Trying to make predications off of the NHSLS or any fall scrimmages is a waste of time. Many teams play new players, many teams are missing top players for football. Some teams play sophomores and uncommitted Juniors to get exposure to players who may not play much in the Spring. You typed Spaulding won't be a doormat then predict them to be last?Slim wrote: ↑Mon Dec 12, 2022 1:48 pm IMO, The A Conference is going to be strong top-to-bottom in 2023. All teams will be more competitive overall than years past. Look for big improvements from MSJ and JC. Spalding me down compared to the past two years but they won't be a doormat like some folks predict. Severn, SP, Gilman stock is rising. Cream of crop still remains BL (IMG North due to 10+ full-time boarders), McDonogh (senior transplants help big time), CHC (the best $ can buy). St. Mary's is the pride of AACO again.
Prognostications after watching the NHSLS closely;
1. BL
2. McD
3. CHC
4. StM
5. StP
6. Severn
7. Loyola
8. Gilman
9. JC
10. MSJ
11. Spalding
*The interesting piece moving forward will be how the league addresses the boarding situation at BL (10+ overall and 5-6 senior transplants). I would even offer that McD has ramped up; boarding recruitment to keep up with the Lake Ave school. I would argue that BL is on a trajectory similar to St. Frances in football. If I were a Baltimore-area family with boys, I'd seriously question whether to send a son to school and expect to play there throughout their high school career. How does the coach and school address the fact that the senior transfers replace student-athletes in their "farm system"? I know I'd be asking that question...
Talking to many alums recently, they are concerned and feel it is unsustainable. How are they going to feel when one of their boys gets bumped or benched from transfer from Georgia, Florida, Ohio, or California (not to mention the next wave of Canadians)? Interesting plot twist...
As far as getting players from across the country even BL is late to the game. Lawrenceville, the NE schools, and Culver are ahead on this trend. The MIAA does not even get the best players in Maryland. Before you dismiss this as outlandish, I would place the top IAC and WCAC teams ahead of the MIAA. The Nike and Under Armor events prove this to be accurate.