Loyola Greyhounds 2023

[laxbro11]

I will say I like the new helmets


https://twitter.com/mattdwan12/status/1 ... 29/photo/1

[laxbro11]

Not even sure why Loyola is fielding a team in 2023. The Hounds will be a hapless crew and don't have much in the terms of offense or defense.
Most are penciling them in for 5th... in PL - likely behind BU, Navy, Army and Lehigh.
I guess there's always next year.

I see facts hurts some peoples feelings. All I stated is that it has been awhile. I am optimistic that the young guns can make a difference. The quality of the patriot league and our out of conference schedule is challenging.

If you dont see this, then your eyes are closed to reality. This team has not proved anything to the lacrosse world yet I am hoping that they will shock some in the first 6 games.

[TheBigIguana]

Hop16 can argue on Lehigh. But the point is the same. People are picking at least 3 teams to finish above Loyola in the PL. Would you or any of our other PL followers take the bet that 3 teams will finish ahead of Loyola in the PL? Just curious.

Well, that seems about right, given they finished third in the league last year, and lose arguably a lot more than 4th place finisher Navy, who are a popular pick to improve this season. Personally, I think BU is a very small cut above the other teams in the conference, and then Army-Navy-Loyola-Lehigh are all bunched in a tier together. I would not be surprised at those teams finishing in any possible order. Nor would I be if BU falls back to the pack this year. I'm relatively low on Army, so right now I'd pick Loyola to finish 2nd or 3rd, depending on Navy's (presumed) improvement. That is mostly based on Toomey's track record as a coach, because it's pretty indisputable that the Hounds lose several key players.

I could look very wrong but I just don't think they're losing as much as people think. Savio and Shafer were 54% and 49%. That's not Riorden and Ierlan leaving. Olmstead had a quite frankly shocking A to TO ratio for a senior X attackman. Lindley was always a secondary piece, a really good one in the right offense, but still secondary. LeBlanc was the third pole. It's just McNulty that concerns me. Middleton is solid but just not at that level and the second LSM is now a bit of a mystery.

I just think it's more replaceable than people realize and a lot of good pieces are still around.

[HopFan16]

Hop16 can argue on Lehigh. But the point is the same. People are picking at least 3 teams to finish above Loyola in the PL. Would you or any of our other PL followers take the bet that 3 teams will finish ahead of Loyola in the PL? Just curious.

Well, that seems about right, given they finished third in the league last year, and lose arguably a lot more than 4th place finisher Navy, who are a popular pick to improve this season. Personally, I think BU is a very small cut above the other teams in the conference, and then Army-Navy-Loyola-Lehigh are all bunched in a tier together. I would not be surprised at those teams finishing in any possible order. Nor would I be if BU falls back to the pack this year. I'm relatively low on Army, so right now I'd pick Loyola to finish 2nd or 3rd, depending on Navy's (presumed) improvement. That is mostly based on Toomey's track record as a coach, because it's pretty indisputable that the Hounds lose several key players.

I could look very wrong but I just don't think they're losing as much as people think. Savio and Shafer were 54% and 49%. That's not Riorden and Ierlan leaving. Olmstead had a quite frankly shocking A to TO ratio for a senior X attackman. Lindley was always a secondary piece, a really good one in the right offense, but still secondary. LeBlanc was the third pole. It's just McNulty that concerns me. Middleton is solid but just not at that level and the second LSM is now a bit of a mystery.

I just think it's more replaceable than people realize and a lot of good pieces are still around.

To some extent you may be right — I don't expect them to fall off a cliff or anything and certainly a 3rd defenseman and sub 50% goalie are very replaceable, if not improvable. I think you're underrating Lindley as a finisher a little bit — you can't plug anyone into that spot and just expect an automatic 40 goals on 40% shooting. Finishing is an art and he was very good at it. McNulty and Savio seem like two very big losses to me. Loyola has typically been strong up the middle in large part to those two guys and I doubt the replacement for either will be as impactful. At least not immediately. But it's a weird conference, and they should definitely still be in the mix despite these losses. I'd rather bet on a Toomey team than on most of these other coaches.

[jrn19]

It may not be a lot, but they tried very, very hard to replace Shafer last year and basically every one they tried was…worse than him. we have some idea of the other options and they didn’t look better. obviously they could improve. But it’s a question. Savio at 54%…you can improve upon that but you also can get worse. odds are probably even either way.

[TheBigIguana]

It may not be a lot, but they tried very, very hard to replace Shafer last year and basically every one they tried was…worse than him. we have some idea of the other options and they didn’t look better. obviously they could improve. But it’s a question. Savio at 54%…you can improve upon that but you also can get worse. odds are probably even either way.

Fwiw they didn't plan to replace Shafer but he was so off it early in the season, I'm talking his stick didn't move against Maryland basically, that they had to try. And Staudt who figures to start was in limited action 47%.

[TheBigIguana]

Hop16 can argue on Lehigh. But the point is the same. People are picking at least 3 teams to finish above Loyola in the PL. Would you or any of our other PL followers take the bet that 3 teams will finish ahead of Loyola in the PL? Just curious.

Well, that seems about right, given they finished third in the league last year, and lose arguably a lot more than 4th place finisher Navy, who are a popular pick to improve this season. Personally, I think BU is a very small cut above the other teams in the conference, and then Army-Navy-Loyola-Lehigh are all bunched in a tier together. I would not be surprised at those teams finishing in any possible order. Nor would I be if BU falls back to the pack this year. I'm relatively low on Army, so right now I'd pick Loyola to finish 2nd or 3rd, depending on Navy's (presumed) improvement. That is mostly based on Toomey's track record as a coach, because it's pretty indisputable that the Hounds lose several key players.

I could look very wrong but I just don't think they're losing as much as people think. Savio and Shafer were 54% and 49%. That's not Riorden and Ierlan leaving. Olmstead had a quite frankly shocking A to TO ratio for a senior X attackman. Lindley was always a secondary piece, a really good one in the right offense, but still secondary. LeBlanc was the third pole. It's just McNulty that concerns me. Middleton is solid but just not at that level and the second LSM is now a bit of a mystery.

I just think it's more replaceable than people realize and a lot of good pieces are still around.

To some extent you may be right — I don't expect them to fall off a cliff or anything and certainly a 3rd defenseman and sub 50% goalie are very replaceable, if not improvable. I think you're underrating Lindley as a finisher a little bit — you can't plug anyone into that spot and just expect an automatic 40 goals on 40% shooting. Finishing is an art and he was very good at it. McNulty and Savio seem like two very big losses to me. Loyola has typically been strong up the middle in large part to those two guys and I doubt the replacement for either will be as impactful. At least not immediately. But it's a weird conference, and they should definitely still be in the mix despite these losses. I'd rather bet on a Toomey team than on most of these other coaches.

I see guys like James and Poitras who are very good finishers benefitting from a reworking of the offense. Again it might not happen but Lindley's skillet required you to play one way and I'm not sure it ended up being the best way. If you want to say conservatively that the new 3rd attackman will score 15 goals you're trying to find 25 from the rest of the guys picking it up. I think that's in range because the high percentage shots won't all be going to Lindley anymore.

It's just a bet on style for me. I don't think a mostly close range finisher gives you enough flexibility when you don't have the dominant dodger and feeder against long poles anymore.

[kramerica.inc]

Not even sure why Loyola is fielding a team in 2023. The Hounds will be a hapless crew and don't have much in the terms of offense or defense.
Most are penciling them in for 5th... in PL - likely behind BU, Navy, Army and Lehigh.
I guess there's always next year.

I see facts hurts some peoples feelings. All I stated is that it has been awhile. I am optimistic that the young guns can make a difference. The quality of the patriot league and our out of conference schedule is challenging.

If you dont see this, then your eyes are closed to reality. This team has not proved anything to the lacrosse world yet I am hoping that they will shock some in the first 6 games.

Those who have been around Charlie's program know that Loyola generally isn't a place where underclassman are expected to step right in. Unless you're a special talent. Upperclassmen lead, underclassmen play roles and develop. It's why they have been so good for so long. That experience is worth more than people often realize.
The young guns aren't young guns any more. Now is their time. Let's hope you were right to be impatient.

[NovaHound]

Not even sure why Loyola is fielding a team in 2023. The Hounds will be a hapless crew and don't have much in the terms of offense or defense.
Most are penciling them in for 5th... in PL - likely behind BU, Navy, Army and Lehigh.
I guess there's always next year.

I see facts hurts some peoples feelings. All I stated is that it has been awhile. I am optimistic that the young guns can make a difference. The quality of the patriot league and our out of conference schedule is challenging.

If you dont see this, then your eyes are closed to reality. This team has not proved anything to the lacrosse world yet I am hoping that they will shock some in the first 6 games.

Those who have been around Charlie's program know that Loyola generally isn't a place where underclassman are expected to step right in. Unless you're a special talent. Upperclassmen lead, underclassmen play roles and develop. It's why they have been so good for so long. That experience is worth more than people often realize.
The young guns aren't young guns any more. Now is their time. Let's hope you were right to be impatient.

[NovaHound]

You're right right Kram. Toomey likes to let his players develop and sometimes there are some stars in the class and from what I've been hearing, there may be a few stars in this class. We'll know more after the scrimmage this Saturday.

[Laxfan#1969]

Kamish started right out of the gate and started all 6 games his freshman year before Covid shut it down

Poitras and James logged heavy minutes as freshman as well

The nice thing is those three guys still have 2 years left (including this year)

But I agree than most guys need a year to settle in before they log major minutes

If you’re ready and you’re good enough, you’ll get on the field…

As far as this year, I’ve said it multiple times on here, this team will have a perfect blend of experience and youth. On offense, you have the proven core in James, Poitras, Kamish, Higgins, and Lindsey…then the door opens for others including the freshman class and others. A handful of young guys are gonna get a lot of run…I’m not that concerned about the offense.

The bigger story is defense and specialists…gotta find some answers there to go along with Hughes, Ryzanka, Wyers, and Middleton…winning teams generally have great rope units…we need to get plus play from our shorties and middle of the field.

See what happens!

[kramerica.inc]

Hughes, Ryzanka, Wyers, and Middleton is a nice base to start with. Add in Sally who got a year under his belt in our system last year. And we're not trotting out a bunch of inexperienced rookies.

[Laxfan#1969]

Hughes, Ryzanka, Wyers, and Middleton is a nice base to start with. Add in Sally who got a year under his belt in our system last year. And we're not trotting out a bunch of inexperienced rookies.

Agree. Good base to work with. Returning all the shorties..obviously Ryzanka is a stud…if the other guys progress, we can be very solid in the middle. Teams with good to great rope units usually are tough to beat…

[laxbro11]

Hop16 can argue on Lehigh. But the point is the same. People are picking at least 3 teams to finish above Loyola in the PL. Would you or any of our other PL followers take the bet that 3 teams will finish ahead of Loyola in the PL? Just curious.

Well, that seems about right, given they finished third in the league last year, and lose arguably a lot more than 4th place finisher Navy, who are a popular pick to improve this season. Personally, I think BU is a very small cut above the other teams in the conference, and then Army-Navy-Loyola-Lehigh are all bunched in a tier together. I would not be surprised at those teams finishing in any possible order. Nor would I be if BU falls back to the pack this year. I'm relatively low on Army, so right now I'd pick Loyola to finish 2nd or 3rd, depending on Navy's (presumed) improvement. That is mostly based on Toomey's track record as a coach, because it's pretty indisputable that the Hounds lose several key players.

I could look very wrong but I just don't think they're losing as much as people think. Savio and Shafer were 54% and 49%. That's not Riorden and Ierlan leaving. Olmstead had a quite frankly shocking A to TO ratio for a senior X attackman. Lindley was always a secondary piece, a really good one in the right offense, but still secondary. LeBlanc was the third pole. It's just McNulty that concerns me. Middleton is solid but just not at that level and the second LSM is now a bit of a mystery.

I just think it's more replaceable than people realize and a lot of good pieces are still around.

To some extent you may be right — I don't expect them to fall off a cliff or anything and certainly a 3rd defenseman and sub 50% goalie are very replaceable, if not improvable. I think you're underrating Lindley as a finisher a little bit — you can't plug anyone into that spot and just expect an automatic 40 goals on 40% shooting. Finishing is an art and he was very good at it. McNulty and Savio seem like two very big losses to me. Loyola has typically been strong up the middle in large part to those two guys and I doubt the replacement for either will be as impactful. At least not immediately. But it's a weird conference, and they should definitely still be in the mix despite these losses. I'd rather bet on a Toomey team than on most of these other coaches.

I see guys like James and Poitras who are very good finishers benefitting from a reworking of the offense. Again it might not happen but Lindley's skillet required you to play one way and I'm not sure it ended up being the best way. If you want to say conservatively that the new 3rd attackman will score 15 goals you're trying to find 25 from the rest of the guys picking it up. I think that's in range because the high percentage shots won't all be going to Lindley anymore.

It's just a bet on style for me. I don't think a mostly close range finisher gives you enough flexibility when you don't have the dominant dodger and feeder against long poles anymore.

I agree with the post, the offense needs to be reworked... but that has not happened since Spencer left. We tried to fit players into an offense that was not suited for them. Lindley and Olmstead thrived off the fact that Spencer would be doubled or tripled and he could feed them the ball.

I would like to see them run a pairs style offense... If you watch PLL that is what alot of the teams do, and it constantly puts the defense in a bind

We need to find out what offense we can run effectively. Are we downhill dodgers? Wind dodgers? Who can feed.

[Laxdad2021]

11-10 win over Richmond today

[CnyLax]

Heard it was 10-6 after 3 which is when they pulled the starters

[Farfromgeneva]

Doesn’t matter as it’s a scrimmage but I heard from a Richmond Frs father a couple of offensive starters were out w minor injuries. Just a note as I know it’s real information not to rain on any fans parade because they “won”a

[laxbro11]

Heard it was 10-6 after 3 which is when they pulled the starters

Heard 11-6 and the twos went in Loyola up Staudt looked good in the cage Portrais Higgins James all looked good offensively

[houndace1]

Heard it was 10-6 after 3 which is when they pulled the starters

Heard 11-6 and the twos went in Loyola up Staudt looked good in the cage Portrais Higgins James all looked good offensively

I heard Poitras was out of the scrimmage due to an injury…? Unless you’re mistaking him for someone else

[NovaHound]

Richmond blew the Hounds out of the Bubble in last year's scrimmage (total beat down) and I believe the Hounds lost a lot of their confidence that day. That's what I've been told... So I guess it's nice to get a W.