The Main board is getting confusing with club teams getting mixed up by age.

Top 2023 Club Teams in Country
1. Team 91 Bandits
2. Igloo
3. S2S
4. Crabs
5. Brotherly Love
6. Express
7. Bethesda
8. Laxachusetts
9. Warriors
10. Madlax

S2S way too high. Last time Laxachusettes played on LI they beat Warriors 9-8, S2S 13-2 and lost to Express by a goal. Has S2S ever played in Md?

Brotherly Love came out of nowhere last year.

Brotherly Love lost to Crabs at Young Guns in overtime however bad reffing and BLove gave up 5 man down goals to some refs that must have graduated from Boys Latin, plus BL's best player wasn't at the tournament and BL Beat Crabs at Famous Autumn Classic 6-3

They did well because half that team is from Kennett Rec Program which was top notch and most of those kids have been playing together since they were five. But lets be honest the only reason Kennett was so good is because they were grabbing kids from Delaware, Unionville, and Avon Grove???

Freedom and BL this weekend, should be a good match

BL is bringing both AA and A team u mean good match with BL A team correct. Last time that Freedom played played BL top team I think it was 13-2 and BL stopped shooting by halftime

Totally new 2023 team for Freedom much improved will be a good match up

this

obviously they won't have the continuity that BL has which can't be understated, but I think talent wise should be a good matchup.

Interested to see the NXT team this year. They had a good tryout, not sure how many joined that team, but should be much improved.

They struggled, but did have some talent and size. All the teams will be better than last year.

It is interesting to see the Freedom 2023 model. Must have been at least 6 Dukes Nationals kids on that team. Not that it helped. Be careful who you jump into bed with Freedom just because you want to beat Brotherly Love. It was tight in first half until the BL boys recognized that it wasn't another team they were going to beat 10-1 and then they shut them out in the second half. Blatantly dirty hit at the end of the game, your better than that.

That coach you brought in cheats all the time with overGRADE kids. If you cheat in life at that degree for youth sports then.....

But winning matters when it comes to 11 year olds....doesn't it?

BL has about twelve 2022 re-classes on their 2023. This way they can win against younger smaller kids. They are Good athletes who are clearly not very well coached. If you want your kids to learn the game this is not the club. Buyers beware!!!

Jon-JonBL stay in your lane.

Yeah buyers I guess you will learn more from the Dad that sells (insert what ever you like) for a living than Frank Urso and Joe Kivlen.

Come watch a practice and than tell me that the kids aren't learning the game. Ask the top recruit in the country if he learned anything from this coaching staff.

Full disclosure - - I'm a Freedom parent but let me say this: What a crock. So many points to counter. Let's start at the end and work our way back.

Not a single kid on the Freedom Red 2023 roster is "overGRADE". BL, on the other hand, has been rumored to have MULTIPLE Kennet kids who are "old for their grade" because they were reclassified. Any truth to that or just some wild accusations--guess if you're going to mudsling with no evidence anyone can.

The "blatantly dirty hit" at the end was assessed by both refs as a 1 minute UR penalty because the defenseman took too many steps--that's a kid going a little too hard, not dirty.

It was 5-4 at half and 10-4 final because BL absolutely took advantage of their strengths in the 2nd half no argument.

"Be careful who you jump into bed with Freedom just because you want to beat Brotherly Love." That is seriously just embarrassing, it's one of the most narcissistic quotes I've seen on here. Try not to hurt your shoulder patting yourself on the back, coach.

Just curious as to the "must have been 6 Duke's Nationals kids" comment--what's your point? There are actually 8 because this is the club they are playing with locally. Are the Nationals kids some kind of monsters or why should anyone "Be careful" that they are playing lacrosse?

Just such a strange post about youth lacrosse. Sad, actually.

Oh nobody is going to argue the merits of those coaches--they're great instructors. But I don't remember seeing Frank on the sidelines at this tournament with the 2023s. Did I miss him??

Hey freedom dad keep doing what your doing. BL is a disgrace to youth lacrosse, but unkowing or knowing parents show up there. Ignorance is bliss. Who cares what they win. The kids will all figure it out in the long run....some will be able to look their kid in the eye while others....

He coaches 22's Joe K coaches 23's.

Sad is you saying none of Freedom kids are overGRADE. Some are definitely going to play there 2nd year of U13 this year making them overGrade.

As a unknowing BL parent what are they doing wrong? The team has stayed pretty much intact since day 1, they have great coaches and the kids all get along very well. Am I missing something? I want my son to play with better kids and learn the game, the fact that they win sometimes is a bonus. So please fill me in....

Wow! Would love to know who ISN'T a 2023 player on the team. Guess you know more than I do about my own son's team.

I know the BL team well. To be clear like many boys in any school system there are boys with summer birthdays that play for the BL 2023 team. Meaning there birthdays are in April, May, June, July, and August. So they miss the US Lacrosse cutoff of by September 1st by up to 6 months. This is a pretty common occurence in grade school. Since boys are notoriously immature at a young age starting your kid as an older kindgergarten student is actually encouraged. No academic institiution recognizes September 1st anyway solely and arbitratrely made up by US Lacrosse there isn't even another sport that uses that date consistently.

However "Reclassified" is a TOTALLY Different scenario. Occuring the most in private schools and in the lacrosse world most commonly used in Maryland in the MIAA. This is when a student REPEATS a grade with the sole intent of gaining advantage on the lacrosse field.

I can assure you that there is not a SINGLE player on the BL 2023 team that repeated a grade. FACT.

The reality is that the team is extremely athletic and fast to the point that the way they swarm to the ball it looks like they are playing with extra players. However, they are pitiful in settled offensive situations. They have literally had five practices with their new coach and there is NO playbook. The man up play was put in 15 minutes before the Freedom tournament with half the man up team in their cars on the way to the field.

Face it they aren't monsters, they aren't cheating, the club isn't evil...they are just a very talented group of good kids from good families and nothing more. Does it bother Freedom parents that 5 boys from Lionville play for this team ...I am guessing so. Stop villifying them and maybe just be happy that Philly lacrosse can only benefit from teams like this participating at the national level.

Hey jealous daddy what's your beef..... If BL is a disgrace to youth lacrosse what are they doing wrong. As an unknowing parent if I am in a state of ignorance enlighten me.

1. I pay less money for my son to play quality lacrosse than other clubs
2. The team has excellent practices
3. The nuclues of the talent is developed locally from CCLA based organizations.
4. They bring in professional lacrosse coaches to supplement
5. I don't hear any of their coaches verbally abusing their players (or other teams players for that matter which I heard this weekend)
6. My kid is having a blast
7. They practice good sportmanship. Unlike a Team 91 that will drop 20 on you without blinking they put the brakes on

Sounds pretty disgraceful....

This parent represents all that is wrong in youth lacrosse. Saying a kid is playing their second year of U13 means nothing you moron! USL, if you know what that means, sets birth dates based on a 9/1 cutoff which is not the same as a school cutoff. Having kids play 2023 who are born in the summer months does not mean they're over-grade you obnoxious and arrogant twit. And the top recruit in the country is no longer the GV kid, he's now #2 which is still great, BUT he was not recruited through GV, he was recruited 100% through his club team.

Summer birthdays are categorized as July and August, older than that means the kid was put into school late which many parents do for athletic reasons, it's the same as re-cladding. Now let's be objective, BL gets a ton of bad press on here so why is that? You will say it's because everyone is jealous because they win. There's a massive hole in that argument and here it is, Freedom 2022 is easily as dominant at their level yet you see nothing disparaging about them on here. Freedom 2021 just went 3-0 at the play day beating all the local teams except for Mesa and HHH yet there's nothing bad about them on here. Mesa 2021 had an unbelievable summer beating every top team but 91 and there's not much bad on here about them. So why is there so much bad press on BL?? It's not jealousy, it's something else. Where there's smoke there's fire!

Not a disgrace, just not doing it as squeaky clean as they lead everyone to believe. Define excellent practices? Based on what? Urso is not doing the practice plans and Norri (sp?) was barely a club player? "Professional lacrosse coaches", wth does that mean? Do you even know the game?
Your kid having fun is a great answer, but that's not why you're there. You're there because YOU believe winning is important at this age. And as far as running the score up I can show you more than a few times where BL did that.

My kid isn't on either but have played both and think both have quality players and good programs. Not sure why the venom on both sides.


On another note, harvest classic schedule is out. People's thoughts on the groups and outcomes?

Surprised to see NXT in the group 4, I recall at their tryout they indicated they were going to play in A this year. Changed their mind after the freedom tournament?

To me it's a lot more disgust with the arrogance from SOME (absolutely not all) of the BL posters. Beyond that, I probably wouldn't care even a little.

As for NXT, saw them play on Sunday and they are still in need of a lot of development. Not at all trying to be disrespectful, just saying that there are some good players but they are, as a whole, a pretty weak team.

Speaks volumes of how little you know about BL but as a Kennett rec program parent let me enlighten you.

1. Professional coaches: in the last three years they have brought in Joe Nardella, Tyler Barbarich, Steve Holmes (and his Canadian Box Staff) Frank Urso, and Paul Deniken. What coaches did your club bring in?

2. Frank Urso does every practice plan for his 2022 Team, runs every practice, and STAYS AFTER practice. Why don't you come and watch guarantee you will learn something. The 2023 Team also works with him and Kevlin as they often practice together.

3. Running up the score? I have watched lopsided games without a doubt but they definitely go into a 3 pass rule then a 5 pass rule. What do you want them to do after that....roll the ball to the goalie? That would be offensive.

4. As far as Nurry? My kid learned the game from him as a 6 year old. Could care less where he played don't know. What I do know is that he has never yelled negatively at my kid, he has taught him the value of hardwork, sportsmanship, respecting the other team, and coaches. Ask my kid who is his favorite coach and whoe taught him how to play lacrosse he won't even hesitate. All the kds from Unionville that jumped the boarder to play for Kennett, they were going for or one reason, Nurry. There is little doubt he is an excellent coach.

5. The Freedom 2022 that you say is excellent let's make sure everyone knows why they are excellent. There are five starters on that team...not from Downingtown, Conestoga or another Main Line School, etc. They are from the Kennett program. Two starting attackman, 2 starting middies, stud pole all start for Freedom 2022 thus 50% of the starting lineup is from Kennett. Guess who coached them at Kennett. The secret to Brotherly Love's "came from nowhere success" is that the strenght of that club is the Kennett Blue Demons rec program. It is the backbone of Brotherly Love. While it "takes a village" and there were a ton of fathers and moms who dedicated endless hours of volunteer time you ask most Kennett people why they "came from nowhere" and all of a sudden were one of the best CCLA teams they will tell you two coaches. Driggs and Nurry.

Look up where Ebe Helm played his lacrosse. Dukes Lacrosse is one of the most successful programs ever.

The reason why people are hating on Brotherly Love:
1. They came out of nowhere and all of a sudden started kicking [lacrosse]
2. They were started by two dads who didn't play elite lacrosse
3. Envy

I stayed and watched the 2024 Brothely Love Team play Freedom 2024 this past weekend and on one side I see 4 dad's that played at the following: Loyola, Johns Hopkins, Maryland and the Philadelphia Wings. On the othe side I see Nurry with a dad who never played lacrosse helping him. Looked like they were short handed. Once again, guess who prevailed. Haters will say that Brotherly Love 2024 has one dominant player, and he is exceptional.... I wonder where that kid learned how to play the game?

ummer birthdays are categorized as July and August, older than that means the kid was put into school late which many parents do for athletic reasons, it's the same as re-cladding. Now let's be objective, BL gets a ton of bad press on here so why is that? You will say it's because everyone is jealous because they win. There's a massive hole in that argument and here it is, Freedom 2022 is easily as dominant at their level yet you see nothing disparaging about them on here. Freedom 2021 just went 3-0 at the play day beating all the local teams except for Mesa and HHH yet there's nothing bad about them on here. Mesa 2021 had an unbelievable summer beating every top team but 91 and there's not much bad on here about them. So why is there so much bad press on BL?? It's not jealousy, it's something else. Where there's smoke there's fire!

Uh duh...its the Freedom and Mesa people bashing reread your above post and think about it. Get a clue unless you are one of them.

Yeah so this hearkens back to my earlier post about the arrogant BL posters.

Responding to a post where somebody spent time to provide information, albeit clearly information that hurt your feelings, regarding a perception with "Uh duh" and "reread your above post and think about it." and "Get a clue" is both condescending and very clearly just defensive on your part.

I, for one, am neither a Freedom or Mesa person and I have a very bad image of BL so I guess by your definition I'm just "clueless"--except I'm not.

Nothing better to help gt thru a boring conf call than reading BOC. Having a son that plays on neither BL or Freedom it is comical reading the constant bashing between the 2.

But reading the above post I have to believe the guy has hit the nail on the head, Freedom (and I say that since I hardly ever see Mesa's name mentioned) has a huge issue with BL for some reason. I guess if you want to get Mesa '21 and Freedom '22 involved someone just needs to start talking about them. I am on the road for a few days so please wait until next week to do it though.

What does your bad image of BL stem from?

"All the kds from Unionville that jumped the boarder to play for Kennett, they were going for or one reason, Nurry"
So are you admitting to breaking rules in the CCLA???

It is 6th grade lacrosse, who cares

I have not made any comments above, but I can tell you my bad image of them is because I watched them take players from their top team and play them with the B team this past summer. They claim they couldn't "help" it because they were short. I have been around lacrosse for a very long time and I know they could have found players if they tried, but it would be better for their B team to bring in "ringers". That is the "win at all costs mentality" and that is what people don't like. This is youth lacrosse and it is sad

Waaaaaahhhhhhh

Both sideline chatter (conceivably some sour grapes, but I'd imagine it's a combination of multiple factors) and the pro-BL posters on this forum. So maybe that's a case of "a few bad apples" scenario.

Either way, there's no denying how successful they've been since their inception. I guess I've just been really bothered by the attitude of a lot of these posts?

that does not help the perception

Please let it go. Why can't you just let it go for all of our sakes. Why so bitter. This was covered ad nauseam. NXT tournament okayed Brotherly Love sharing players between A/B and as they were short players and didin't want to go outside the club to supplement. It was freakin June hot as [lacrosse] and 15 kids wasn't going to get it done. They pulled 5 kids that go between A/DB all the time.

I could see your point if they pulled there five best kids and moved them to the B Team then you would have right to [lacrosse]. Cmon, my son was one of them. He is a good player not great happy to play with A and just as happy to play with B. So their B team ended up winning the B championship as well. Sorry it happens did you really want the t-shirt that badlly I think I can dig it out from my garage.

Let it go pretty please

Are you aware that CCLA allowed this as long as the parents and township sign a waiver to that effect? Ask the parents if they had to get a waiver. Must have been a reason.

Someone asked why people have a gripe with the club, I was answering honestly. If they don't want people to gripe they shouldn't do things that make them look like cheaters. As I said, they could have gotten other players, but chose instead to bring the A players down. That was their choice, they made their bed, now they have to lie in it... And, as to your point of it being too hot, I bet those boys that "doubled up" were totally beat. It would have been better for everyone involved for them to bring in some other kids to fill the spots.

I give up

Assume BL , Dukes BBL Looneys are the top group. Lots of chatter about BL what about other 3 teams. What does dukes ''national'' mean? They bring kids from all over rather than just philly? Thoughts on bbl and looneys giving brotherly love a good match?

Looneys 2023 from Maryland that lost all 6 games in HoCo AA last season?

Group 1:
BL AA
BBL Elite
Looney's Orange
Duke's Nationals

If Looney's Orange is their A, then I would expect them to take Group 1

Group 2:
SoutShore
Cavalier - Never heard of them
RS
BL A

Def BLA in this group, unless Cavalier is some LI team that I have never heard of

Group 3:
RoughRiders
Team 11
Team 91 (MD)
Looney's Green

Again not sure which is the "A" for Looney's, assuming orange, then I think this is Team 91

Group 4

NXT
BBL Helix
Freedom White
United
Headstrong
Rock PA
Team superstar

Haven't heard of a few of these, maybe Freedom here?

RR also lost every game in game in HoCo AA last year. 91MD played A and lost in semi finals.

This is PA rough riders. Is AA higher than A?

Every year the waivers are discussed at the CCLA meetings, Kennett has by far the most and I've been told that will change next season.

Dukes Nationals pulls from all over and a lot of Long Island kids. They will be very good and worth watching BL play them. Yes AA is higher than A

Good, it's rec lacrosse.

Group 1 it will be between Dukes and BL Looneys is middle of the pack in Howard County. Surprised they are in this group they must have requested to play in this group. BBL is legit.

If you have a team that is having success and your in Philly get thick skin now.

Not thicker than Long Island skin check out that thread better
Than SNL. That is a hot sweaty mess of parents ready to rumble cheating Doping and everything under the sun

So these kids are on also on clubs in their own area and come together for tournaments as Dukes Nat? Do they practice together?

BL will follow the path of every dad run program that is not a full time business. Once their kids hit the 9th grade level and it becomes about recruiting they will not have the time needed or know how to assist all the kids in the program in this process. They will need to find an out for their players. It is exactly what Sons did with them and NXT. The question will be where do the BL kids end up. BL will no longer exist a few years after their kids age out just as what is happening with Sons.

My son plays for CT Chargers 2023. How does the Chargers teams do at tournaments?

Freedom is a Dad run program are they going to flame out soon?

They don't but that was the Duke's model when they were a powerhouse. Get the best kids together and watch them play. It is odd that the better LI kids would play when there regular travel team could beat Dukes.

Yes and yes--once a month.

Might be useful to have actual information before answering a question.

Yes they do practice once a month. As for the LI kids who play for them because "there [sic] regular travel team could beat Dukes" DN 2023 lost in OT to Igloo in Patriot Games this past summer. And if you watched that game DN was a faceoff guy away from winning that game. So you can act like they're some average team but they're on par with some of the (check the LI thread) best teams in the country.

so what, do it with kids in your back yard

Why?

Do you not attend his tournaments? I have never seen the CT chargers.

How is the Nxt tournament running. Will there be any cross group play? Seems that group 1 is AA, group 2 and 3 are A and group 4 is B. Will groups 2 and 3 play each other based on ranking?

It makes it worth it. Who cares what a bunch of great kids from all over the east coast can do. Makes no sense unless they are just playing to have fun.

no. just play 3 games. no playoff

You do realize you're describing the greater Duke's model, right? Or have you never looked at the Duke's 1 or 2 roster? That's the WHOLE point.

Explain the dukes please...teams folding, team forming, what is the goal? I am sure someone is make money? Who is running it Madoff?

Sounds like a person that runs a full time business trying to make a go of it with just lacrosse....gonna pick a name out of a hat....MESA. C'mon there are so many mouths on that teat it is a wonder that some of you aren't already at the soup kitchen.

The only ones that badger the dad model are the full timers. The reality is the dad model is superior more often than not. You just sound to bitter about it not to be somewhat vested. Come out of the closet whereever you are.

Let's not forget that the best club out there in regards to pure numbers is 91 and you do know that Spallina is a dad coach that started it with his brother right....

From the outside it looks more like SEARS..a once great franchise now desperate to hold on to something.

I think this poster hit it right on the head. Sounds like your are involved/vested with a full time program that is a business. Pushing the value of full time just a little too hard with little substance to not be benefitting.

I would hazard a guess that there are more dad run programs that are successful that then later evolved into full time businesses based on success.

Look at Madlax more successful than any program in the Philly area and it was also started by a dad. The Founder of Madlax coaches his own sons on the Madlax 2024 Squad and that has pumped out more recruits into the DI level than both NXT and Mesa in Philly.

Shame on you very self promoting

I think you guys are right. Gotta be Mesa or NXT representive or employ pushing way too hard on the full time business model. Hope you aren't banking on BL talent heading your way to make your teams better I don't see it folding anytime in the near future, the founders kids are like in 3nd grade and the one has a 4 year old.

Dukes went south when Ebe grew it and partnered up with people without his values and beliefs. Its like a fine bourbon better made in small batches and now it is just Wild Turkey or maybe just Turkey.

The point of daddy run clubs vs the business model is simple. Can dad's run a club and be successful? Yes, but to be successful in the long term they need to make the commitment to do it fulltime. You can't be a part-time player, when parent are looking for your help for their kids to a college. The owners of BL will face that time in a couple of years. People throw out Madlax, it was built out of a business model that expanded to club lacrosse, Spallina is a career coach who expanded his profile. BL may be successful and have dominant teams at multiple years (Sons had that and now they will be gone in a few years). Their owners have a big decision to make at some point in the next 2 years of what their model will look like for 9th-11th grade teams. It could help them land more players.

Agreed. I believe that is why they hired 2 high school coaches. With Urso and Kivlen both at 2022 and 2023 respectively I suspect they are making a go of being independent and not being a feeder program for anyone. Look at tenacious turtles or more locally Man Up. A group of kids and families that went the distance and made a lot of great memories along the way

How did Mesa and HHH do down in Bmore today?

probably not great or they would be on here letting us all know about it

Baltimore Crabs handled them rather easily..

HHH and Mesa both got smoked every game.
HHH took it from FCA, 91 MD, Crabs was actually 8-4 I think.
Tough competition but a good day. Was a great day and first event with this group of kids.
HHH 21s went 3-0 and looked really good.

Has 91 MD improved that much? Last year they were not very good.

Not sure about the rest of the team, but MD91 has a VERY good goalie. Saw him single-handedly win them a game last summer at NXT.

I do not think you know the process necessary to do this above board. Getting a waiver is difficult, but it is also legitimate. It was done for the coaching (Nurry) and so the boys could play with their buddies. This is my first time on this board. Ironically, I thought it would be a nice escape from all the election nastiness. I just can't believe some of the stuff I'm reading here.

You have strong feelings and opinions about this and I respect that. In this case, reality does not jibe with the perception you have or how you feel. I am one of the dads whose son played for both teams. I'm concerned that it looked like cheating, but I know better. I also know that no amount of information will change your feelings about this or your impression of our fine club. Yes, my son was totally beat, but he was also proud of himself for stepping up and helping his brothers on the depleted squad. The dual duty didn't create an advantage for the "B" team. If anything, the boys who had the extra time on the fields that day were a little fatigued and a little off their "A" games. In their minds they sacrificed themselves for the best interests of their teams. I'm ok with that lesson. It's what Brotherly Love is all about.

A waiver was required for my son, the process took time, there had to be compelling reasons. CCLA rules were not broken.

CCLA only has rules for those not in power. There are plenty of Coventry kids that play for Lionville. One of the Lionville "leaders" is from coventry.

Oh please, gag me

Why? Because you disagree with me? I'm sorry you didn't like what I had to say. I often make the mistake of assuming different perspectives will be treated with respect and responded to respectfully. Which club do you represent?

Why? Because you disagree with me? I'm sorry you didn't like what I had to say. I often make the mistake of assuming different perspectives will be treated with respect and responded to respectfully. Which club do you represent? [/quote

Brotherly Love

Good day at the harvest classic. Except for the obnoxious Maryland parents

NXT does a good job, groups were pretty even...refs let the kids play.

Looney's beat Dukes
BBL really struggled

Agreed, how the Dukes/BL game if anyone saw it? Was surprised to see a shut out.

I watched the game in between my sons game. Brotherly Love is an interesting team. The key to that team is that they ride the ball better than any youth team I have ever seen. The attack and midfield suffocate you on the ride and just swam you and if you are lucky to get the ball past them they have a pole that is monster of a kid that can run with anyone waiting to abuse you at the midfield. There offense needs alot of work alot of iso plays. You could tell they have a lot of stud players on offense but no clockwork precision, no off ball motion, and no set plays. If this team ever got some semblance of an offense I would put them right there with Bandits.

There is 1 Coventry player that played at Lionville and he lives 1/2 mile across the boundary and goes to Shanahan. That was solely done for convenience when the kid was 5. He never played Coventry ever. The Kennett kids are just not fair. The guy who runs Kennett youth lacrosse and also serves on the CCLA board is actually an AG guy. He is a tireless volunteer however it's not fair how many kids they have down there with exceptions.

Maybe at one age group, there are at least a dozen in the program

It seems the only reason people care is because Kennett was very succesful. Yes there a alo of boys from Delaware but keep in mind that Kennett school district is literally adjacent to the Delaware border and these boys just like the Coventry player mentioned above are much closer to Kennett than Wilmington Delaware. Almost all of the same Delaware boys play their football at Kennett as well and it is based on geographical convenience and friendships. The Unionville boys program has really suffered for awhile and was really struggling. All told when my son was playing U9 at Kennett I think there were 3 total U9 teams compared to West Chester and Downingtown that seemed to field 6-8 teams at U9. Despite the fact the program was less than 50% the size of other large programs they really seemed to do quite well agains the big programs to the point that my sons U9 team won Liberty several years in a row back when teams actually attended Liberty at the end of th year. If Kennett had really sucked nobody would have cared and there would have been zero interest in the fact they have 10-12 boys that chose to start their youth participation in a township that had -0- reputation for excellence but was either more convenient or in better shape than their own township program.

How did the 23 team's look at Fall Brawl?

Competition not the greatest.... Better competition at Famous Autumn Classic... Crabs, Sweetlax, Next Level Bethesda etc...Best team at Fall Brawl was the Annapolis Hawks and Crabs beat them up pretty bad this fall...The game was not even close

Definitley a top 10 team.... Crabs, Bandits, Igloo, Brotherly Love, Bethesda bethesda definite top 5's

Crabs beat Next Level Bethesda 6-5 in championship of Famous Autumn Classic. Great game, 2 very good teams. One just happens to have a bunch of 7th graders on its roster.

Definitley a top 10 team.... Crabs, Bandits, Igloo, Brotherly Love, Bethesda bethesda definite top 5's [/quote]

Didn't Brotherly Love lose to S2S at NXT in the summer last year? Even with their guest players - you know the ones that nobody on the team including the coach knew their names (and were a lot bigger than everyone else)? Easy with the top 5 stuff...

You knew the BL Roster, the size differential, who the coaches did and did not know? You must also know how the game was lost? Have any of your top 5 lost to a competitive opponent?

You continue to be an [lacrosse] hat...BL at 23 didn't use any guest players. The coach was a Dad that came off the sidelines to help out since Nurry went to watch his son play. That guest player is #18 the same kid that has been with the team since day 1...although he missed significant time with a broken foot. And the other kid #5 played the entire season with BL, but missed Saturday since he was at wrestling camp. All the same kids that played the 2 fall tournaments this year.
As for top 5 there are several teams that could be beat each other on any given day..and then the Bandits that everyone is chasing.

Dude the BL Game and the notion of us having guest players has been rehashed so many times its getting ridiculous. The two guest players are not guest players they continue to play for the team and have for the last two years. Yes they had different colored BL shorts and yes they are big and good. One plays middie from Downingtowna and the other is a LSM from Kennett. Yes a dad didn't know players numbers because the HC had to leave to help coach the 2024 team and a dad subbed for him. You wlll see them again. The game went into overtime and a bogus call gave S2S the game. BL then Beat Express which is always mentioned in the top rankings in the consolation game without their two best poles who left for vacation while S2S got beaten badly by the Bandits. BL has beaten the Crabs and badly beaten Laxachusetts, beat Warriors 12-6 which is still a very good team and If it makes you feel better to think that the BL isn't a top 5 team in the country then feel that way. Considering this team just this year made a committment to actually practice before the tournaments it will be interesting to see what this tournament season holds. If BL took you to overtime after practicing 11 times as a team together prior to the tournament season....
They just shut out the Dukes National Team 5-0 that lost a close game to Igloo and we still don't have -0- offensive plays and 1 Man Up play.

Oh now I see, you got your panties in a bunch because none of the posts above listed S2S as a top team. Looking forward to playing you guys this summer hope you make it out of your pool play cause if the Igloo score is any indication you guys are going backwards.

Sorry, let me be clear - it was more that S2S is not a good team and you lost to them...

Sure there not good, and in your mind what teams are good? Let me guess your sons team and who would that be, or better yet you don't have any kids and your just a troll.

"Sorry, let me be clear - it was more that S2S is not a good team and you lost to them..." Please tell us you're the younger brother or sister of a player. You can't be a parent. It is noted that you have issues with BL and have a negative bias. Maybe you'd be happier contributing something positive here or somewhere else? Who do you like? Come on, say something sweet. Don't be a hater.

I really fail to understand the BL hate. I'm happy to see a Philly team that can compete at the highest level outside Philly, maintain continuity and play the game the way it should be played. The only thing that sucks is the defeatist attitude in some of the kids when they see them on the schedule, that's when a coach needs to give the old "they put their pants on one leg at time...." speech.

looking forward to seeing all the team in the NXT spring league

Get use to it, with success comes hate and never from the kids just the parents.

I get it at the professional level....but this is kid's lacrosse. How does their success impact anyone outside of their club. So my kid's team doesn't win a tournament trophy because they played BL? I swear my kid has more fun in between games...

We are digressing into contests over who has more fun in between games?

I think the point is valid. My son plays on a very good team that competes against the best in the country and is based in Philly. I believe others can vouch for this in similar positions that when our team goes to Long Island and Maryland that there is a distinct arrogance/superiority that parents and coaches (not all but some) convey to teams that are outside of those two geographical areas. Maybe I am wrong but to be truthful there is a lot of satisfaction beating the loud obnoxious parents sitting next to me that ask after the game, "where did you say you guys are from" I am guessing there are "others" out there that feel like me. In fairness there are also plenty of parents from those areas that are super nice and polite as I know we also have our fair share of obnoxious parents.

With the explosive growth of lacrosse these two hotbeds are rapidly getting caught and the playing field is now more level than it has ever been and will only become more so. As a Philly based team it seems that there should be some pride in how our teams fare against other geogrphical areas. With clubs like BL, Mesa, RR, Freedom etc. succeeding at the highest levels in YES youth lacrosse there is some validation of our success and that is a good thing. Is not taking some measure of satisfaction that BL or whomever from Philly does well agains the best teams from LI or MD a normal and appropriate response. Our kids are all starting at 5/6 years old in this great game and that is good for Philly Lacrosse.

Perfectly said.

I am with you... alot of satisfaction sitting next to an obnoxious parent from one of those areas that becomes more quiet as the game progresses.

I am the first to offer a Solo Cup to a fellow parent but I have to agree there are some really "interesting" ones out there and specifically more so from those areas. Just saying.

the fact that you need to booze at lax events makes me think you should just stay home.

Honey
The fact that you think that having a beverage at Lax Events is unusual leads me to believe you don't attend a lot of Lax Events.

Your kidding right?

All Day Saturday.... All Day Sunday in June and July usually over 90 degrees plus out in the middle of a field with bunch of good friends and families that you have been hanging with in many cases for years....tents, munchies, some Wawa hoagies...maybe if you are lucky a good pulled pork and broccoli rabe on a seeded roll from the gourmet truck vendor... sitting in a folding chair watchin Jonnie paint the corners and having a blast and you think a frosty beverage is unwarranted????

Man you must be real fun, lucky to be your husband.

Solo cup or not, I'm looking forward to the days when our Philly region teams go 1,2,3 in tournaments with LI and Maryland. It's an exciting time in Philly youth lacrosse.

Solo cup or not, I'm looking forward to the days when our Philly region teams go 1,2,3 in tournaments with LI and Maryland. It's an exciting time in Philly youth lacrosse.

As a Long Island parent that clicked on the wrong thread, I have to say, don't get get caught up with these S2S parent arguments. They're a decent team, ,but their best days are already behind them. My kid''s team was down there at NXT and that was a great tournament. Awesome teams, great games. I had never heard of Brothrly Love before getting there, but they were legit. Beat my guy's team. We've olayeyed plent of elite teams and a lot of them have a big kid or two. Laxachussettes Black had the biggest 10 year old on the planet. None of that really matters though. The boy get better playing against better kids. I was impressed with that BL team and look forward to seeing my guy face them again next summer. Best of luck to all of you (except you S2S d-bags).

You shouldn't have ANY plays, ZERO. Plays don't teach kids how to play.

So you just happened upon this thread and decided it would be a good idea to add to the 'conversation' by ripping a team and calling the parents 'd-bags'. You seem like a real swell guy.

How about we play a little sleuthing game and try to figure out the team your son plays for. If we can assume your post isn�t complete bs (which is admittedly a big assumption), your son is on a Long Island team that played and lost to BL at NXT last summer. Tourney Machine is a wonderful thing! BL played three LI teams at NXT. They beat the Warriors, lost to S2S and then beat Express. So it would seem that your son plays for either the Warriors or Express.

Since you commented that S2S' best days are behind them (although you were generous enough to admit that they are 'decent' team) I know your son isn't on Express b/c S2S just beat them a month ago. Maybe S2S got lucky against Express, like the BL parents claimed they got lucky against them. Boy, that S2S sure is one lucky team! All the bogus calls seem to go their way!

No, your son isn't on Express. I'm going to bet that he plays for the Warriors, aka the best 'B' team on LI.

I�ve just got one question for you: have the Warriors ever beaten Express or BL? (I�ll save everyone some time, the answer is �no�)

You should ask your coach to set up a scrimmage against S2S next Spring and you can evaluate our decline from up close. Feel free to come back to this site afterwards and post the result.

Until then, please keep your mouth off of our team. Thanks much.

Sincerely,

D-bag parent

You really don't think that was a BL parent? You must be new.

Would a few Maryland teams like to hop on this thread and beat on one another?

"You really don't think that was a BL parent? You must be new." Really, what is your issue with BL?? How many time have you lost to BL in what you've deemed an unfair way? How much time have you spent with BL kids and parents to feel just about your character assults?. Are you always thus offensive or just when anonymous?

Serious questions: What is an S2S? Are they a PA team? I have 3 sons playing travel from 2025-2022 and I've never heard of them. Why is this parent so angry? Can we all agree that this sounds like someone who's going to be severely disappointed in his child fairly soon?

Common sense. Reread the post. Too complementary to BL and that goes against everything the posters on this board represent. You really think people came down and never heard of them? Use you noggin, buddy.

"Common sense. Reread the post. Too complementary to BL and that goes against everything the posters on this board represent. You really think people came down and never heard of them? Use you noggin, buddy." To think I'll never get back the time I've wasted on this board! I'm gonna use my noggin elsewhere. Tough crowd. Off to my safe space to come to terms with the realization that this board is________. Fill in the blank.

I know! I know! is the answer to the blank "AWESOME"?!?!?!?!
I love this board. This 23 Philly one is quickly becoming great. Keep that $h1@ up!!!

Is it really out of the realm of possibility that a LI parent would compliment a Philly Club and say he was impressed. Does it really pain you that much you have to fabricate the notion it was a BL parent masquerading as a guest to this board . Is thinking that the parent was a Dukes National player as they do have several LI players on the team that BL beat 5-0 really that far fetched? As a National Team player getting -0- goals against a local club, might that leave you impressed? Is it possible that a parent from Long Island may have never heard of BL since BL has only been in existence less than 3 years and others have commented "BL came from nowhere" After all we have people on this board that never heard of S2S one of the top 2023 Teams on LI.

I don't know why you are so bitter maybe you have lost one too many times to BL, maybe your kid got cut, maybe the luster is lost from your club. What I do know is that BL is only getting better they have a 2024 team that is top 10 in the country to follow in the footsteps of 2023 and now their girls are doing the same. Keep up the anger let the poison fester We enjoy watching you squirm as BL keeps on rolling. Don't fret about the time lost I enjoy your acerbic posts

They're a team from LI. The best I can tell is that it's a small club. Might actually only be one team, but I'm not sure. Not sure where his ire comes from though. My guess is that he is projecting insecurities.

Definitely a BL parent. Not a doubt in my mind. They have a few crazies for sure!

Yup we are crazies. All the better while we whup your 23 teams. Oh right that doesn't happen anymore cause your playing in the B brackests now. Keep on hiding makes me smile, after all crazy I am.

BL parents are so lame! Obviously this was one of them!

Maybe but still whipping your teams ....really hurts doesn't it

Not so much... especially since you need to cheat to do it. That makes your team a joke.

Sooooo bitter luv it B parent

And how do they cheat?

Bringing in guest players on several occasions. And it very obvious when they do it.

Of course. it couldn't possibly be that the 2023 team is simply bigger, faster, and more skilled. We were thinking about bringing in Paul Rabil for the NXT Cup. You think anyone would notice a particularly large 6th grader. I am going to put that in the BL suggestion box.

If you watch any of our games this fall we have figured out a way to actually play with 12 players to the other teams 10, and the most amazing thing is that the refs have yet to pick up on it.

Please come to any practice and take pictures of each kid..then come to every tournament and let me know who is a guest player.

No, that's not it. Your team cheated. Parents were overheard laughing about it. Take those 2 off of the field and BL goes winless.

We were laughing at your pitiful team dude give it a break what players are you talking about ... go winless ???

what team does your son play for that BL was cheating

They were probably laughing at YOU thinking there boys were cheating ... funny thing is both those boys you are calling cheaters could kick your [lacrosse] I know both their dads could

that's meaningful.....on another note and trying to pull this board off the playground, anyone heading to the NCAA tournament up in Foxboro this year? Anyone participating in the youth tournament they usually run along with it?

Well, I'm a woman and they're 13 so that's not saying much. And, no, they were commenting on the boys playing. I heard it. So did many others. Do YOU even know how old they are? Doubtful; because if your writing is any indication, you're a complete moron.

Well no your an idiot and they are both 12. If you would like please come to a practice and they can show you there birth certificates. Than you can bring your sorry [lacrosse] on here and apologize...

You're, their and then....you should spend more time learning proper grammar and putting it to good use instead of arguing with women over whether your team has 13 year olds or 12 year olds.

I am a coach for the club. While my guess is that it isn't going to sway you I can validate they are both in 6th grade and both quiet respectful boys that honestly would be stunned that they are the topic of conversation. Since most in this community know these boys through lacrosse and other sports I will describe them since names aren't allowed on this site.

Player 1
Very fast physically dominant boy from lionville that scores multiple touchdowns every game and also wrestles plays midfield for BL and best fogo

Player 2
Elite raw athlete that just picked up the game when he moved here plays LSM for Kennett and BL best 6th grade pole in Philly if not country

People care to chime in that know these boys not from BL Club

You're, not "your"
Their, not "there"
Then, not "than"

I'm guessing you didn't get into Penn, huh? You have no idea how old they are or what their names are. Cheater.

some kids develop faster than others , at this point it doesn't really matter, all evens out by 10th grade then you will see who can play

Honey if you only knew.
So you are one of those people that correct grammar on an IM message type of board your a real joy.....need to get over yourself. Of course I know their names. You are not allowed to use players names on this board for obvious reasons....uh duh....they are children!

I described the players as I know many people other than BL know these 2 players from their community and can vouch for their age and grade. Your bluster and bravado are admirable when anonymous you still haven't answered what team your little snookums plays for that is getting pummeled by BL 2023.

If you are clinging to the notion Snookums is losing because BL is using over grade players and those 2 in particular....6th grade

Does your kid even play? If he does, he's definitely not an impact player because those two boys carry that team.

You are definitely losing at life if you are arguing over 6th grade Boys lacrosse.

Uh...this is a 2023 youth lacrosse board...this is what the discussion on this board is supposed to be....do you really think that most people on a conference call sit and hang on every word....or do they hit mute and amuse themselves elsewhere while the VP of Sales drones on and on and on and on.....

Actually that shows how little you know about that team. If you ask people who is the best player there are 5-6 kids that would make the list depending on whom you talk to.

So still no answer anonymous accuational poster...what team?

The LSM from Kennett is in 6th grade and the Downingtown middie is in 6th grade get over it jeez can we move on.

Hate the team if you want to but they are both in 6th grade....next time you play the team why don't you file a complaint with the referee and the tournament and call the parents out to the middle of the field and make them show you documentation. Both kids are not guest players they will be there. We will give both parents a heads up and they can bring paperwork.

For the love of god please stop.

Whoever wrote this should consider professional help. You and your club are a joke. You'd be the 4th best team on LI and same in Maryland. Best 6th grade pole in the country playing C tournaments Toolbag

My kid played v BL this fall. Very good well coached. Team would compete easily w top 3-4 in MD. Lsm a beast. If he just started even more impressed

Real simple, boys for 2023 should have DOB's on Sept. 1st 2004 or later, what grade their in is irrelevant, if DOB's are earlier, that is gaming the system, cheating or at a minimum unfair which put other people's children at risk. Significant injury or lawsuits at some point will trigger age based play.

Ok we get it LSM DADDY Do you think he would even make the Bandits or express ?

Not my kid. Not only would he start for those two teams he would star for them. Why don't you actually watch a game. Just walk over from the grass and dirt fields where the B Teams are playing and come watch a game in the Stadium. Plenty of observers think he is a Beast...why else do you think that so many competing clubs and parents think he is overage and that BL is cheating with him in the lineup.

Uh.... you do know that BL beat LI Express ?

Kennett LSM is in 6th grade my daughter plays for BL Belles and goes to school with him. Great athlete and Super nice kid as well.

Really...best team in Maryland at 2023 is Crabs and BL has played them 2xs and won one lost one. 2nd best team Bethesda they beat them 2xs and lost -0- neither game that close so you still don't put them not in top 3 in Maryland?? Funny people one the Crabs think they are one of the top teams in country.

LI I would put Bandits and Igloo above them until BL beats them that is fine. But I can tell you are from a local club and the only club that can beat them locally is possibly Mesa although they never have in 5 games with only the last one being remotely close. So who is a joke now ... sucks to lose doesn't it your just bitter laced with a liberal dose of
envy.

LI I would put Bandits and Igloo above them until BL beats them that is fine. [/quote]

Didn't S2S beat BL as well? I guess that makes them 4th on LI...

The only joke is you when you keep feeding into and writing this nonsense. Try being the bigger person and stop arguing about 6th grade lax. You guys can all come back on here in the summer after everyone plays each other and reignite the flames of stupidity.

If you stop responding to them this thread can recover from being on the brink of being the worse one on the site. We have to put up with deez nuts, clubs that can't be named, hold backs, money grabs, now cheese steak drama.

We would beat that team 3/4 times irrespective that is hellbof a lot better than any other team in the area that wouldn't even play the same bracket

Hey numb nuts this IS a lax thread specifically for 6th grade. Check out LI and MD 10 x s more inflammatory if you don't like it then "bugger off"

My son tried iut fir Brotherly Love World Series team this weekend won't make the team but I have to say how impressed I am with Frank Urso. There were some on this board that thought he was coaching BL for the money but that guy has been to every practice and every game. Even sat in a golf cart at Harvest NXT with a crutch say what you want about BL and I know they will but between Urso and Deniken coaching box teams these guys are doing it right as a paying customer I am happy

His son is on the team I hope he can make practice and games

Dad model works great, actually the best model at the younger ages. You start to get to 8th grade and your a top player you should consider a team that can actually showcase your kid.

So they have a 2021 team and a different 2021 world series team???

No, the way it was explained to us is that this is the first year that this tournament is going US Lacrosse September 1st grade based. (those of you championing age as the criteria should be happy) This is a U13 tournament for our club that is older 2023 or younger 2022. Not sure how many kids were there, maybe 40+ not sure how they will fare but I think it is good for the sport to see this tournament do well.

They have 2023 kids that barely make the age cut off, why do you think they win games

Cause they are good.

His son has always been on the team my point was that even though his son is on the team the usual suspects on this board were still bashing him and saying he was in it just for the money and was just a figure head ....par for the course on this board

I don't see BL 2023 on the NXT spring league site? You guys playing?

Teams so far in the league

Sons
Freedom
NXT
Black Storm
Team11
Tristate
PA RR
Uprising

That's a waste of time for us.

End of last season an email was sent to the BL parents about the league. From what I remember they said that they thought it was a good league but the combination of distance to get to the Proving Grounds, lack of practice times, and scheduling conflicts they weren't going to do the league.

Ha, have some balls and play up like the Sons did all the time around Philly. Oh wait you may lose a game oh no.

If the play up they would be playing kids their age....

Playing up righ now in two different box leagues withour 2023 team.
The Proving Grounds is great if from the Main Line but it was taking some of our players over an hour one way ...not good.

Is Freedom 22 playing up with kids there age?

Funny stuff jealousy is only validation of success. Keep it coming....means we are still on top.

League is good but really left no time for practices they should restructure
And build in practice time blocks.

Agree nobody spends time bashing the teams that struggle check out LI and MD. Funny thing human nature those on top are always a lightning rod

Whats the difference between BL Hercules and Achilles? Is one a 2022 and the other a 2023? or are they both 2023 teams just AA and A?

No the USTC league is a 6/7th grade, so we entered 2 teams which are a mix of 22/23 players...

Any 2023's playing at Fusion Northeast Championship the week after Christmas? I think it's a Thursday. I know BL and Dukes were there last year.

BL
Fusion
91
Eagle
NJ Riot
Team11

those are the ones I know about

Who is Eagle?

Well then it should be no surprise when the 7th graders show up at Fusion next week. Thanks for the heads up. You guys are seriously disgusting.

Hey moron.
The league is a 6/7 th grade league thus it is ok to have 7th graders. Fusions tournament is a 5/6 th grade tournament thus we will bring two teams where the oldest players are in 6th and any 7th graders will stay home. This isn't really rocket science here. Where do you get off calling our club disgusting. Most of the USTC games I am watchin BL teams where our kids look tiny playing against 7th graders. In the MZ league our 6th grade teams are playing UP against 7/8th grader. YES 6th graders playing UP against 8th graders. Get a life.

You'll still bring 7th graders next week. Not all of them, but just enough to win. That's why your club is disgusting.

How about you come introduce yourself to all the kids we bring? That way they can meet the guy that comes on here bashes them w/o having a clue about them.

Eagle is Tri-States Box Program

NO Mesa this year

What are you basing that on, your vitriole is pitiful and unsubstantiated. As long as you are going to be a jerk about it I am guessing our 5th grade team can beat your 6th team so why would we bring 7th graders when 5th graders would do the trick.

In the infamous words of Jack Nicholson our 7th graders would rather be out "birddogging chicks and banging beaver" over the Christmas break.

Thanks. That's a reputable program. At least we know they will be the correct age.

Of course we are cheating couldn't be that we are just simply better

Strange thing to say about 12 year old boys... or in your case, 13 year olds.

See, that's the problem. When you cheat even once, you'll never be considered legit again. Ever. It doesn't matter if every game from that point on is on the up and up, when some of your parents didn't get the memo to be quiet about your older boys, word spreads really quickly. I can understand your anger. You want everyone to think your kid is the greatest because he plays on a good team (or at least a team with 2 good players). But, now no one takes that team seriously. Trust me, your team isn't the first and it likely won't be the last. You would think that after what happened with Sons a few years ago that people would stop with the nonsense, but unfortunately, this show gets replayed every season.

Funny you throw these things out here like BL has actually cheated? If so when and where? No one ever said the team didn't have kids born before 9/1, but they are all still in 6th grade and [lacrosse] the goalie is only in 5th. Freedom 22 is loaded with kids born before 9/1/03 are they cheating every time they go out and play?

"See, that's the problem. When you cheat even once, you'll never be considered legit again. Ever. It doesn't matter if every game from that point on is on the up and up, when some of your parents didn't get the memo to be quiet about your older boys, word spreads really quickly. I can understand your anger. You want everyone to think your kid is the greatest because he plays on a good team (or at least a team with 2 good players). But, now no one takes that team seriously. Trust me, your team isn't the first and it likely won't be the last. You would think that after what happened with Sons a few years ago that people would stop with the nonsense, but unfortunately, this show gets replayed every season."

Well, people really can suck. Insulting all but two boys on a team because adults allegedly "cheated", maybe once. The fact is, there are a lot of great lacrosse players on the team and even better young men, my son included. An idea, let's stop insulting the kids and stick to treating the adults like a-holes. For any kid reading this, if you're being discussed in this forum, you're likely a good lacrosse player and a good kid. Don't waste your time reading this stuff. Go have a toss.

Dude nobody cares about your words only validation that BL is still on top because nobody criticizes the bottom feeders such as your team. 90% of the Long Island Maryland board is the same, they spend the majority of the time bithcing bout the best teams and accusing them of cheating.

There are two kinds of losers in this world.

1. The loser that takes the experience as an opportunity to improve and looks at themselves in the mirror re-evaluates and accepts accountabilty.

2. The loser that blames everyone else and never looks at themselves in the mirror. Someone else: cheated, jumped the gun, was overage, referees weren't fair. etc.

Trust me BL kids used to get their asses kicked by every community team and club around. I remember when alot of the same kids went to Liberty 6 years ago and got their asses handed to them by a Harley Team that had no business being in the B Bracket. I remember thd coach who went on to start Brotherly Love after that game. Telling the kids you lost 12-1 today but two years from now we are coming back and winning this tournament. He was righ they did come back and won it several years in a row. Ironically, everyone accusd them of cheating back then because they started smoking teams. Just human nature.

He didn't complain about Harley playing down, he didn't complain about the refs, or [lacrosse] to the tournament directors. No, those kids went on to practice, improve, change their technique and that nuclues is now the backbone of the club. Ironically, they also smoked Harley this past year or what is left of it.

The only thing that remains is for you to decide what kind of loser you are. You are obviously losing as your bitternes is apparent. Look at your self in the mirro and ask yourslef what can we do to improve. Just try it you might be surprised at the results.

It only takes one time to be labeled a cheater. They won't shake it. Most team don't just cheat once either.

But for you forever a loser

Based upon my sleuthing since you seem to like bashing BL in obscurity and your interest in BL and the Fusion Toutnament your kid can only play for one of two possible teams since the rest are all out of state. Fusion or Team 11 and they both are really bad. Looking forward to kicking your [lacrosse] next week. Why don't you come over and introduce yourself. We can show you some report cards as well. What a horses [lacrosse] give me a break your a loser good coaching and leadership at those two programs but they cannot compete both are C level teams.

Still waiting to hear when they cheated? AX

Very touching story. I almost believe it. By the way, you remember scores from 6 years ago? I think that prohibits you from calling anyone a loser, psycho. Also, these boys changed up their games in kindergarten? Most kids don't start in kindergarten, they start in 2nd grade st the earliest. That would make them 2 years older than most 2023's. Thanks for proving my point.

The team has older players, that is how you win. Since you are some lax genius you should know all it takes is 2 to 3 better players and you can win tournaments. If its such a great TEAM, why do some kids play 5 minutes a game? Your coach runs around recruiting, yes the older better kids. Have seen it for myself. If you are still that mad about losing to Harley club 6 years ago, please go get your head examined. You are not team 91 will never be team 91 so get on with thinking you are. Have fun in Denver!

Actually you are so wrong, now I know why your kid can't compete cause he didn't start playing the game until 2nd grade. Have you ever heard of U7 every team in the CCLA has a U7 program. U7 stands fo UNDER 7 thus you have to be 4,5,6 years of age. Most of the boys playing Brotherly Love all played U7 and frankly most lacrosse families start at U7, thus they started in Kindergarten and 1st grade...sucks to be you, that explains why your kid is playing for C Caliber Club Team.

I remember the score because we only scored one goal at the very end. Perhaps the score was 13-1 maybe 14-1 irrespecitve it was alot to a little.

They did change their technique, because the coach changed his approach.

At Pumpkin Pie Fall Tournament a team from Canada came down and smoked every team, there will plenty on this forum that will remember that team. They cradled differently, shot differently, and were frankly playing a different game although we were all playing lacrosse. I even remember the one referee saying "WOW"

So another opportunity my loser friend to learn via losing....

The very same coach sat all the kids and parents down at a practice and said the following. Those Canadian kids played a different game, I want to play lacrosse like that. We are changing how we practice, what we practice, and our stick technique.

Again, didn't complaing that a team from Canada came down and played in a tournament named after an American Holiday, didn't complain that the Canadian kids were overage, that they really didn't let up and show good sportmanship....no...that loss was used as an opportunity to self evaluate, learn, and get better.

So my bitter friend, you see another example of why this club excels. They lose and they learn. Sorry that your kid started in 2nd grade thus missed 3 years of development, you need to look at yourself for that one.

So much anger from Mr. Anonymous that I am wondering if your kid got cut from BL.....

All the best club teams have older players take a look at Igloo Black Ice from Long Island the whole team is over age. Of course we are always looking for better players any good club is always looking. Dukes, Mesa, to name a few have all openly recruited BL players. That is part of it we aren't bitter. Nobody is mad at losing to Harley, just proving my point that you learn when you lose and get better..not [lacrosse] and moan. Damn right this team is looking to beat Team 91. We beat their Warriror Team 12-6 which is still an outstanding team but we are shooting for the Bandits. Will we win.... likely not but doesn't mean you don't still try and get better....or we oould try your approach....sit at home sucking your thumb rocking yourself to sleep and complaining about BL players stealing your players....you must be from Roughriders.

I remember that game we played as Kennett and yes it was alot to a little I think more like 15-1 we scored one goal at the end, the poster is right, I remember cause we all cheered like it was New Years, might have even done the wave. Nobody was mad nobody cared we threw a team together and played in the B Bracket. But yes 50% of that team now plays for BL and for the most part 5,6,7 year old kids at that time. Nobody is mad at Harley, they had a nice run not sure what happened but Hannum is a great guy.

I'm sorry, we've not met. I'm the parent of a BL player and I can't believe a situation exists where I feel compelled to defend against ridiculous, ignorant, disrespectful comments, but this is the world we live in.

I'm not sure who the haters are, which teams their sons play for or if they even have a son playing. Heck, maybe they're just people who enjoy getting a rise out of people. It's easy to hide in anonymity as you bash other teams, kids etc. Tell us who you are and if you would like our perspective on your club.

You missed the point above regarding how to take a loss and I suspect you will continue to miss the point/lesson as you are clearly not seeing the bigger picture.

I feel compelled to set the record straight, but a review of the posts on this thread shows that it has already been done, over and over and over again.

To my fellow BL parents out there, how about we leave it as it is at this point. Let's let the haters get their last words in on this topic. I don't believe their comments warrant further response at this point. We have better things to do.

Moderator, consider locking this thread after the haters respond.

Thin skin huh? I don't know which of the 2 of you are worse. He's accusing you of something that can't be proved, you just take the bait and cite kindergarten lax. Philly, you still have time to keep your forum from the long island/Maryland level of ridiculousness. Pump the brakes.

Yes, my son is terrible because I didn't force him into travel lacrosse when he was 4 or 5. You nailed it. And your team is the best because you did. Wait, that's not right. Your team is not the best. You are a complete lunatic for remembering 5 year old lacrosse scores (and clearly you're not alone). Spin this any way you want. You bring in older kids to win tournaments. Without your guest players you have an average team. Glad you started at 4. That's awesome. You must be so proud and impress the [lacrosse] out of all of your co-workers. Loser.

Apparently that doesn't happen since, according to you nutjobs, all of the diaper-clad 4 year olds who modified their game 7 years ago are still on the team. Good thing they're not still playing the way they did as 2 and 3 year olds... that would surely have been disastrous! They may never have beaten Harleys! LOL! Oh, and so good of you not to complain when 5 and 6 year olds beat your 4 and 5 year olds back then. How very magnanimous of you! Hahahahaha!

Freedom 22 is stacked w older kids. That's a lot to do with their success at this level.
Are they cheating? Nope.
Would that team be decimated if things went to an age based model? Absolutely.
This is why they can't field a team for WSYL.
As it stands, we are in a grade based world. The future, however, is age based.
Then, little Johnny will be forced to play w kids his own age. Won't that be a blow to daddy's ego. Can't wait to watch it all unravel.

As a parent with a kid born after 9/1 going age based would be great, but it will never happen. There is way too much money in travel lacrosse for them to ever make the change.

No yours son is likely terrible because of geneatics. You were the one trying to do the mathematic gymastics and fell off the bar when trying to prove your point. I am beginning to suspect who you are, keep it coming. If I am right your son was cut, you bragged about how good a player you once were, we talked to someone that said you never got off the bench, and you begged for your son to be on the team becuase of "late bloomers" the leadership said no and you went on an email rampage for weeks...Got ya.

I don't have a horse in the race here and don't understand the hatred. I am more amazed at how much free time people have duringt the work day. I am clearly in the wrong line of work. But here is my two cents.

1. Clearly at 2023 and 2024 BL is the cream of the crop locally in the Philly area. Beyond that -0- which means that you have two good teams. Not sure if that is worth bragging about as a club. Get 5/6 elite teams and you have something.

2. If you are going to accuse someone of cheating you need more than conjecture and accusations. In the legal profession, if the facts are not on your side, then just talk LOUDLY. My friend that is accusing BL of cheating you need facts because you are just talking LOUDLY at this point and at this point you are looking pettty and trivial.

3. Philly Club Lacrosse is on the rise and that is a good thing. We need to all get along. Merry Christmas.

Hey Guy accusing BL of cheating you still haven't said what team your kid plays for was the other poster correct either Fusion or Team 11?. Nobody is asking your name but if you can't even represent your club and be proud of it and which one it is on this board you need to bugger off cause your a [lacrosse].

Can 2024 Bl beat dukes national 2024? Trying to figure out if it's worth going to the dukes mini camp

Never played them our 2023 team played Dukes Nationals at NXT Harvest

Yes....

Yes what? Worth playing or BL 2024 is better than dukes nationals

"Freedom 22 is stacked w older kids" so they must be the 4 kids that BL brings in to try to win games.

My name is Jason. I don't have a club to represent, thus I have nothing to be proud of (except for my son). I'm an adult. I don't play youth lacrosse. My son plays for neither of the teams you mention. And if you're going to call me a [lacrosse], please be grammatically correct. "You're a [lacrosse]". See the difference? Now hurry up and finish collecting the trash in my neighborhood and beat it. We don't like morons like you around here.

Yeah right get a life "Jason" your a loser still won't name your club that your son plays for. Makes you more of a nerd correcting on a message board scram before I take your lunch money

So BL folks get on here and say don't bash us we are so great but reading this thread they (coach?, director?, and parents?) have all bashed fusion, team 11, roughriders, freedom, and Harley club, to name a few. No wonder people keep getting on here and bash you...Hey Jason, Merry Christmas!

Those kids play part time with the 2022 team yes

Part time does this mean help win a tourney or 2 so that the parents and kids don't leave for another club?. Should we call you Brotherly Freedom???

This.


The respect for the BL coaches and kids for what they have accomplished is being offset by this parent (S) who feels the need to bash other clubs because someone is trolling them.

Good one. *you're a loser. I truly hope that you encourage your son to pick up a book more often than you have. The ability to write correctly and communicate effectively far surpasses the need to play lacrosse well. Seriously, you write like one the 4 year old boys that started playing lacrosse for BL 7 years ago.

The team that my son plays for is irrelevant.

Cause they suck

Don't all teams except BL? Therefore irrelevant.

Happy holidays all

ANYONE who correct someones else English on this site has issues.

Someone from PA is about to revolutionize Lacrosse Training!! Stay tuned.

What's BL?!?

My buddy from LI told me things are getting hot down here and I have to agree from 6th grade and lower all the Phillly Teams except for Brotherly Love are B teams not even A let alone AA. Don't know whether they are cheating but let's get real name me a single team outside of BL that can compete against the best from LI. Just ONE team?????

Big Losers

Not rocket science isn't everyone shifting to box lacrosse concepts based upon Canadian players success

"who correct someones else English". That's what you're going with? Apparently BL stands for Broken Language. You should stick to cutting lawns, Juan. Good try though.

What's that make your club that gets steamrolled by the Big Losers

^^^^ Can someone please translate this for me? I don't speak BL.

Or Bortherly Love

Boys Latin?

It makes them a 2025 because only the very youngest BL teams are competitive.

We'll have to wait and see if they can hang on to the kids or if Dukes or 4H snatches them up.

Ha, now that's funny. What are the Canadians famous for again??????? Oh yea I remember.......eh

If you can't accept that Canadians are playing a superior brand of lacrosse that would explain why your club team continues to get their [lacrosse] handed to them in the B brackets

haha. Please... put down the egg nog and go take your first bath of the month. There isn't a Canadian team out there that is a top team. Go back in your cabin and make bird houses

This is why its going to be Revolutionary, you are even warm.

I'll put down the egg nog when you start reading the news. You are obviously clueless if you are impervious to the Canadian invasion...have you noticed every club in the country boasts a Canadian Box element to their training...oh let me guess your club doesn't do this...no wonder why they suck and play in the C brackets and the dirt fields next to the parking lot....Did you not see that the #1 High School Team in 2016 for Field Lacrosse was from Canada or the #1 Ranked High School Player in the Country is Candian...or that Team Canada upset Team USA in Field Lacrosse this year...Dude only you don't think you are a smuck... We might all bash each other on this site but you have to be clueless not to adapt and see the game is changing.

First of all it is Triple H MORON and even Triple H knows we would smoke their team. Actually Several Triple H players from the 2022 Team switched to Brotherly Love and since this is a 2023 board just giving you a news flash that Brotherly Love 2023 Just smoked Dukes...not the local team but the National Team. 5-0 at NXT....Most players don't leave to go play for a National Team when their regular old club team shuts them down and they throw up a Bagel as in NO assists and NO goals.....I think 4H is a the cow club that migh make sense for you.

Dude now you just stuck your foot in your mouth. You need to just shut up and go away as you don't have a clue.

1. The #1 High School Player in the Country is Canadian, Jeff Teat
2. The #1 High School Team in the Country 2016 Canadian, Hill School
3. The #1 Team in the World Team Canada just beat Team USA FILA
4. The #1 U-19 Team in the World for Girls Team Canada
5. The #2 U-19 Team Canada Lost to USA and should have Beat them.

BL would beat them. Don't waste your $ with Dukes unlesss you just want your kid to play even more lacrosse...

Dude now you just stuck your foot in your mouth. You need to just shut up and go away as you don't have a clue.

1. The #1 High School Player in the Country is Canadian, Jeff Teat
2. The #1 High School Team in the Country 2016 Canadian, Hill School
3. The #1 Team in the World Team Canada just beat Team USA FILA
4. The #1 U-19 Team in the World for Girls Team Canada
5. The #2 U-19 Team Canada Lost to USA and should have Beat them.


ROASTED

6. The #1 High School and U-19 for wearing denim shirts and jeans together for consecutive days.

Don't know what this means not sure if it was meant to be funny but there is nothing wrong with admitting you were wrong. The other poster is correct I googled it myself Canada is kicking butt. Just Man Up

I just looked at the score of Duke's National vs. BL at Harvest and BL was the team that got blown out! This blog has seemed to turn into club coaches trying to simply promote their own team by LYING! Not sure why a coach would try to hide the fact that they got beat. Shame on the Brothery Love BL lying coaches.

Duke's Nationals mop the floor with BL this fall, not sure where the comments are coming from. Duke's Nationals went up 8-0 and circled the ball the rest of the game to show good sportsmanship! That result was with a number of our top players missing due to fall sports conflicts. Keep the comments coming BL and it might be 25-0 the next time out. Trust me it's that easy! Stop hiding behind a blog and let results speak louder than words.

Cue the flame baited responses from BL parents about how terrible all the other clubs are

Uh numb nuts from Dukes you need to look up and learn how to read. You see the heading on this forum? Read it to yourself carefully then out loud. Does it say 2023 or 2022? Thus what that means is this is a discussion about 2023 teams. Now go and look up that score. What does it say ...5-0 ? Our 2022 needs some work no doubt but learn how to follow instructions before spouting off

Too funny all fired up .... uh I am in the wrong room...let me just use the backdoor here...don't mind me I will just let myself out

Hey Lou since this is a 2023 forum why don't you give us a summary of how the 2023 game between between Dukes Nationals and BL went down

Dukes National 2023 is a very good team, but by no means elite. They beat up n a lot of very weak teams in PA, NJ, and CT. And, to make matters worse, they have that really annoying dad that films all of the games and yells and screams when they don't give the ball to his kid.

I think you are looking at the wrong score. This is a 2023 Forum the score of the game was 5-0. BL won easily against the National Team. We also had players missing as well. Do you think you guys are the only ones with Fall Sports Scheduling conflicts.

Now that was funny....

Dukes isn't bad at 23, neither is Mesa or Freedom. Hopefully they will all continue to get better it can only help Philly lacrosse. It would be great for the area to have 2-3 very competitive teams instead of 1 at each of the younger age groups 22 and under.

Couldnt agree more. I am a BL a parent and that Mesa Team is excellent and from what I hear has gotten even better.

Alright, schedule is up for NE regional, lets rank em and crown a champ

5/6A - pool A

Team 91
BL Zeus
Superstar
NJ riot

5/6A - pool B

BL Poseidon
Eagle 5/6
Team11
Fusion

In crossovers

Team91
BL Zeus
Team11
Riot

Any other thoughts?

There is a 5/6 B but looks to me mostly 2024 teams.

My kids plays for BL didn't know that schedule was out. But got to go with Team 91 although it has to be their B Team as the A team is in Florida playing at Dicks Tournament of Champions. Even still their B Team has to be the odds on favorite.

Pool B I go with BL Poseidon and looking at 2024 I would go with BL 2024. I really don't know how 91 does it. They must simply practice more hours and compete consistenlty against top notch competition thus conditioning them to be better...Darwinism.

It's a few things I think:

Long Island kids start playing very early and together. PA has kids that start young, but not to numbers that kids in LI do.

They have lots of money. Not that PA doesn't, but it doesn't compare.

I saw an interview with the guy who coaches team 91. He coaches the lizards and also the stony Brooke women's team. He talked about how because of his MLL ties, his kids get a chance to play around with some of these MLL players, see their work ethic, how they practice and prepare and learn advanced stuff early on. He coached their 2020 team that dominated everyone out in Denver.

It is 91 B team playing. BL beat them pretty well over the summer.

I see the BL teams doing very well against good competition. If BL hadn't beaten 91 this past Summer, I might have given the edge to the LI team. I'm not as familiar with the other programs, but would like to hear what others have to say.

it should be fun, BL is taking 2 very small evenly matched teams. Several of AA kids playing hoops or on vacation.

Same with 91. They're struggling to get on team in. Lots of players on vacation.

God forbid there wouldon't be a chance to make $ off of a holiday weekend. Not about the kids.

I really don't think anyone is cancelling plans for this tourney; however, I bet the kids who had no plans are happy to have some lax games to play. I know my guy is.

It's about the kids. They really do enjoy playing lacrosse and the competition. It's not just the tourney organizers making money. The travel/tourism industry is making a nice profit on the families who couldn't participate because they are vacationing. No need to be jaded, cynical and grumpy. Do you have a child that you feel is being forced to participate? My son had a choice and he decided he's going to show up tomorrow and shoot for the corners. Good luck to all who stand between him and the back of the cage!

You guys really think it's not about the $? Of course most of the kids like playing.no doubt about that. But if you think this is a game and not a business you must be new to this. Nothing about being jaded. My kids aren't playing in this tourney so I've got nothing invested. Teams and tourneys cost more and more every year, dollars play a factor in more and more decisions. Honestly I'm in a bit of a position where I don't have to pay any or full price for travel teams so in reality rising prices don't hit me. This is a holiday weekend. I've been to tourneys on easter, 4th of July weekend, etc. The kids will usually jump at the chance to do all this stuff. But don't kid yourself. Good luck to everyone. If my son was going at least he'd have to pull himself away from the new xbox.

I don't disagree with you that there is a profit component. We are capitalists after all. Parents have options and the discretion to make responsible decisions regarding what events their kids participate in. But, as far as investments in our kids are concerned, lax is by far one of the better ones. Would you agree?

Grow the game or scam the game??? What's the truth?

Yes, grasshopper, the truth just is. Don't fret too much over it. Go watch your kid play and have fun.

So haw did it go today? To

BL beat 91 7-6 in final
Great game very clean 2 pretty evenly matched box teams.

91 bandits are in Florida

Played 91 Warriors

You lost to 91B team? thats great way to represent philly lacrosse.

I was impressed with the team 91 put together for this tournament. The kids played hard and were highly skilled as you would expect from that program. If winning the tournament against a good team is representing poorly, so be it. Which team does your son play for that represents much better?

They beat them by a goal and to be honest, they were playing with very small benches. I was impressed with the effort those kids gave in the game against us. fun night of lacrosse. Love some of those box uniforms

Their A team is the best in the country. The B team is top 10. Our team was split. They beat one half. With the teams combined, we beat them in the final. We had kids missing. They had kids missing. But the games were great. Everyone got better. Except your kid who stayed home and played x-box.

really? that axe you carry around to grind must really cloud your judgement on BL. The warriors are good, and any team in the country, any team at all (yours too superstar dad) would be the "b" team to the bandits. if you're from philly your jealousy to the best team (i'm not from philly but i think most would not argue that) shines through.

You really are a moron always the negative. Read it again BL BEAT 91 by one goal and yes it was a makeshift squad from both BL and 91 with a lot of their club out with family or in Fla at Dicks Tournament as well as makeshift for BL You obviously also don't know anything about Team 91 as well, their B Team would smoke any other team in Philly except for Brotherly Love and maybe Mesa. BL is awful at the box game and hopefully the owners recognize that and work to the box offerings at BL. Box it is a100% different game. Name me one other team in Philly that could beat the 91 team that was at the tourney

Read much donkey. BL won

Exactly... some people don't get it.

it wasn't a makeshift squad from 91 it was the Warriors you know like BL Poisideon.

How about the idiot that said BL didn't win? Let's get him hooked on phonics...
It was a good game BL clearly isn't a good box team, but they will get better with Deniken teaching them.

Does anyone know the results of the other crossover games? Tourney Machine never updated. Did the other BL team play their cross over or just combine their teams for the championship? I think that was Eagle vs. BLA? Then Superstars vs. Fusion? and Finally Riot vs. Team11?

What's BL Posideon?

Eagle's goalie got sick so they had to forfeit. We combined both BL teams for the final. I'm not sure what happened with the other games.

That HGH got to him? Kid was hhhhuuuuugggggeee. Team 11 beat NJ riot 8-4. Not sure about the fusion game, it was close I think

Gotcha. Most teams, 91 included, are not going full-on into box lax. The tournaments are just to keep the boys motivated. It's really just the training that is important and most clubs see how much it will translate to the field. The footwork and tight shooting and quick passing will all benefit the boys once they get outside. But I don't think any teams are really trying too hard to be great Box lacrosse teams.

The 91 Bandits and CRUSH are two of the 91 teams that go full go into box lacrosse. Training and 5/6 tournaments assume that is due their coach

My kids love box and their whole field team to a man prefer it...even the poles because they get a chance to play offense. Personal opinion it is a better game and shouldn't be used as a means to an ends. The Philly clubs that submerse themselves "All In" box will see the dividends in the field game. Look at Denver's offense by Matt Brown it is beautiful and deadly at the same time. The college game is changing and programs are well served adapting. Crush and Bandits as noted above have been all in on box for years and look at their field results.

Who's playing at the box tourney in two weeks?

I love BOX

Box is the best. In 2001 I loved Bush, not so much these days.

Sounds to me you prefer to pleasure yourself

cant people go both ways......love bush and box.

I prefer that any box I put my junk in be clean and the surrounding bush be trimmed and shaped

prefer the runway look

Really? Can we stay on the lacrosse topic without the stupid innuendo? Moderator? Hello? Let me know if you need help translating this stuff.

does anyone have any experience with dukes nationals 2024? what tourneys ?

It is a new team they are starting up. We played their 2023 and 2024 team. If you are looking for more club lacrosse that would supplement your primary club experieince that is there focus. Many on this site seem to bash it but really up to you if you want to travel more, play on an all star team, have kids from more geographically diverse backgrounds.

All star team? The one at NXT in the fall looked like every other local travel team nothing all star about it.

Maybe they only had their local group at a local fall tournament? They did pretty well in Tampa against the best team in the 2023 age group.

That is because they used kids from 2022 and 2021 that tourney has different age restrictions

Lead by 2022's. The fogo from what I read won at some ridiculous clip.

And the other one was big and fast.

Don't you mean they had age restrictions? That's a new argument, The kids are the same age, so it's not fair??

The 91 Fogo won championship game MVP. How good could the Dukes fogo have been?

Do those teams really have Fogo's? I'm sure there are many different perspectives on this, but it seems like they are willing to win at the expense of the kid getting reasonable play time. That seems like a crime to me at this age, but maybe chasing the elusive D1 full ride is worth it?

The 91 kid is not a fogo. He may come off if he needs a break, but for the most part he plays substantial minutes at midfield... especially because he's the coach's kid.

Dicks TOC does it differently. We considred going and spoke to them. The qualifier is the year before and their DOB requirement was mid summer not the USL 9/1. To further confuse things they did something funky with the age in that the eligibility was determined to be not based on a traditional 2023 team for this instance but rather accommodated 2022 age kids as well. I forget wthat it was but it was very odd way of handling and when we realized our 2023 team was actually playing against 2022 teams we decided to not go.

It appears this tournament has lost some of its luster and attendance is spotty at best.

I posted a question about the event that seems to go ignored on another board. You are required to qualify for the event as a team yet for the actual event you can take whoever you want. The entire thing is a scam, either you go to grad year or stop having teams qualify. To call it a U11 event and have 7th graders playing is comical.

the age cutoff is 6/1. Anyone born 6/1/04 was eligible to play in the U11 tournament. Anyone born before had to play U13.

i think you referring to the fact that they view as a season ending championship for preceding summer. Ie you qualify by winning or making a final in certain tournements from the past summer. As such u11, u13 etc is based on the age parameters for the 2015-16 season not 2016-17. Therefore if you were a 2022 team last summer you would qualify for u11 at TOC as long as you didn;t have hold backs born before 6/1/04. In other words next year your team will be eligible for u11

But a 2023 team won it ?

91 Bandits exceptional. Plus not a strong field

Bandits did win it and they are clearly the best 2023 team. However if allowed to bring "down" tournament eligible 2022 players have to imagine some key members were brought down. There is a big difference in development at this age. But let's call this what it was and that is a poorly attended tournament with subpar teams and only 2 good teams in this bracket. They could have met somewhere off 95 and done the same thing

The tournament is U11 which is 2023s for this year, U13 being the 2021's. The only kids allowed as 2022's in a U11 tournament are the ones with summer birthdays 6/1/2004 or younger. In a lot of cases those kids are PreK/ holdbacks and are already on 2023 teams around the country. Any 2022's that played in U11 are the ones that their parents didn't holdback. The playing field is equal, the teams with older holdbacks playing on their 2023 teams can't or don't play.

And of course they could have met off of 95. Did you expect Florida NC and Kentucky teams to be as good as the northeast teams? It was warm and sunny in December, I'm sure they had a great time.

Of course they had a great time, who wouldn't, Florida in the winter??
My point was that this tournament used to be stacked with tons of teams that came down from the NorthEast and now not so much.

Right. I think the holdback movement killed it. Too many teams top 3 or 4 kids are too old and they don't want to go without their "best kids".

Actually this tournament is the perfect tournament for holdbacks because it is based in the age the player was last year when the team qualified and you don't have to even come with the same kids that got you into the tournament. That is why Dukes was able to come with 2022 kids. Totally within tournament rules but think about it 2022 s playing U11??

Did time stop for everyone but Dukes? Kids born 6/1/2004 are still born 6/1/2004 the next year.

Wee bit sensitive are ya. Said that you were within the rules and many likely did the same thing but the rules in this tourney were different than most not a big deal got your panties in a bit of a bunch ?

Just heard a commercial for bbq grills. Lax season must me near.

Just read this in the LI forum. It's relevant enough to post here:

Went to Dukes National "tryout" this past Saturday. Buyer beware. The practice was 3hrs and 10 minutes long. They did the same 5v4 drill for 2hrs and 30 minutes of it. The same 3 kids on attack the whole time - never rotated any 2023 attackmen (until the 2022s showed up - then they alternated with those 3 attackmen). This was the biggest disappointment ever. For new kids they gave them pinnies with no numbers on them. The coaches had no clipboards in their hands. This was not a tryout - a total MONEY GRAB! I will say it again - BUYER BEWARE!

Oh yes, and they raised the fee to $895...

They don't need numbers bc they actually spend the time and effort to learn the boys names. They then also talk to us parents about our sons. My kid had a great time. Its not for everybody.

Ebe Helm the founder set the bar with the original Dukes Club and it became the gold standard in club. The leadership at the youth level it is all about the money. Total train wreck.

If you have a solid team that you already play for why would you spend another 2k for a few practices and 2 tournaments? I am not saying whether the team is good or not, but if its so great, like we keep hearing, why isn't everyone quitting there teams and playing full time with them?

because it is not intended to replace my sons primary club. Its a once a month thing for kids that want to play more with other kids that are both good and motivated. The kids on the team are from all over which makes it fun and different- they want kids who want to play more - I know our club can't play ALL the time and so my son goes to Dukes every time he can...

That is a bunch of BS - they never addressed him once or asked what position he played. You checked in and received a pinnie upstairs and for all I know the coaches downstairs didn't even know who was signed up.

At the end the coaches gave the usual song and dance about how much they care and how great the program is. But to reiterate:

- they never asked the kids what position they played
- they did the same drill for 2hrs and 30 minutes
- the same 3 attackmen played the whole time - no subbing
- no pinnies with numbers - no clipboards for the coaches

If you were there you know I am right.

Again, I couldn't have been more disappointed especially because I had heard this organization was different. But clearly just more of the same.

Dukes National Team - BUYER BEWARE!

Its not for everyone. Yes, buyer beware. My son loves it. You do not. Keep looking for the right fit for you (and your son), its out there.

Let's see here!

-Notices of players who did NOT make the DN team this past weekend went out at 9am sharp.
-Minutes later this person posts hate mail because their son did not make the cut.
- Clipboards: Your 2023 Lefty attacker is a good sizes kid, decent game knowledge, level 6 out of 10 on stick skills, slow feet and is soft on ground balls. We can tell you his name, Club Team he plays for and his scorpio sign. LOL
-Also If you want your son to be a number then stay where you are. Sound like a Plan Dan

FACT: I was there with my son and did not get the "Did not make it email...". 2:30 minutes of 5v4. Both coaches sons sat on attack for 90% of that time. Not one bit of instruction the entire time. Not one clipboard, not one ounce of training or development. There were random younger kids running around the turf field while this was all going on. BUYER BEWARE for sure!

I was at the earlier session for 2024 and 2025. It was extremely wel run with the exception the 2025 were not seperated and got beaten up . I do agree it was awkward with no numbers so am curious how they knew who was who . My one piece of advice to dukes would be to do the transition before the 2023 come out and use both sides of the turf. Less standing around then. Other than that , it was high energy and lots of instruction. Well worth the trip for us.

The concept is a good one. This particular team will never be good because there are 2 dads coaching the team and they both have sons that play attack and neither are elite players not starting attack. This is daddy ball at its finest. Our team played them and the score was 5-0 and the problem was the attack was non existent as validated by the -0- in the scoreboard. Daddy ball is always a factor and this team is particularly bad. Their 2022 team however is excellent

No skiin in this. But 6-5 loss to bandits is pretty good. But point well taken.

Three 2022's played with them. 2 of them were dominant.

Dukes National brought 2022's to the 2023 bracket at Dicks in December?

Yep. The birthday cutoff was screwy and they took full advantage. The actual 2023 team is good, but isn't competitive with top tier teams.

Just to be clear. Dukes national is 1 year old. I'm sure it will grow and grow as people seek additional playing opportunitirs

Full disclosure, I'm an LI dad. I'm not sure about them getting better. 2023 is a very strong age group, from Mass to Maryland and beyond. PA has some great teams, Jersey has a few as well. Just a lot stronger than the 2022's and up (I have a 2023, 2022, and 2019). The problem with the model is that the Dukes are a supplemental team for most of these kids. The players all have parents that think that their little Rabils need to play more lax. Unfortunately, there's no continuity. There's no true allegiance to the program. It's a bunch of good players, absolutely, but the truly elite players won't do it because their teams are practicing and playing enough already. My son, for instance, wouldn't have time for it. I'm not saying he's elite, but he's very good and plays on one of the more competitive LI teams. Between his town and his club, he practices 4 days a week all winter. Even more when the weather breaks. That's already too much, in my opinion. If he was on a team that didn't practice in the fall or winter, or practiced minimally, then Dukes would definitely be an option. But most highly competitive teams have really increased practice time this year. The kids on those teams are not going to Dukes. Their coaches would not tolerate it. That just my opinion; I'm not saying I'm right or wrong or even that the team isn't good. They are good, my son's team has played them a few times. Close games but his team was able to pull out the win. It's got to be great for some people because they seem very happy with it. That's awesome and I wish you the very best!

Dukes South was just a year old and look how that turned out.

Great post "LI Dad" Agreed. And I will add that to me Dukes success isn't hinging on have the top 3 kids in the country at every position but having 12 kids at each position that are very very good and have the time and desire to play and compete. You are lucky to have the options you have in LI as we do not have that here.

What happened?

Their are many areas - not Long Island. That do not have a power house team to play on. Areas like Westchester county, Fairfield county ct. New Jersey. etc etc etc. those kids want what the bandits have, igloo, So their is an audience for it. But like the guy from li says. If you play on an elite team like bandits Your not going to dukes. That doesn't mean you can't find elite kids elsewhere that play on mediocre teams at home.

They no longer exist. Poor leadership would be an understatement

They also lost 4-3 to Igloo, which is a top tier team. Excuse of why that happened in 3-2-1.... go

Once the main tournament season is over I am sure they will put out a much better product. The tournament they lost to Igloo is not a bad event,but most teams wrap up there season at NXT.

When did this happen?

If you were ranking the top 5 teams at 2023, Dukes would not make list. I am not sure if they could beat any of the top MD, LI or Boston teams.

Then who does cause we have beaten alot of them

They have not beaten the Express HB, Bandits, S2S or maybe Igloo for LI. Laxachuttes for Boston. Eclipse in CT, Hawks and Crabs etc. oh yeah and even BL in Philly.

Boston? Are you kidding with that?

Laxachusetts "Black" from Boston is one of the top teams in the age group. Pretty sure Dukes also lost to 91 B team twice last year.

Philly parents living in their own bubble.

Philly parents living in their own bubble...Please, hate to burst your bubble Boston Boy but Brotherly Love beat that same Laxachusetts "Black" from Boston 12-2 when last you came to the city of Brotherly Love. It was 6-0 at halftime. I don't know what you call that in Bean Town but in Philly we call that a Beat Down.

What tournament was that? I can pretty much bet they played Laxachusettes Green, not black. Maybe even White.

Well then you would be losing your wager my friend. Very good team with a goalie that frankly looked like he should have been a 2021 and the bleeding. It wasn't Green, It wan't White. Look up your favorite tournament score tracker via Google and the tournament was Summer Slam in West Chester. Laxachusetts brought a whole bunch of teams that did very well that summer, but not at 2023. Ask your coach, the only person that looked more stunned than the players and parents was the coach.
I just looked it up myself still available.

First of all, my kid doesn't play for them. Second, Guy, you're talking about a tournament played 2 years ago? Teams change substantially from year to year. They are a different team. Because my kid's team actually plays outside of PA and has played BL and Lax Black last year, I can tell you that the score would be much different. Last summer BL lost to Shore 2 Shore at NXT. Two weeks earlier, Lax Black beat S2S by 11 on LI. Teams change year to year. Try to stay current.

We do a lot of "You lost to them and then you beat us, but we beat them so therefore..." Sounds good, but meaningless statistically when you're talking about one game. To put things into perspective, look at the NFL for example. The Patriots lost to Seattle this past year (with TB). Does that make Seattle a better team? I think most would say no. Neither are the Bills. Aside from maybe one team from LI it could go either way when the top teams play. That makes things interesting and, dare I say, fun.

BL dad- relax. Being thin skinned makes it all that much easier to push your buttons. And yes remembering tourneys from 2 years ago would lead people to think you are that parent on the sidelines no one wants to talk to.

Bingo. I bet this loser still bores everyone with his story of throwing two touchdowns in the championship game for Polk High in 1984. Live in the moment, fella.

BL dad, I got your back. I bet this guy was on the losing team. He probably sat the bench and has nothing to brag about, ever. You keep telling your touchdown story until the day you die. Inspire your grandchildren. You have your glory.

Don't forget to wear your jersey when you tell it, too!

Who has to remember, it is a 10 second Google search. You have heard of Google? When a Boston dad blasts Philly Lacrosse give me a break. Laxachusetts Black, please. However typical BL vitriol, but to be expected since the Laxachusetts Black team did steamroll the rest of the Philly Club Teams....that I do remember, without the help of Google.

Can someone please verify this on the google for me?

What do you live under a rock

I'm not a Boston dad nor did I blast Philly lacrosse. All I did was confirm that Lax Black is one of the top teams in the age group, as someone else had previously stated. I believe conversation was regarding Dukes and the teams that are possibly better than them. But as a typical BL parent, you feel that your team is the center of the universe and was not getting it's due respect. It's not about BL, psycho. And it's certainly not about teams BL beat when the kids were 8 and 9 years old. Such a loser...

Well now you've done it. You think you're anonymous to Karma? Calling someone psycho and a loser? You better tell us BL folks that you love us or answer to karmic forces. Why can't we be friends? Man, I feel bad for you now.

This is the quote that was blasting Philly.
Nobody said our team was the center of the universe. You were the one that was spewing about Laxachusetts Green, White, Purple Red, and Black, not me....all I quoted was fact and that was we beat Laxachusetts by a lot to a little and yes a google search is all you need to see the scores.

Listen, maybe you are one of the fortunate few to have this google, but you don't have to be a jerk. We use encyclopedias in my country and they are fine! Always bashing Canadians. Jeepers!

So now the kids are 11 and 12 and you think it is that much different. Most of the good teams the nucleus stays intact. If you don't know that then you must be on a bad team. Sure there is roster turnover but for the most part every team usually gets better as success attracts better players.

I love it when people make sense. This gets back to what I was saying about measuring a team by their record over a number of games or years in this case. Not one or two tournaments. Our voices and opinions on here don't alter the facts/records. If someone on here has more time available, set up a committee and pour over the stats then rack and stack. Or, have a toss with your kid tonight instead.

Not totally different, but a few really good players. One is a big fast middie that will win every faceoff. Of all people, BL parents should know that a few kids can make a tremendous difference. Take you pole and your middie off the team and you're a middle of the PA pack. You know that is true.

Actually I would lump in our lefty attack the super fast one in that group.

However I agree 100% with what your saying...isn't that any team at any level?
Does Denver win without Cannizaro or FOGO. Real quickly name me two more players that played for Duke when Myles Jones was a senior. Besides Cavanaugh and Sergio what did Notre Dame have. How about Maryland, do they go anywhere without Rambo and .....I think you get the point. That is any team at any level.

i am not even convinced that Team 91 Bandits is elite without their FOGO...you play them you don't have the ball...suffice to say that is a problem.

I agree, that's my point. Someone says that because they beat them two years ago they will always be better than them. Teams don't need to be completely overhauled to be greatly improved. Case in point, Lax Black. One of the new kids won every face off and seemed to score at will. That team is substantially better because of one new kid, and they have 3 other upgrades since 2015.

And you forgot Landis from ND... gotta give the big boy some love

What's funny neither the middie or the pole where on the team back then

This is true both pole and middie were not on the team that beat Laxachusetts. I don't think the 2 players elevate this team as much as the team defense. I will be the first to concede we are average offensively

Such is life. It's not a revelation that "superstars" make a difference. The same principle applies to all teams and organizations in general. There are the stars and then there is the supporting cast. Attract, develop and retain the best and you'll have a winning formula. The teams that do this, win. BL does this very well and they're winning. Stating they would be middle of the pack ignores this principle and diminishes the contributions of everyone from the top down.

Well said, however, those words don't cover up the fact that without those two, the team would be a successful club. But they have them and they are. With that being said, that doesn't mean that they are still better than Lax Black because they beat them two years ago. It would be a good game for sure, but I think Lax Black is a better team. My son's team played both teams last summer (oh, and 2 summers ago beat Lax Black by 6). Lax Black was the better team of the two last season. That's doesn't mean they will always be, but unlike BL parents, I have a point of reference that you don't.

You need to get out of Pennsyltucky before you can claim to be better than everyone else.

My son plays for BL and was in that game against Lax Black two summers ago. You act like it was a decade ago. It was the fact that it was a blowout. If you get beat 12-2 by another lax team that is the end of discussion. It was 6-0 at haltfime and we took the foot off the gas.

As you pointed out you beat S2S which we lost to. Now I believe our team played poorly that day against them; however, until we beat S2S which we haven't...we can't claim to be the better team no matter what other scores and common opponents outcomes are. The same applies here until Lax Black beats Brotherly Love then they aren't the better team.

I for one enjoy staying in Philly, in case you haven't noticed everyone else comes here. I am sure that it has everything to do NXT and geographical convenience...but why travel.

What club does your son play for.

Why get out of Pennsyltucky when everyone else comes here. Also, didn't say we were better than everyone else. Just the team that we beat 12-2.

Also curious, why are you such a Lax Black advocate if your son doesn't play for the team.

I can let the reference to Pennsyltucky slide. Anyone who knows anything about the main line, horse country and Northern Delaware knows there's nothing "tucky" about us. Assuming you weren't plucked off the top of some "mountain" in the Berkshires let's call it a draw at the very least. You are right in saying that exceptional players elevate teams, but you're missing the bigger point. My son, for example, is not the middie or pole people are referring to so let's call him one of the supporting cast. How does he support? In a contest for a ground ball, you'd want to put your money on him. Even though he is one of the smaller middies, it's not unusual to see him bend kids twice his size in half with legal hits. You can also count on him for at least one goal per game. Now, populate your entire team with kids like him as BL has done and they win. Add two power players and you begin to dominate. Keep an eye on them.

Our NJ club team was at NXT this fall and while we got spanked by Brotherly Love I have to applaud the team for the way they play the game. In my estimation they have 3-4 elite players and then a lot of very good players. This is not why they win. I watched all 3 of their games (all 3 were in the football stadium not sure how that is fair but different thread) and they win because the whole team plays defense like their life depends on it. As a former d pole I respect that all 10
absolutely swarm to the ball. In this day of selfish professional athletes and coddled kids that comes down to coaching and team culture. That is why we scored 2 goals, Dukes Nationals scored 0, and a Maryland team not sure
Who s scored I think 1.

Bandits

I don't think that the two aforementioned players are their best kid. Played them in box and they have a little lefty short stick that can absolutletly fly and has some some skills but as they say speed kills

Agreed can't imagine trying to keep up with that kid on a full field rest of the team was good but didn't see anything exceptional

He's too small. Unfortunately he is shut down regularly on the field.

BL has two stud players. A middie and a pole. The rest are average players. Nothing wrong with that since they are still young and there is plenty of time for them to develop into quality players. However, if you take those two exceptional players off of that team you would be left with a middle of the road PA team (LI or Maryland bottom tier). That's just the way it is. To the guy whose kid regularly "bends kids twice his size", that's great. Unless he's the #1 middie or the #1 pole, he's average. Most teams are constructed this way.

We have played BL several times, lost every time except for once we almost won but some boneheaded decisions by both coaches and players resulted in an overtime loss. The best kid on the team is the lefty pole. Once they move that player to attack where he belongs he will be the best player on the team and the field. I think they have 4-5 exceptional players but at this point does it really matter? Will be interesting to see how the summer plays out but remember what I said about the standout player.

You are both idiots....

Two

Agreed. Idiots often fall in love with their own opinions as fact. From what I've observed, the average players aren't on the club teams (even your son's team, guy who called my kid average). Average lacrosse players stick to their community teams and that does it for them. They don't play much outside of practice or the games and they do alright, but they are average. Put them up against most club players and you'll have a different perspective on what average is. Maybe your sons team is the anomaly that has mostly casual lacrosse players on it?

We don't have a lefty pole

I was referring to the fastest kid on your team or at least he looks like it to me that plays middie and attack. He is left handed and SHORT pole. I just saw him again at a Box Tourney...everyone else looks like they are in quick sand...to me he was clearly the best kid on BL...maybe he doesn't play on field team for you guys.

He is our starting LH attackman and our best box player..by far the most committed to playing indoors. We have 2-3 middies that are just as fast, speed is definitely a strength of the 23's.

Where I'm from, everyone plays club. Tons of average kids.

I guess that's why some areas are much stronger than others. I know that on LI/Md, kids don't just play club so they can play in college. They need to do it just to play JV and Varsity. Some places are just more committed and competitive than PA. Here, we take all of the top kids and we have one really good team. Elsewhere, there are so many more options that elite kids play for so many different teams because they have more opportunities for playing time, location benefits and travel preferences. We have some talent, but we are still in the infancy stage. We can't compete with the deep rooted areas. That's the reality.

In my area, a good portion of the kids on the community youth teams have no aspirations to play JV let alone Varsity. They are great kids, but once the stick goes in the trunk after practice, it stays there until the next practice. That's neither good or bad, it's just the reality. Yes, even some of those kids go on to JV and Varsity, but the mentality is different compared to the kids here who participate in club and have nets in their backyards. Tryouts for the club teams weed out the average players (by our standards) for the most part, but it's all relative. If we are comprised of mostly average kids and we beat your team, are most of your kids below average? I doubt it.

I would disagree. We have clubs competing at a high level. Some are better in high school some are better at the youth ranks but the following are all competitive. NXT, Mesa, Freedom, Brotherly Love, Triple H, and Dukes. Sure MD and LI has elite teams as well but really only 3-4 from each of the two geographies. I can speak to 2023 and 2024 and there really is only 2-3 clubs that are elite from each area. I know of really only 3-4 from LI and 2-3 from MD.

On a national high school level we simply don't get enough respect and it really is just a "geography reputation" factor. When schools like Salesanium, Garnet Valley, and Conestoga lose by a goal to Malvern Prep or Sallies does well againsts the #1 in the country. How do these schools not get nationally ranked higher than the bottom half of the MIAA and NY schools. Whether it is Dox Aitken, Matt Rambo, Jordan Wolf, Ryan Sankey, Mike Sowers, Ryan Mcnulty, Matt Moore to name just a few they are all from Philly and all elite. Does the game have more of a footprint in MD and LI asbsolutelty but this area has a plenty of talent.

There is some truth to that; however, with the exception of BL, there are probably 6-7 teams from LI alone (Both 91, Express A & B, S2S, Igloo and Leg a sea off of the top of my head) that will beat all of those teams you mentioned and most will be blowouts. There is talent, no doubt, but the playing field is not even close to level. Geographical reputation is all in your head. Last year, the top 20 nationally ranked teams hailed from 6-7 different states. Good teams get respect regardless of geography.

Actually, the top 25 came from 13 different states:
Md (2)
Ct (2)
DC (1)
NY (8)
Ma (2)
NJ (1)
In (1)
Ontario (1)
Va (1)
Pa (2)
NH (1)
Co (1)
Ca (1)

Spread throughout the country. No geographical bias present.

I agree with your depth of talent and I do think that the talent is spread over more club teams thus resulting in a dilution factor for LI and MD. The top talent is the top talent meaning the top 20 kids from each of the three areas for example are all going to be comparable...there is a ceiling of ability no matter where you come from. This is why Philly has top notch players in Collegiate ranks the top 20 are the top 20 but then there is a bigger fall off for us. Now I will concede that both LI and MD after the top 20 kids have much more parity thus reconciling to the point about depth of talent.

I still disagree about the National Rankings. Yes they make a token effort to include disparate geographical areas; however, teams from MIAA and NY Leagues are routinely included in the top 20 simply because of where they hail from geographically and they "fill out" the rankings with those teams.

I will give you two examples. Malvern Prep out of Philly was the #1 ranked team in the country a couple of seasons ago and Avon Grove which had a stacked team loses to them in overtime by a single goal and never even gets into the top 20?? How do you lose to the #1 Team and not even get a mention?? Then Malvern Prep goes on and beats a lot of MD and NY teams handily that REMAIN in the top 20? If an MIAA or NY team were to lose to Malvern by a single goal that year they would have shot up in the rankings.

Second example Salesanium which is a Delaware school but has a ton of Philly talent loses to the #1 School in the Country last year Hill School, by a score of 10-9. How to they not appear in the National Rankings?

You could make the same point about Brotherly Love's 2024 Team as well. If you take the coach's son (I think #10) and the goalie off the team they are a B Team. Great goalie and the kid at attack either scores the goal or assists on 90% of their points. Don't see how this team was picked to participate in the Elite Eight. C'mon BL you know that I am speaking the truth...Stole the goalie from another club and without #10 you stink.

Wait a minute what rankings are you citing? Is it this years?

what is this "top 25" what?

2016 final ranking. Those are the states (districts and provinces) with teams that were ranked in the top 25 nationally and how many teams from each.

If I didn't know the BL kids better, I'd swear that one of them stole your lunch money. You sure do put a lot of energy into hating them.

I was referring to IL UA Warrior etc
You do have to concede if you lose to the #1 Team in the country by a single goal you should be in the top 20 the following week. It should be what happens on the field a lot of these teams s don't even play each other

Fair enough but answer me this am I right or wrong in my assessment of their 2024 team? Who is their third best player.

Not a bl parent. But the 24 team is a very compatible team. Better than igloo and better than express A and B

Salesanium is a very good team. They finished 2016 ranked #63 in the country. They lost to Hill Academy who finished #10. They also lost to Malverne at #17 and Culver at #33. All 3 losses were to quality teams. The problem is that their wins didn't come against highly ranked opponents. Their best win was against Easton Area, and they finished the season ay #82. In order to break into the top 25 they need to play more non-league games against top ranked opponents. That goes with any real ranking system.

Your first example is a lot more irrelevant. Yes, in 2014 Avon Grove lost an early season game to Malverne in OT. And yes, Malverne finished the season #2 behind only Boys Latin. The problem is that they lost their next two games to Central Bucks East and Bishop Shanahan... not exactly dominant programs. Not even ranked in the top 500. A team needs to put together a body of work; they can't be judged on a single lucky game.

I think this is a 2023 thread and my kid plays 2023. I don't follow 2024 closely enough to answer that. I've got to ask you though, do you really follow other teams that closely? I think I understand the point you're trying to make, but again, I'll buy you lunch at one of the upcoming events if it cheers you up. Man, you're world is a real bummer.

Besides, this is a 2023 forum.. who cares about 2024?

Sorry, I misunderstood. Laxpower rankings.

I think we're talking about 2023's.

The third best player is the kid with a BL uniform on and a lax stick in his hand? Are we now ranking players on 5th grade teams? No BL fan but get a life!

That's the issue. If you're not a traditionally powerful program, you need to get out and play some of the traditionally powerful programs in order to see how your team stacks up. Otherwise, you'll be ranked against who you play.

These rankings are a joke, unless you are a private school you are barely considered. And, the private schools don't want to play the publics because if they lose it will look real bad. Imagine the horror of those parents paying $40K for that private lacrosse experience and then losing to a public?!

There's not a ton of movement nationally in the first few weeks of any season. Can't see how a team can jump into the top 20 by losing to anyone. Win and maybe there's an argument. But losing, even in overtime, isn't going to do it.

Lets see BL play up at least one grade if not 2 against local clubs like another program had done that were competing with top teams. Then we consider how good they are. At the younger ages having bigger stronger kids can get you by, but not against older teams.

What local teams in 5th grade played up 2 years?

Man, what's your deal? Why does it seem like you have such an ax to grind with BL? Why does it matter to you that some of us think BL is actually pretty good (even compared to the good teams)? What's the point of your mission to "set the record straight"? I don't get you. You're like an annoying gnat that won't go away. I'm sorry, that wasn't nice, but come on, its freaking tedious fact checking you all the time.

I think the problem is your citing laxpower and I am citing UA/IL I don't think laxpower is the standard although their data seems much more objective and scientific. To me a national ranking that changes every week should oscillate with the weekly results

Now your really stretching it. If anything, playing that game should have hurt Malverne a heck of a lot more than helping an otherwise mediocre AG team. You'll never sell me on the results of one game. There is no way that the Avon Grove team was, at any time, a top 20, or even 50, team at any point in the season.

I could say the same about the bottom half of the top teams there were teams on the list with 4-5 losses give me a break they are there by reputation alone and that includes Haverford

We'all have to agree to disagree. Bishop Shanahan? C'mon.

Bishop Shanahan "not exactly a dominant program", Who and where are you from!?!? They have made it to the District 1 Final or Semi's the last 3 years!!!

He's right. The context of the conversation was from a National Ranking. Bishop Shanahan is an excellent high school program for the Philly area but let's get real. They are not a National Caliber Team that should be ranked in the top 20 in high school lacrosse.

Exactly. Teans have to get out of their comfort zones and challenge themselves to be credible contenders. Most area coaches are much more realistic than you are. They're happy with regional success.

Can anyone give me some thoughts about the Dukes national team. My kid was thinking about trying out at one of their mini camps

Dukes national 2023 is a very good team. Continually picking up top talent from various regions . Here is my personal opinion. The 3 hour mini camps for 60 dollars is a bargain regardless of whether or not you decide to play. They are fast paced, high intensity workouts. Definitely worth checking out

Let me guess you are the one collecting the 60 dollars and running the camp. Self promoting...very obvious....smooth operator....NOT.

No. I'm simply a dad , who thinks 20 dollars per hour for high level clinic is a bargain. Just so happens that the 2023 happens to be very good. Losing to the bandits by 1 goal in December. Those are pretty much the facts

I think it has be rehashed several times, but the 3 key players on that Dukes team were actually 2022's....they are not a bad team, but at 23 the Bandits would beat them by at least 10. I watched 2 of there 3 games at NXT and they are a solid team, very good defense, but they got almost nothing from the attack..

The question was "is it worth going to a mini camp?" And my answer was for 60 bucks. What's the downside

The Dukes National 2023/ Freedom Coach son plays attack and he is the best player on the 2023 team.

All the best players/athletes play midfield at younger ages, not attack, he is wasting his time.

Why is he wasting his time?

Because people like to say stupid things. And the coaches son is not anywhere near the best player on that team....

As much as the Dukes National 2023/ Freedom Coach son plays is an indication that he is by far the best player on that 2023 team and a top wrestler in PA to boot.

In my humble opinion. If your child is looking for additional lacrosse away from your primary team, than dukes nationals is worth checking out. I'm not promoting, it's one mans opinion . Kids from Maryland, Virginia, ny, pa, Carolina, etc. for many reasons. Kids are not fortunate enough to be part of a program that plays 12 months a year and this a great alternative. It's that simple. They do some great events and camps at various college campuses and keep it fun. But competetive.

LOL

They use a depth chart, so that should solve any arguments.

Who is the best? Righty attackman?

The Big Defenseman, but Dukes needs some help to beat BL

Created by the three coaches who all have sons on the teams...what a joke

Yes they have 1-2 standout poles, and some solid middies...the attack seemed non-existent

Ok jerk off. Look at 91 bandits, crush. Etc. spallna s kids. What's your point. Maybe they wanted to get away from negative a-holes like you

Right why would you want 3 former college players all at different positions with 50+ years of HS and college coaching experience combined coaching your kid? Better to have a college sophomore home for the summer coaching.

Based on a local fall tournament that only local players from the team played in

Well said, look what happened in the Championship game against the Bandits in Florida the Dukes 2023 attack non-existent. They can't even beat BL.

Or 4 of the 5 scored by the attack in the finals, but it's more fun to make up stuff

Let me guess the coaches kids play attack... struck a nerve there

Spring League starts next weekend. In Pool 1 we have:

Sons
Tri-State
Uprising
Freedom

In pool 2 we have:

Team 11
NXT
RR
Black Storm


This Sunday is NXT vs. Team 11 and Team 11 vs. Black Storm. Predictions for this weekend and for the overall.

Pool 1, I say Freedom, Pool 2, Rough Riders, this weekend, Team 11 in the first game, Black Storm in the 2nd.

Did they play this weekend? There are no scores posted on Tourney Machine

Could be one of the dumbest comments I've ever read on here. True some athletes play middie, but a lot of the times at this age the middies are kids who can run up and down the field with ok stick skills. They never have the stick skills or IQ of a good attackman. And my kid plays middie. Complete tools on this thread

Just to comment about dukes depth chart heard from friend who's kid played on dukes even though u make it above travel line the organization brings in outside players not on the team and gives them lots of playing time which ultimately cuts down on ur kids playing time and when the next depth chart comes out those kids are nowhere to be found, don't know if true but sounds like pretty lousy thing to do to kids that work hard to make it to tournament let alone the expenses involved...

No games start this upcoming weekend. Only 2 games at the 2023 level that I saw. No BL, No Mesa....probbably 2 best clubs at this age not in it.

As a FORMER Duke's Nationals dad this is accurate.
If you're looking for yet another outlet to drain your wallet, you belong there.
Don't get me wrong, great players and its a good time but another helmet, uniform, travel (think LI, CT, MD, upstate NY) wore us down.
They put together great events for the boys and its fun for a while but it wears off after spending an additional $2k on LAX for a team that will bring in a ringer at a moments notice to win some scrub tourney...
Final note: Know all those annoying LI parents you see at all the tourneys? Yeah. They're on your side now wearing your team's colors. Sit away. Far, far away.

How did the Mesa tournament go this past weekend?

Mesa best in age 2023? Got spanked this past Saturday... 0-3

BL beat Madlax and Next Level and lost to LI Express 8-4. Mesa beat Laxachsettes white and Lacachusettes Green and lost to Laxachusettes Black, Annapolis Hawks, and Crabs.

That's because it wasn't just crappy Phili teams. Get out of your bubble.

Hey Brotherly Love still struggling to find some offense based upon what I saw. Lot of individual talent but poor decision making and no semblance of structure and continuity. I do have to see that the BL LSM might be the most dominant Pole I have seen at this level. He caused havoc every time he stepped on the field. This kid dominates a game from the defensive side. Impressive. Anyone know what township and is he truly U13?

He is truly U13. No doubt the team struggled, the fact that they 1st practice took place 30 minutes before the game might have something to do with that. Don't worry they have a great coach that will get them going once they start practicing.

I watched them (BL) play when my son was done and I have to agree that kid is a man among boys. He totally controls the middle of the field for them and seems to have a non stop motor. I also agree there offense looked bad, the attack is non-existent they seem small and are there just to move the ball without ever being a threat to score.

U13 doesn't necessarily mean 6th grade. Could be 7th or holdback 6th

He isn't a holdback. he is a sixth grader, and he is from Kennett Township. Frankly plays very little lacrosse prefers football and basketball...if he ever took the game more seriously he would be a top 5 recruit.

haha, there are plenty of big athletic poles when they get to 8 and 9th grade. The bigger faster kids just stick out now. top 5 recruit?

We played BL at NXT and he is legit. I would agree best pole in this age group have you actually seen him play I am guessing you haven't otherwise you wouldn't be yapping. There is nothing wrong with saying a kid on another team is good

Agreed but when you start using the word RECRUIT with a 6th grader?? I'm sure he's a great athlete. These are the types of kids that look so far ahead of the pack at younger ages. I've seen kids like this, i've coached them. Many will always be great athletes but top 5 recruit i'm just saying its early. real early.

I agree with you it is an educated guess at the highest levels. Look at the busts in NBA, NFL, and MLB history. However the kid I saw was clearly the best on the field and dominated from the pole position but it was the intangibles, the motor, heart, desire i was most impressed with. Anyone know his name

He's my son, Julian Sparacino. Thank you for all of the commentary. It's far too early to cast projections, and we keep him very grounded. I am thankful to have a kid who works hard everyday to be the best - push-ups, pull-ups, box jumps and wind sprints daily to gain the edge. He's a great kid off the field too. Thanks again for the recognition.

Long Island dad here. Whatever he is doing keep him doing it. Saw him play at Madlax and he is one [lacrosse] of a player. Kept Brotherly Love in the game. Without him they lose by double digits.

Best poles in 2023 are on Long Island. S2S, Express an 9d1 have the best in defensive teams. Express and S2S win with basically defense and pray offense delivers 4 or 5 goals.

Lolololol

You have no idea what you are talking about...

I would say that the Bandits have the best defense. The reason for that is that the coach selects some of the best middies on the grade level and moves them to defense. Most of them still have dreams of playing middie though.

Bandits win with valuing possession and an outstanding offense. Unless you seen the kid from BL don't add your two cents. We played them at Madlax and no pole on our team was even remotely close. I give credit where credit was due, again without him BL loses by double digits rather than 8-4 I think the score was.

I have seen him. My son has played against BL several times. He's very good. He's also played against the Bandits several times and last I checked, there was more than one player on defense. As a whole unit, the Bandits defense is better because they have 3 very good defenders as opposed to one.

I find it interesting that no one has mentioned that BL beat Next level and Next level beat LI express that same day. BL has many multi sport athletes and haven't had a practice all year , suited up drove 2 and half hours and won 2 out of 3 . The played terrible against LI express, struggled on face offs and when BL did have the ball did not value it, threw it away or took bad shots. With that said the game was essentially 6-4 , the last two goals were in the waning minutes when BL was pressing out. If they play in summer should be a much better good game.

Not a Express fan but you sure did pack a lot of excuses in that post. Lacrosse is a match up game. Some teams don't match up well against others. It's also a possessions game so if BLs faceoff off guy is not better than Express they will have a hard time winning. The score was 8-4 and Express went into stall mode. Could have been worse

sounds like an Express fan

Last year at NXT BL beat Express and the pole left for the beach. The teams are fairly evenly matched like most of top teams at 23...

FYI... 8-4 is a convincing win.

TOOT TOOT!!!
It's the excuse caboose!!!
All aboard!!!
If you line up and take the field, you have no excuse. I can just hear you in your car on the way home with little johnny sobbing in the back seat making these excuses. What are you teaching him.
Drove 2 hours. LOL. Is that your excuse?
Multisport athletes? Excuse #2? That's funny. Last I checked when playing in a AA bracket there's no * for teams with multisport kids. Maybe next time you enter a hockey tourney you should tell all the organizers your kid plays lax too and maybe they'll make a multisport division for you and your team.
You got beat by a better team. Deal with it BL daddy. Tell your kid what the rest of us tell ours: "you got your [lacrosse] kicked. it sucks. do something about it"

sounds like some non athlete living through his kid

So many LAX daddies look like they've never played a sport. Ever. Not LAX, any sport. Mix in a run and maybe lay off 12 refills in the solo cup, bro.
Usually the ones yelling and making excuses.
Usually the ones that think because their kid plays club ball that he should then be the rec team coach.
Usually the ones decked out head to toe in said club's gear.
We are all laughing at ya.
Take the loss like an adult and encourage your guy to get better. Don't make excuses for him or his teammates.

I love watching my son play. He's pretty good and on a pretty good team. I also like to have a few beers with the friends I've made on the team (sorry, no club attire, though). If you want to laugh at me, I'm fine with that. I'm super secure and happy with who I am and who my kids are; however, if you decide to "mix in a run" during the next tournament, please do it away from me. I may just laugh so hard that I spit out my beer!

Yeah, mix in a run, bro. If you need an extra bright, tight-fitting Nike tank top let me know. I always have spares. Then maybe we can go tanning and get our teeth whitened, bro. Sound good, bro?

Any BL parents that can tell me how many 2023 are on the eteam trying to qualify for WSYL?

Good Luck today!

1/2 the team...they made it to the finals.

Looks like they got an invite (BL) tto the WSYL, that's awesome. Look forward to following their performance. Great experience for those kids

So BL doesn't dominate in age based tournaments? What happened to all the top 5 (insert position here) players....

What is the point of this question? No one ever said they dominated anything. Are they very competitive with all the top teams? yes unlike the majority of philly based teams. Does the team have 1 or 2 stand outs like most teams yes, but 5 no....

Hey Numb nuts. They made it to the Championship game. The club has been in existence for 3 years and beat out a field from all over Maryland, NJ, Carolines etc. of top teams ( insert club here ) and you think that BL didn't do well? They didn't even have a 2022 team until this year. Their defense was awesome and they need to work on clicking on offense. Man...just a bitter, bitter individual go crawl back under your rock and such your thumb.

Best lax team in Philly. That's kind of like bragging about being the tallest [lacrosse].

vertically challenged person, please

Philly is definitely the 3rd best "hot bed" area in lacrosse behind MD and LI (and the argument of who is best among those two goes on forever).

Couldn't agree with you more and I am from Philly and son plays for Brotherly Love. There is nothing wrong with being third as a hotbed. Both those areas have more depth of talent; however you could make an argument that if you pick the top kids from each area, Philly can more than hang. The success of Haverford School at the top of the heap in high school, Mesa pre-merger in the club scene as well as Dukes, the success of Philly at the Under Armour Underclassmen games, and the long list of Philly Talent a the very top of the Collegiate levels for years.

However, I think that you could make a case that Canada has supplanted LI and MD. I would take a Canadian Team against both of those areas....Hill School, Culver Academy (loaded with Canadians) U19 National Team... there is a new sheriff in town and it ain't LI or MD.

Let's not pretend that BL also hasn't beaten the Crabs and plenty of other teams from MD and beaten LI Express both of which I would put at the top or close to the top in their respective areas.

Presumptuous. Philly is still behind Connecticut. Probably Cali too. Illinois is blowing up as well.

Canada beats them all including MD and LI. The Hill School has been embarrassing the best prep teams in MD.

Using 20 year olds....

This is a Philly board, I live in Philly, my son plays lacrosse in Philly, I care that one of the better (if not the best) Philly-based team will get to compete on a national stage. How they rank or Philly ranks against other areas is only important to me on a National board.

Well said

Maryland complaining about using 20 year olds is too funny. They reclass their kids more than Any other area

This is true, and yes they are older. But one good school or one good team hardly dictates the presence of a "hotbed". Put 5 teams in the top 25 and maybe you can be considered. The thing that makes LI special,even more so that's MD, is that there are generally 2, 3, or more PUBLIC schools in those rankings. Not private schools pulling from a 60+ mile radius. When you can get that going, then you are a hotbed.

Hill School just happens to be the premier destination for field lacrosse and Canadian kids wanting to go to elite US schools. However, Culver Academy is also top notch and they are in the discussion because they have Canadian kids attending in droves. I agree with you...I am from Philly and with unbiased perspective believe that Long Island Lacrosse is consistently superior to Maryland. Don't agree with the Public School requirement to be considered a hotbed. To me a hotbed is simply an area that consistently yields top notch talent and nothing more.

The Canadian middle school club teams in the 2021, 2022, and 2023 ages typically get beat by the md and Long Island teams. Edge, Apex, Evolve and Hardcor are good but not great clubs at this age. They may be great at Box,but not on the field.

Likewise for the CT teams (chargers, eclipse).

I agree with but too many of us seem to think that middle school is the apex of this journey. I can't tell you how many middle school stars I have seen sit the bench in the high school and collegiate ranks. To me the end goal for this sport at this time is collegiate level and what prepares you for the collegiate level is high school and in those two areas the Canadians are dominating.

I have been to plenty of box tournaments with Canadian teams where the skills are there and the athleticism is not; however, blend the box skill set with athleticism and that is what the Hill School is doing. The Canadian Invasion in the Collegiate ranks is well chronicled but think about it...how did the Canadian National Team beat the US in the last World Games....in my opinion a major wake up call for US Lacrosse.

Do you think Indiana has awesome teams because that is where Culver is located?

Maryland is the only state where more high school kids play lacrosse than baseball. (6,276 to 5,590). New [lacrosse] high school kids play much more baseball than lacrosse (20,773 to 16,169).

You're comparing Maryland to New [lacrosse], not Long Island. Much like Canada, most New [lacrosse] kids don't play lax. Long Island kids play lax, and they learn it from their grandfathers. That's the difference.

Do you think that Indiana is where Culver is getting their players....maybe you heard of Hopkins and Princeton guess where two of the best players from each team hail from, Culver and yep Ontario

Hey guys. Interesting conversation going on here. I'm from LI so maybe I can share some insight. From my perspective, having a lacrosse culture all starts with your town youth program. How many teams does your son or daughter have access to and when do they begin? Take my town for instance. I'm from a small town in Suffolk county that is not one of the traditional lax powerhouses. We have at least two teams in every grade from kindergarten through 8th grade. The teams cost about $225 for the 10 game winter season (December-march) and $125 for the 8 game spring season (march-June) and the kids practice about 3 days each week with a game on Sunday . We usually enter a few tournaments each spring as well. Most kids also play basketball in the winter and everyone plays football in the fall, so it's not a "all lax all th time" deal. However, if you go to the beach in the summer, you're sure to see every other kid holding a lax stick or busting out the fiddle stick and cage.

Once you have the commitment from the youth league to do everything they can to make it fun, accessible and affordable for ALL kids, that's when you really see the boom.

I just reread my post and need to clarify... the kids don't practice 3x a week in the winter. One practice and one game; indoor space is too expensive,though some teams will supplement with additional practices in school gyms.

So defensive? Glad I don't live in a baseball state like New [lacrosse].

Not defensive at all. But "New [lacrosse]" is not known as a lax state as much as LI is considered a lax region. Most kids in the US play baseball. I'm not certain that the previous posters stats were altogether relevant to the discussion. It's all good though. I'm a LI guy and coach a youth team. 1/2 of my players are missing practice for Little League!