talent to backfill those spots.

I would expect the Coppermine 28s to be more at risk than 29s because a top of the top 28s have older sisters playing at SW and Heros.

Getting rid of parent coaches would go a long way to helping Coppermine retain its top talent.

Nice talking points, too bad none of this applies.

Top players were just added this summer and no one is leaving for SW or Hero's. May want to check those rosters again.

Honestly, how many clubs don't have parent coaches? Skywalkers maybe only one im aware of that has it as a policy?

A majority of M&Ds coaches are not parent coaches, at least head coach. Not having parent coaches is a big competitive advantage when it comes to recruiting.

A majority of M&Ds coaches are not parent coaches, at least head coach. Not having parent coaches is a big competitive advantage when it comes to recruiting.[/quote]

the above is not true. M&D has WAAAYYYYY too many parents coaching their teams. The current M&D rosters below just how entrenched parents are at the club. I don't know how Skywalkers manages to pull it off but their rule of not having parental involvement should be duplicated.

24 black - assistant coach parent
24 red - head and assistant coach parents
25 black - head and two assistants coaches parents plus a conditioning coach that's a parent
25 red and 26 black and red have no parent coaches
27 black - both head and assistant coaches parents
27 red - head coach parent
28 black - head coach and both assistants parents
28 red - assistant coach parent
29 black - both head and assistant coach parents
29 red - head coach parent
30 black - three assistant coaches parents

It a shame that a top club like M&D can't attract coaches and eliminate all the problems that come with having parents involved with coaching teams there. I do agee with the above post - that not having a parent coach is beneficial in recruiting.

Outside of maybe a coache's kid getting a role they don't deserve or PT maybe they don't deserve, what else is issue with parent coaching? How is it a negative for recruiting to colleges?

There's several issues - the two you named are biggest. Also - those girls retain spots on the rosters that they may not deserve. The coaches friends kids retain spots that they may or may not deserve. Friends of the coach's daughters retain roster spots, etc... You will see as girls get into high school and tryout for things like American select and Under Armour but more importantly when they go to prospect days being on a top team at a top club will get them assigned to the top groups or squads at those types of events.. They are automatically assumed to be a top player. Which is not always the case. Often they're mid to bottomr roster and the parent is coaching to benefit their own kid. The other issue with recruiting is that a coach can not be objective about players when they're trying to get their kid recruited. Say the coach has a defender daughter and a college coach calls and says I need one or two defenders.... will that coach be honest and objective or will they undeservingly promote their own kid. You'd be shocked how much it goes on.

Ask anyone who is on a team where the coach's kid is not one of the strongest players and you will see. I'm sure it goes across the board for all sports

All 3 28 coaches are parents

the above is not true. M&D has WAAAYYYYY too many parents coaching their teams. The current M&D rosters below just how entrenched parents are at the club. I don't know how Skywalkers manages to pull it off but their rule of not having parental involvement should be duplicated.

24 black - assistant coach parent
24 red - head and assistant coach parents
25 black - head and two assistants coaches parents plus a conditioning coach that's a parent
25 red and 26 black and red have no parent coaches
27 black - both head and assistant coaches parents
27 red - head coach parent
28 black - head coach and both assistants parents
28 red - assistant coach parent
29 black - both head and assistant coach parents
29 red - head coach parent
30 black - three assistant coaches parents

It a shame that a top club like M&D can't attract coaches and eliminate all the problems that come with having parents involved with coaching teams there. I do agee with the above post - that not having a parent coach is beneficial in recruiting.[/quote]

Yet all their teams are highly ranked , successful and their kids got recruited to really good schools the past few years.

Looks like M&D got parents with a pretty good history of playing and coaching success. I guess CR feels like he got great coaches at a discount since people aren’t jumping at these $3 an hour positions dealing with delusional parents. Coppermine has parent coaches on every team. Skywalkers coaches have kids in the program just not on their team. I can say I don’t care if it’s a parent coach as long as they work hard and teach all the girls on the team. Usually the coaches kids are really good players too.

When college coaches reach out to a club coach during or after a recruiting tourney, who do you think they will promote the most? Likely their kid and their kid's friends, who will also likely get the most PT during key recruiting tourneys

the above is not true. M&D has WAAAYYYYY too many parents coaching their teams. The current M&D rosters below just how entrenched parents are at the club. I don't know how Skywalkers manages to pull it off but their rule of not having parental involvement should be duplicated.

24 black - assistant coach parent
24 red - head and assistant coach parents
25 black - head and two assistants coaches parents plus a conditioning coach that's a parent
25 red and 26 black and red have no parent coaches
27 black - both head and assistant coaches parents
27 red - head coach parent
28 black - head coach and both assistants parents
28 red - assistant coach parent
29 black - both head and assistant coach parents
29 red - head coach parent
30 black - three assistant coaches parents

It a shame that a top club like M&D can't attract coaches and eliminate all the problems that come with having parents involved with coaching teams there. I do agee with the above post - that not having a parent coach is beneficial in recruiting.[/quote]


Yes. It's a shame M&D uses parent coaches. Their teams are really suffering. Lol.

You really think college coaches aren’t aware who the coaches kid is? If anything it puts a bigger target on their back from parents like you. Not to mention college coaches look harder.

Being the coaches kid may get you a roster spot but it isn’t getting you a scholarship.

Yes, exactly!

Or they deal with Scott Robinson who will shoot straight with them like he has for 20 years. Nice try.

Quite obvious you are clueless. Coaches teach out to tell teams who they like. Not ask who the club coach thinks is good.

If you think coaches are only reaching out to Scott you’re not in a recruitable grade. They reach out some to Scott but mainly the team coaches. Not to mention when three steps bought M&D Scott Robinson only signed on for three years

Some of you people have never been recruited or never been a college coach. As a former college coach, yes the club director may have the relationship but, I also knew he or she rarely watched these kids play. The HS coach, club coach, and even opposing coaches are the best sources when recruiting a kid. BUT! the kid has to be seen first and perform. M&D kids get the benefit of having the top coaches at tournaments but just being on M&D doesn't get them anything other than that. Now, I will say at times, I have called coaches of top programs and asked, who do you have for me... but then if I didn't already know the kid, I always checked film, went to see them or invited them to a visit.

They definetely work together. A coach trying to win at a top level is going to make decisions on their own with input from those they trust and then what they see.

It depends on the level. For a top 25 team, the coaches and directors have minimal impact. They can see with their eyes who can play, especially at prospect days where pretty much all offers are earned.

For smaller schools with less of a recruiting budget and who have to cast a wider net, coach and director impact is MUCH more important, especially in 10th grade year where coaches are trying to figure out where to pull on their target list.

Merry Christmas! Thank you for the gift that keeps on giving! These Comments!!!

Nothing like getting a little early prep work in for when the contact period starts for these girls... on Sept 1, 2027!

So was the Nation's Best camp worth flying to Florida in the middle of the holidays?

Was there a big crowd that made the trip from Maryland? Only M&D players?

Nations Best is only for 3step branded programs. So for Maryland, I believe that is only M&D. There was a few post on social media. Looks like they had 10 girls between their black and red teams that attended. The other 3step programs as B level programs for NGLL and tournaments. So my guess is the M&D black players that attended were also the only ones who tried out. Otherwise most of their team would make a showcase camp comprised of B level players.

Anyone else see there are 16 teams in the A division of NGLL and 20! in the B division. 36 teams in the mid Atlantic NGLL... it seems club lacrosse has become extremely diluted. But, the real question is how will they split the A division because you will need two divisions within the A division alone? The B division may need 3....

Half of those teams are horrible, and would probably struggle in the B division.

Who's ready to see a lopsided bracket that allows a certain team a cakewalk to the championship game while all the other strong clubs are stuck on the other side of the bracket to fight it out.

Well, we all know who will have the easiest path to the championship game! Line up 8 cupcake games...

Coppermine… Coming up with your excuse early this year!

Heros and M&D will be is separate divisions. Coppermine and MDU will be separated. Everything else doesn’t matter.

the above is not true. M&D has WAAAYYYYY too many parents coaching their teams. The current M&D rosters below just how entrenched parents are at the club. I don't know how Skywalkers manages to pull it off but their rule of not having parental involvement should be duplicated.

24 black - assistant coach parent - played at UVA
24 red - head and assistant coach parents - played at UMBC , 1 asst not a parent played at Hopkins
25 black - head and two assistants coaches parents plus a conditioning coach that's a parent- head coached at Loyola, Asst coach won the IAAM and conditioning coach is also the trainer for team USA mens.
25 red and 26 black and red have no parent coaches - 26 black has a parent asst that is also a high school head coach
27 black - both head and assistant coaches parents - head coach is high school coach as well with solid success
27 red - head coach parent - has won State titles at Marriotts Ridge
28 black - head coach and both assistants parents - won State titles at Howard, asst is head coach at Severna Park
28 red - assistant coach parent
29 black - both head and assistant coach parents - Head won back to back titles at MR and asst was a college coach
29 red - head coach parent
30 black - three assistant coaches parents - 1 asst is the Towson mens coach

It a shame that a top club like M&D can't attract coaches and eliminate all the problems that come with having parents involved with coaching teams there. I do agee with the above post - that not having a parent coach is beneficial in recruiting.[/quote]


What do you people want? Heros has parent coaches with resumes no where close to this. SW has no 'parent' coaches?? By your definition maybe. I think only 2 or 3 of their stable of coaches also coaches at a high school. Most have experience from coaching their kids and moving up with them. People arent jumping for a chance at these jobs cause the parents can be major headaches for the $3 an hour they get paid. If the expert parents would sit down and shut up , I bet more would enjoy it. As for the recruiting, just look at the history of those M&D teams and very rare the coaches kid is the top ranked kid but finds a great school just like the REST of the team.
M&D 21 was a parent coach and her team was recruited well
M&D 22 was a parent coach and her team recruited well. Her own daughter chose a D3 school.
M&D 24 has a parent assistant and I think, just think that team did ok too.
Not sure how you 29 parents think your opinion is actual reality!!! concentrate on getting your kid thru middle school first and enjoy watching them play on a great team. Time goes fast and things will change!!

Pretty ignorant comment considering the top 4 teams in the division all played each other during the regular season last year. With North vs South format, M&D and Coppermine will be on one side of the division while MDU and Heros will be on the other. So, if by saying they have an easy path you mean the only other challenging team in their division is Coppermine, then okay.

Okay, but what about the other 7 games? The North South thing does not work if you want to even out the schedule.

It doesn't matter if it works or not, that is how they agreed to split it to get the virginia teams in it.

I will say it again and louder for those in the back.... how they split the other teams outside of Heros, M&D, Coppermine and MDU won't matter. The rest of the A division doesn't have a legitimate shot at beating any of those 4 teams. So your concern is moot... Plus, Coppermine seems to believe they passed M&D so they (you maybe) should be happy if you are with M&D.

MDU can barely get by Renegades, BLC, and Pride. Those groups will get over the hump this year and beat MDU.

As the Spring season draws near, it sounds like MD United will have a couple of new additions as two of Integrity's better players left for greener pastures. Strong team only getting stronger.

Other teams get stronger as well. Renegades, BLC, Pride will beat MDU with whatever new kids they acquired. We have all seen it coming...

Haha, those teams have never beat MDU and won’t anytime soon. From what I understand, MDU had a bunch of injuries this fall, and they beat Pride 3 times, beat BLC, and beat Renegades. I think Renegades tied them one time, which for them was probably like winning a super bowl. Don’t worry, the top 4 teams will remain the top 4 team, your kid’s team should just feel lucky they get to play against those teams.

Where can you see the # of teams registered in each division? Does it list which teams specifically? Thx.

This has to be a trolling post. No one says this "your kid’s team should just feel lucky they get to play against those teams." about 6th graders and actually means it, do they?

Tourney machine.

Watch out for the NEMS team...lots of talent up there.

I was thinking the same exact thing. Sadly, the individual who posted it more than likely believes their statement.

Not surprising. Integrity took a major step backwards in the fall. Will be lucky to win more than 2 games in NGLL this spring

Not sure anyone should feel lucky to play any particular team but it doesn't change the fact that MD United will be a tough team to beat this season...

I do believe this and it is 100% true. Playing against the #s 1, 4, 5, and 7 teams in the country is great for exposure and growth, and it is something these girls will remember, especially if they take one of them out. And to that point, would it really be a huge shock if those three top 20 teams took out one of the top four teams? Of course not. Upset, yes, but not shocking.

Regarding Ms. Highroad, I was replying to the dude who said that Renegades, BLC, and Pride had somehow caught MDU and that we can all see it. I wasn’t replying to a 6th grader, I was replying to some dad who needs to calm down and remember that those teams have never beaten the team he claims is done. They are very good teams, but they aren’t Heros or M&D, calm down.

🤣

It doesn't matter that the schedules are semi fair so that you end of with the top teams in the playoffs? Okay.

Whole VA thing North South makes no sense. There aren't "home" games. Pride playing NEMS doesn't have to take place at St Pauls. Stars doesn't have to go to Coppermine Norris to play Coppermine.

Isn't this the 2027 teams they are talking about or did it happen on the 2029 as well?

What are the best summer camps in the area? Day or overnight...

Is it typical for players to leave a club mid -season and join another team before the NGLL? My daughter's team has a new player who left a former club. I am not sure of the reasons, I am just wondering if other teams have seen similar additions.

Its not typical but it happens. I think my kids team has had a kid leave in winter every year, most because they weren't enjoying it or wanted to focus on another sport more.

There's not a team in the country with 20-22 girls where all players and parents are all happy.

Heros? Was it to ensure another team didn't snatch her up?

Skywalkers ---> Heros

Probably nothing like the NEMS28 to Coppermine exodus a couple of years ago.

Not sure why Heros would jump on a middie now given they are pretty loaded. Don't see any upside especially given the talks from other families on the team being unhappy with an add this late.

That was 2 girls NEMS said could continue to play up with the 27’s and then changed their minds in early March making them play on a weak 28 team. The families left for a much better team which they had every right too since NEMS went back on their original word.

Off topic/new topic/old topic?, attended an indoor game this past weekend, Coppermine Black (A team I assume) against M&D Red (B team). What a joke of a show from the parents and players of Coppermine. I think they won by 30 against a lower level B team and acted as if they just won the National Championship. Poor sportsmanship by the players as well. Outside observer from another club, it looked bad. Really bad.

Heard a low attacker from another club (TOP CLUB) was trying to jump ship to Heros as well but was told no. Interesting they were willing to add the midfielder though...

Unfortunately, Coppermine isn't known for their sportsmanship. They have a win at all cost mentality.

I think you may be mistaken. Replace Coppermine with Hero's and that sounds better.

Don't think so...maybe both are correct!

What's going on at Skywalkers to have a midseason exit like this? Curious how Hero's parents feel about the addition mid season.

SW Blue is 63rd, Hero's is 1st. I mean I think that speaks for itself right?

2029. 6th graders. And you are worried about national rankings. God help you all once your girls are in high school. You may need to be committed.

Love the parents that chime in that everyone is way too serious about their daughter's team/rankings/etc., but they're on an anonymous chat board on a Wednesday morning commenting!

Listen these rankings are not the end all be all, but let's just say SW Blue 2029 isn't going to be playing in the top division in these summer tournaments, probably not even in the B division either and if you want your kid to improve, they need to be pushed and yes, that means going against the best players they can.

This isn't like going from #13 to #1 here. When you are playing two goal games against Hero's White, M&D Red and HOCO, and your kid is talented enough to play for #1 ranked team, there is no real question that you need to make that move.

Exactly right, if you are reading this website you are "really" into your kids lacrosse.

Slow morning in the office entertainment for someone who was there and now realizes how moronic it all was.

If she was that good, SW 2029 wouldn't be playing two goal games against those teams you mentioned. The B division ABSOLUTLEY can be dominated by teams with one very good player. Rumor has it parents are tough to deal with so I can see SW saying good riddance! Lastly, knowing their current mid field, she doesn't move the needle one inch. So the better question is why would Heros risk the chemistry to add that kid now?

I saw that as well. Don't have a kid on either team. Beyond gross, but par for the course with Coppermine.

I attended the same game... Didn't see any of what was described. Yes, it was a beat down that wasn't beneficial to either team but absolutely no poor sportsmanship from players, coaches or parents of either team.
Just another shot at Coppermine ?
I also saw the Coppermine vs M&D Red indoor game. I did not witness poor sportsmanship from any players, coaches or spectators from either team. Yes, it was a beat down that was not beneficial to either the winning team or losing team but certainly not poor sportsmanship.
Just another unfair shot at a very good team

Unfair shot... only if your one of the Coppermine parents who can't see past the blinders. Odd that Coppermines sportsmanship keeps coming up when they win games. Ever hear of the saying, "act like you been there before". Then again this is all new for Coppermine

They are building a nice reputation already, good work!

The tears from haters are always the best. Sorry your unathletic crew and their team can't win. Keep trying.

HAHAHAHA did you come here to talk [Censored] about beating a B team in an indoor game!?!? I was on the fence but, totally agree with OP now. This comment confirms the clown car is parked at Coppermine.

I was a parent at the game on Sunday and it was the worst show of sportsmanship from a team that I have seen. Coppermine players were banging on the walls when they scored and putting the girls down on the field. My daughter was very upset after this game. The coppermine coaches did nothing to discourage or stop this behavior. We were definitely out matched. We are a B team playing a coppermine A team. The behavior was uncalled for and rude. I think they may have thought they were playing M&D Black...but that is the only excuse I can give them.

Skywalkers parent here...good riddance to that family! And good luck to whatever club has to deal with them now! We are better off!!

Hero's would not take a "top club's" low attacker but took another middie...interesting strategy.... makes you wonder if it was to keep the middie from going to another club. I heard she was also talking to M&D Black. So Hero's takes her and leaves M&D to struggle for mid fielders....was someone saying Hero's has good sportsmanship??? Bhahahaha

This group of Coppermine parents seem strange and way to full of themselves.

Who doesn't like a good circus? Usually the one driving is GREEN with envy.

Confident M&D told her no and confident M&D isn't struggling for mids unless you meant mid field depth? But depth is an issue with all clubs at this age.

Unfortunately, M&D is afraid to get their Black squad exposed so they aren't playing indoor this winter. They have an avoid good comp. and play in tournaments they organize to prop up their ranking mentality.

You win a few fall games by 1 goal and forgot about your 2-10-2 against record against M&D Black prior to that... someone else said it best, it's a circus over there and the driver of the clown car is BE (who I am sure made the previous comment)

But hey great game against M&D Red bahahaha

Can't be BE, he claimed he was only making the one comment to protect Coppermine's integrity LOL Maybe someone should let him know his parents are the ones creating the image and drama he claims to be opposed to

Hey al bundy way to live vicariously through your kid. What are you teaching them with that sort of attitude? I bet your buddies loved the story when you were bragging at the valley inn.

A second year team that is coming together to learn the sport and working to improve. I am sure this win will help your national rankings. Sure glad all the private schools were there scouting your daughter.

To the angry comment about the Skywalkers family that left the 2029 team mid-season. She was the top player on the 29 team, knows the club very well and just can see the club is on the decline. Every younger team is weak and with more competition in the area it isn’t going to get better. Their family is only doing what is best for their daughter. Leaving a club they knew very well is telling on the trajectory. Don’t be so angry their decision was clearly best for their daughter to be on more competitive team.

I would hope you would do the same for your daughter and not have ignorant comments from jealous parents.

You have zero clue about SW and their reputation if that’s your stance. Look at the 8th grade thru 11th grade teams. They just don’t put as much emphasis on winning in elementary school. Which is fantastic imho.

The family that left did so because they were short sighted and that’s okay. That’s their choice. But you sound really ignorant with your assessment of SW.

The 2025 -2023 teams were good in elementary school but the younger teams are not. Keep wearing those rose colored glasses!

Agree that focusing more on development than winning in younger years is a good thing. You can see that as the Skywalkers teams get older they continue to improve (take the 27 team for example, who has been steadily improving). Some because of talent they have developed and some because their club continues to attract top talent.

Saying Skywalkers is a thing of the past is the company line with some other clubs (you know who you are) because they think the route to becoming a top club is to steal the talent that typically would have gone to Skywalkers. To some extent, they have succeeded. But Skywalkers is just fine, they develop good players, who go on to play well on their high school teams, and ultimately get their girls recruited.

I would put Skywalkers in 4th behind M&D Hero's MD United if you look at it top to bottom from 2023-2032. Skywalkers better than MDU as a whole in HS age groups, traditionally and at moment but MDU prob better at every age group under High School and in many grad years, by large margin.

I think Skywalkers continues to be a good option, but I'm not sure Coppermine and Skywalkers can both be great at same grad year.

Another opinion, SW as an entire club may be 4th or even lower in the area but they have slipped lower over the last 10 years and will slip further in the next 10 years.

"Some because of talent they have developed and some because their club continues to attract top talent." Exactly, for these younger teams to improve they will need to replace weaker players. Is your daughter a weaker player that will be replaced or a top player praying better players come to share the spotlight? Neither camp seems like a good spot.

Within the next year or two, the SW 2029 team will be just like the SW 27 team. Look where they were two years ago, probably in similar position as the SW 29 team is now. Yet, the SW 27 team has quickly become a top team. SW philosophy is more about HS and recruiting. They have a OUTSTANDING track record there. They just recently decided to have teams before 5th grade. That is what hurt them as they were losing the younger players to other clubs. But as was said earlier, they don't care about elementary and middle school wins. Their goal is develop the player to be good HS players and potential college players.

IMHO, the parent of this player who left SW is searching for wins and trophies for their child at age 11/12. If that's what matters to them, more power to them. However, them coming on here to try and tarnish SW to justify their move, laughable at best.

I also echo the one earlier post, if their child was that dominate, SW would have performed much better in the B division.

For what it's worth, my daughter plays on another top club not SW but, SW is 100% a real option if lacrosse is what she wants to do in HS and college. Because remember we are talking about 11/12 year old's who may hit puberty and no longer be interested in lacrosse or physically may not be able to play at a top level. But hey, jump ship to Heros to win now if 6th grade is going to be the highlight of your daughters lacrosse career. To each their own.

Skywalkers is in the B division? That is really surprising. Is that a normal thing for all their teams or just the weakest teams?

But this is true for every team, especially at the middle school years as they get closer high school. And especially at clubs with a good reputation for recruiting. It's just the name of the game.

SW is definitely trending downward and I don't know how anyone thinks their 29 squad is going to somehow improve into a top team. The girl left the 29 team because her development would be hampered if she stayed. She's not the first to leave for that reason.

SW Blue 27 was ranked in the 40s in 2022.
They are now 17th but closer inspection of their schedule reveals they have not had one quality win. They have been blowing out B teams.
Their marquee win was 13-6 over 22nd ranked Philly Blast.

Evidence of improvement over 2022? Yes, evidence of being a "top team". I wouldn't say that.

And they just came within a goal of beating the 27 M&D team in the indoor league.

Point being the OP about them falling off is a joke and lame excuse to jump clubs mid year. However, as one SW parent said, good riddance. Family seems to be an issue anyway.

Haha - indoor?

Are you trying to rile up the Coppermine parents again

1) Its indoor, no draws
2) Its indoor, refs can completely change the game
3) Its indoor, with M&D using a splitsquad.

I'm glad Skywalkers is improving, but that's not the flex you think it is. We need more competitive teams, especially after what happened to NEMS, Integrity and M&D Shore this fall.

We need less club teams... when 6th grade has 16 A teams and 20+ B teams, the pool is diluted. Unfortunately, money talks and everyone now thinks they are club level.

SW won't be a club in 5 years, much less 10. The quality is slipping quickly and they'll be missing the charismatic leader once he retires. I have no insider information but have heard enough rumors and see other previously top clubs getting sold that you have to assume this is coming soon.

Agreed, way too many club teams and now rec teams are essentially dead or its just a bunch of club girls playing on rec teams.

We need less club teams... when 6th grade has 16 A teams and 20+ B teams, the pool is diluted. Unfortunately, money talks and everyone now thinks they are club level.[/quote]

As a parent with much older children I actually agree that there’s too many club teams around Baltimore. And it’s destroyed All rec programs. Many girls in the B brackets would benefit from playing rec. but things have changed

My question is …. Would you be ok if your child wasn’t picked for the club team ? If there was only three really strong team in the Baltimore area would you be ok with your daughter not being picked ? Just look
How people carry on about under armour, American select, etc.. imagine if you couldn’t get yourself in to a club team anywhere. It would [Censored]. That’s why more club teams keep popping up. These girls want to play

As a parent with much older children I actually agree that there’s too many club teams around Baltimore. And it’s destroyed All rec programs. Many girls in the B brackets would benefit from playing rec. but things have changed

My question is …. Would you be ok if your child wasn’t picked for the club team ? If there was only three really strong team in the Baltimore area would you be ok with your daughter not being picked ? Just look
How people carry on about under armour, American select, etc.. imagine if you couldn’t get yourself in to a club team anywhere. It would [Censored]. That’s why more club teams keep popping up. These girls want to play[/quote]

You could go back to the old days where you have a conversation with your kid about working harder, trying out again next year, sign them up for rec, grab some ice cream and continue on being a CHILD. The sad reality is, parents can't accept it and clubs profit off the FOMO.

You could go back to the old days where you have a conversation with your kid about working harder, trying out again next year, sign them up for rec, grab some ice cream and continue on being a CHILD. The sad reality is, parents can't accept it and clubs profit off the FOMO.[/quote]

i can tell by your response that your child is on the team she wants to be on. Suppose someone works really hard and still doesn't make a team - then what ? I don't disagree with you about working hard and trying next year but girls want to play. And they want to play against the best competition. If the top girls play club everyone wants to. Theat's my point. Therein lies the problem.

People think the 27 team is "attracting top talent". But really they are picking up Hero's and M&D kids who were cut.

Skywalkers is ok. But their youth teams are bad

Seems like a weird time to add a new player at this point in the club season. Can’t imagine current parents are thrilled?

This is not true. 27 team added players from top teams who would have made their team again and played. Skywalkers is a good option for players not blinded by tshirts during middle school years and looking at the big picture. Far safer bet to move here than some other clubs who have absolutely no history of recruiting. Especially considering they do a good job with development, and by the time they all reach high school, there will be plenty of parity among these teams anyway.

My daughter loves tee shirts.

Couldn’t agree more. They have the track record and that is why top players from other clubs moved over. I can see the same thing happening over there next few years with the 2029s. Heros is good, M&D is good but I can see SW jumping Coppermine and MDU over the next few years. All it takes is a few kids who are tired of their club for whatever reason to jump.

You must be joking??? The 2029 SW team stinks, there is zero chance of them passing Coppermine or MDU. SW messed up and didn’t recognize the change in landscape, and Coppermine has almost all of the girls that would have gone to SW in years past. The 2029 team is #7, the 2028 team is #1, and the 2030s will be a top 10 team too; their top players are not leaving to go play for a SW program that got substantially worse with the younger teams. And Coppermine and especially MDU have a history of getting kids to top level schools too, so again, those kids are not going anywhere. Face it, SW is not going to be what it used to be.

There will only be the same old 3 clubs at the top? What makes you think that SW will jump ahead at the 29 group? MDU and Coppermine are light years ahead of SW at the 28 group and nothing is changing there. Why would the 29s be any different?

I think you are forgetting how geography plays a role here.

Skywalkers pulls from the same area as Coppermine and vice versa.

MD United doesn't really fight those two clubs for players, but do with Integrity, LBC and CCLax.

M&D and Hero's, because they are so centralized has the ability to pull from all over, which is part of the success.

Sure there are ouliers, kids coming from say Eastern Shore to M&D, it happens but just rare.

Disagree slightly, SW pulls from everywhere like M&D while Heros is majority HOCO and now Frederick area.

i can tell by your response that your child is on the team she wants to be on. Suppose someone works really hard and still doesn't make a team - then what ? I don't disagree with you about working hard and trying next year but girls want to play. And they want to play against the best competition. If the top girls play club everyone wants to. Theat's my point. Therein lies the problem.[/quote]

Again, than maybe that kid is not a club player. Wanting to play against top competition versus being able to are two different things. But you just illustrated perfectly the problem. Parent is upset, club sees 50 kids at tryout and knows parents with their parent goggles on will pay several thousand dollars to be on a B team and thus another club team is created. Don't make that B team, no worries, another smaller club will take you. And boom we have 40 2029 club teams in 6th grade.

Keep up the good work at the younger ages Coppermine. Meaning 28 and 29s. Your 27 team is... oh right 2-7 this fall. Ranked 35th, behind SW. Your 2030 and 2031 non existent in NGLL last year. Not even competitive. Oh and adding Coppermine East, West, Central, North, Southwest, Middle East... you are only diluting your own brand

Lastly, I checked the top recruits for the, '23, '24 and '25 class. From the mid Atlantic I see a bunch of M&D, SW and some Heros. Not on the list.... Coppermine and MDU. But I get it you need to sell the program! Especially given the splendid reputation given what I see here on the forum.

A division this year. They also have a B team at this age group.

Cool story! But the 2029 SW is simply not good and has no chance at catching the teams above them. They were too slow to realize the threat the Coppermine became, and almost all of the good young players in the area will play with Coppermine.

Someone better tell Cathy Reese she doesn't know how to judge talent as she has a MDU 2023 commit.

Again, hung up on the 2-7 record for Coppermine 2027. They are a solid team. They have a track record.

i can tell by some of these replies are being sold on "rankings" that your 2029 is your oldest kid. You'll figure it out eventually.

Here's also something to track. A lot of those M&D high ranked players, weren't on M&D before 9th grade, in fact, some aren't even from the state of Maryland. They were developed by other clubs and coaches. This of course also means many of those M&D players who spent years pre HS were replaced.

That's the true reality of elite clubs. Same thing over there on Yellow Jackets. Keep this in mind as you navigate club scene. Go to where your kid is going to get developed. Pretty clear which programs have been doing that for years.

SW is a good change for many because of their philosophy on parents not coaching their daughter's teams, and their track record of holding on to high quality coaches. Many of their coaches have been there for years and have coached HS State Championship teams, coach at top IAAM A schools, coached internationally, etc. All while being very connected to the college recruiting scene. Not to say that isn't the case at M&D or Heros, but many of the other clubs lack this, and lose players because of it as they age.

Cool story as you would say bhahaha

So, wins loses and rankings matter for your 28 and 29s but not 24s,25s,26s,27s... sell the koolaid!! Clown car still hasn't left the station.

Players move on after middle school. Concentrate on other sports. Most of the top teams in this area added players from weaker teams. Lots of out of state kids coming to Md teams to play with top talent. I see kids from Va , Michigan , Carolina , Colorado all coming here to get better development and understanding of the game. Heros had a girl from Florida a couple years back too. Players get replaced when they get passed on the production line. Same at every club. Sw has some good coaches but very few that have coached at a high level.

LOL

Yes, genius. This forum is for 2029 players, and the claim was that Coppermine has taken the younger age groups over that SW normally would draw from. SW still has decent teams, just not in 2028 and under. So where exactly is the 2029 SW going to attract players from??? Nowhere, they will continue to [Censored].

2028 Sky Walkers Blue is a very strong team and one of the top teams in the area.

They aren’t in top-20 and haven’t beaten a quality team.

Don’t feed the Coppermine trolls. Look at all the forums on here for the younger ages. They flood the forums with a bunch of parents to try and sell their brand.

Anyone who knows anything knows SW is an elite club. Time to move on from the discussion as Coppermine is really irrelevant when HS rolls around and will continue to be irrelevant. But man are they the best [Censored] talking 6th grade team in the mid Atlantic. Love the previous clown car comment 😂 so true. Hop in the car or join a legit club like SW. 🤔

Sw is the king/queen of the informal summer development clinics that turn into poaching players.

“Sw is the king/queen of the informal summer development clinics that turn into poaching players.”

Perfect, maybe they can go from #62 to #44!!!!

So 29’s are sixth graders. Come back to me in 3-4 Summer when then29’s are in recruiting and we’ll see where their players are and where the skywalkers players are

I’ve seen the 2029s from SW….unless Coopermine stops operations completely and the entire team comes over, not many of them are getting recruited for anything. Seriously, where are you going to get these players from? Ok, maybe a few scraps from heros or M&D after they are cut and replaced, but are they going to get you over the top? NEMS and Limelight [Censored] too, so no one is going to help you from there. Do you really think there are a bunch of undiscovered gems playing rec ball in Towson that are going to save the day? I get it, it is upsetting that the club you chose isn’t what it was, but times change.

It’s insane that you think these girls have all peaked in 6th grade. Just like all your other recent posts, it’s incredibly small minded and short sighted.

Probably fewer than 5 current SW players will be on that team in 4 years. However, you can probably say the same thing about M&D, Heros, MDU and other top MD clubs.

I’ve seen the 29’s from Coppermine. If three of those girls leave that team they’re in the same position as skywalkers. My child is at M&D so it doesn’t matter to me but I think you’ll find out during recruiting that both of those teams will change and SW will be just fine

Wait you aren’t driving the Coppermine koolaid 😉

All joking aside. Schedule release is coming soon. Who outside of the big 4, Heros, M&D, Coppermine, and MDU can surprise some teams? Anyone improve enough to crack the top 4 and make the playoffs?

The best team never talked about has to be Pride. Super athletic team with strong stickwork and good coaching. Seems like they're a girl or two away from giving teams a real run.

They are an interesting team for sure. They have played some tough close games against the big 4 and then have some in which they got beat pretty good.

I was thinking the same though. They have to be the next in line if one of the big 4 fall.

They are a solid team and much deeper than you expect a VA team to be. Problem is they don't have a dominant scorer which you really need at this age level.

If they could get the two stars from NL to come over, they could do some damage.

NL is on the same level as SW.

at the 2029 level, NL is leaps and bounds better than SW. NL beat SW by 9 to end the 2022 regular season & has lost to M&D twice in the past year by 1 goal.

That's ridiculous. I can't think of one girl on SW that would start for Coppermine.

I can't think of any Coppermine players that would start for M&D or Hero's

The same M&D team that has lost to Coppemine 2 times in a row? M&D's coaching must really [Censored] if none of the Coppermine players could start for M&D.

And here we go again. Since the start of NGLL for these girls you have won exactly 3 games against M&D while losing 10+. Losing some of those games (recently) by 6+ goals. Two one goal wins in FALL tournaments and all of a sudden you’re a team full of the next Taylor Cummings.

🤡🚙 even made the car blue for you!

I can. But they play on the 28 team. It's never fair to evaluate SW 6th grade teams because they allow their top sixth graders to play up.

Is Coppermine still better than SW even with the girls playing up? Probably. But things will be much closer next year once everyone is play on-age

Exactly. My daughter plays on a top club now and was offered a spot by SW on their ‘28. Reason being is they wanted her challenged and they don’t care as much about Ws and Ls at this age. Which is why I find all the talk about the one who left for Heros interesting. If she was that good why didn’t they let her stay on ‘28 like the others?

if you took the top three players from any team they'd all be weaker so not sure saying taking the three best from Coppermine is anything shocking or particularly telling about Coppermine

SW’s allowing 29’s on the 28 team is probably a concession by SW leadership so they don’t lose additional kids. I’m sure the 28 team is thrilled to play with 6th graders. Unless 6th graders improve their team. Seems like they are trying to plug multiple holes on weaker teams before kids, parents, high schools, and colleges realize their talent pool is significantly damaged from the good old days.

It is very telling you passed on the opportunity for your DD to play on the older skywalkers team. It would be a good opportunity but I guess the inevitable disaster of playing with the 29 team isn’t worth it.

All three of those girls start on the SW 28s and are key contributors. At least two of them would start on any 29 team in Maryland.

This has been SWs model for many years. Playing up against better completion is massive for development

I guess the ranking for SW 29 team is better than 60th and the ranking for SW 28 is worse than 20th. Maybe they should both be ranked around 40th/30th.

M&D will be just fine while the Circus that is Coppermine implodes.

So going back to the defector to Heros… so she got moved back down to ‘29 while the better players stayed on ‘28. Dad didn’t believe it was fair or right, got mad and left. Then comes on here to [Censored] SW to justify his move. That’s the story.

As for SW, they will be just fine. They are developing girls and eventually will have a solid ‘29 team. Anyone else on here trashing SW really doesn’t understand club lacrosse in the area.

That's actually a terrible model. Build a strong program at their own age level. Playing up isn't better for development, including social development.

Why do your clubs continue to support the Coppermine program by participating in their winter leagues?

So there are three 2029s starting on the SW 2028? I’m sure those 2028 parents just love that. This playing up stuff should be over before middle school for reasons stated above.

Not sure why anyone would want to play up. Why not have those good players play on the team age they belong? Seems like a situation where those good players would move to other clubs. Isn't this the opposite of everyone's favorite, the Holdback that is so prevalent around MD?

This isn't even true. The PP who said the "defector" left because she got pulled down while the other girls stayed on 2028 is making stuff up (shocking). There are currently 2 girls on the 2029 roster who last year were on 2028 blue. The third one would have been the girl who left.

Regarding of what you think about Skywalkers, this is flat out wrong. Anytime a girl can play against better stronger opponents, they should. This is the reason why NY clubs all catch up in 8th grade -- because their best middle schools can play high school.

Really no value to team building at this age, since more than half the girls on any top team will be gone in 2-3 years.

Remember the old adage -- if you are ever the best player on your team, find a new team.

The 28 Skywalkers are not good. If their top players are 29s, that is even worse for their club.

Agreed, and as mentioned above, the 2029s have already moved back down. I watched them play indoor, and they are barely more competitive than they were before those girls returned.