ISL

[MA Lax Fan]

Anyone have an update on who Govs is playing in the indoor winter league championship?

I went to the 3D site but no updates.

Thanks.

[Laxxal22]

Anyone have an update on who Govs is playing in the indoor winter league championship?

I went to the 3D site but no updates.

Thanks.

I think it's Milton Academy as Govs-Medfield and Milton-Pingree appeared to be the two semi-final games. I could be wrong on that though.

[Laxboy78]

When does your famous ISL preview come out?

[Laxxal22]

Probably 3/1. It's mostly written I'm just struggling with placing the teams into tiers. Last minute edits are always easy though so if anyone has info or thoughts before then, please send a message.

[Can Opener]

Anyone have an update on who Govs is playing in the indoor winter league championship?

I went to the 3D site but no updates.

Thanks.

I think it's Milton Academy as Govs-Medfield and Milton-Pingree appeared to be the two semi-final games. I could be wrong on that though.

Medfield vs Milton in the championship game Sunday. Schedules and stats here:
https://winterboxlacrosseleague.com/wbll/boys-schedule/

[Laxxal22]

Bostonlaxnet's ISL preview up behind a very reasonable paywall - definitely worth it for the amount of coverage they provide: https://bostonlax.net/2024-isl-preview/

[Laxxal22]

https://www.instagram.com/p/C38New5rkgt/

Middlesex HC Doug Worthen is moving on at the end of the season with Brian Powers (Middlesex 2015, Tufts 2020), who is currently the HC at Catholic Memorial, stepping into the role. Another very young coach in the ISL and cool to see MX keep the string alive of having an alum at HC.

[Laxboy78]

Probably 3/1. It's mostly written I'm just struggling with placing the teams into tiers. Last minute edits are always easy though so if anyone has info or thoughts before then, please send a message.

It’s March!

[Laxxal22]

Here’s the 2024 preview.

No team looks dominant on paper, and a lot of teams have the optimism of bringing back all but a handful of contributors. There should be a lot of high scoring games with so many strong attack units.

I kept it simple with three groups - top, middle, bottom - each listed alphabetically. As always, I did my best with the info I had, and this is just meant to spark discussion. Please message me to correct any mistakes, or publicly call me out in the comments section.

The Leaders of the Pack: No team looks dominant, but these five have everything needed for a title run—talent at every position group, depth of scorers, strong specialists, and overall athleticism. Team cohesion, health, and a few fortunate bounces of the ball could be what decides the eventual champions.

Belmont Hill
Committed Players
Ben DiBastista -24 (Att - Lafayette)
Will Stewart -24 (Att - Villanova)
Sean Horkan -24 (Att/Mid Conn College)
Jack Schneider -24 (Mid - St. Lawrence)
Finn Fox -24 (Lsm/Def - Princeton)
Declan Reilly -24 (Lsm/Def - Fairfield)
Preston Evans -25 (Att - Virginia)
Charlie Crowley -25 (Mid - UVM)
Lindan Verville -25 (Mid - Virginia)
Eli Friedman -25 (Faceoff - Cornell)

(15-1, 12-1 ISL, in 2023): They graduated a lot compared to most of the league but have a strong core of committed players, and the program’s development pipeline always has guys ready to fill roles when their number is called. The attack will be very entertaining to watch, and should enjoy a “make it, take it” style of play behind their four-star faceoff specialist and what is always some of the ISL’s most athletic wing play.

Biggest Strength: Elite players & consistency. In a hypothetical preseason ranking of ISL players they’d have #1, another three in the top 25, and probably three more in the top 50. Regardless of graduation losses there are still playmakers all over the field. This program never really has peaks and valleys. Obviously some years are stronger than others but every class seems to have 6-9 guys in a range from 4-star lacrosse recruit (5-star this year) to a D3 commit for football or hockey who’s played lacrosse since second grade.

Biggest Question: Who steps in at D? BH graduated three of the top five poles, starting goalie, and a starting dmid. I have no doubt they have the talent but am interested to see who gets the spots. A group of 6-7 guys will battle it out to fill those longstick roles. In cage a senior who’s been a steadfast back up for two seasons will be pushed by two strong sophomores. Dmid shouldn’t be an issue as there’s always an abundance of athletes at BH.

Player to Watch: Will Stewart - Sr. Att/Villanova (34g, 20a HM All-ISL) - He’s not the first guy you have get off the bus at away games, but is the last guy you’d want to mess with as a 3x All-ISL wrestler at 165 (no official season freshman year for Covid). Balance, body control, anticipating/manipulating leverage, and dealing with discomfort are underrated yet valuable traits he brings from the mat to the field. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6p1oQ8Jlx-M

Player to Watch: Cal Peterson - Sr. Dmid/Uncommitted (4g, 3a) - BH’s strength last year was the defense and Peterson was the primary dmid. He’s got grit, motor, and every other adjective ascribed to dmids and white edge rushers in the NFL. Including him here as he’s not on the committed list though he’s of that caliber and plays many roles (man down, faceoff wing, etc.) for BH. https://imlca.sportsrecruits.com/athlet ... eo=3056433

Govs
Committed Players
Tyler Mallie -24 (Att - Merrimack)
Nick Berglund -24 (Mid - Bentley)
Matthew Collina -24 (Mid - Colorado College)
Colin Maloney - 24 (Lsm - Marquette)
Ethan Winterbottom -24 (Def - Hobart)
Ethan Ferrant -24 (Def - Dickinson)
Andrew Almquist -24 (Goal - Babson)
Joe Dimella -25 (Att - BU)
Brock Geraci -25 (Att - Georgetown)
Charles Cochrane -25 (Att - UVM)

(9-8, 9-5 ISL, in 2023): Govs had a young team that made progress throughout the season and ended up playing for the title. They lose only six contributors, almost entirely from the midfield including two All-Americans (one ISL, one Under Armour), but the strength of the returning longsticks/goalie and attack should cover that and there’s intriguing talent in the midfield. The graduation loss at faceoff is big, but otherwise they look tough.

Biggest Strength: Stout at both ends. The attack has four D1 commits so someone will have to run out of the box, and five of the top six poles return plus a three-year starter in cage. Settled offense and defense should be strengths. I also think Govs may have a playoff mentality in their DNA. They’ve made the ISL finals both years despite lackluster regular seasons, and they won a tournament last summer at St. G’s that had a lot of strong prep schools.

Biggest Question: How’s the midfield depth? Berglund, Collina, and a converted attackman would make a potent trio, but then what? There are intriguing options on the roster but it’ll be interesting to see how the second midfield, dmids, etc. take shape.

Player to Watch: Nick Berglund - Mid/Bentley (11g, 10a) - He emerged as the starter dual threat QB and earned HM All-ISL this fall. Obviously that’s a huge start to senior year and I think the confidence from that should carry over. Not that he’ll be cocky, just that one’s perspective changes after spending eight games getting chased and hit by huge dudes who have bad intentions. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9pz_wH1d6p8

Player to Watch: Andrew Almquist - Goal/Babson (2x HM All-ISL) - I get the sense he’s a big game player as two years in a row ho hum Govs squads have gotten hot and won two playoff games to make the final. He’ll get the chance to shine from the start as one of the more seasoned keepers in the league with a lot of talent and experience in front of him. https://imlca.sportsrecruits.com/athlet ... eo=2842963

Nobles
Committed Players
Patrick Albers -24 (Att/Mid - Bowdoin)
Henry Tweedy -24 (Mid - Tufts)
CT Grosso -24 (Faceoff - UVA)
Andrew Higgins -24 (Faceoff - Hamilton)
Colin Kenney -25 (Att - Notre Dame)
Ethan Train -25 (Goal - Navy)

Nobles (17-4, 13-1 ISL, in 2023): Back-to-back titles for the Dawgs. They lost a lot, including two All Ameriicans and a 2025 with sky high potential who left for junior hockey. The loss of such a big class is somewhat mitigated by the group’s injury misfortune last season which allowed a lot of younger guys to get stretches of playing time and development. This year’s seniors don’t jump off the page from a lacrosse perspective like the previous couple of classes but they’re very athletic and there are some blue chippers in the 25 and 26 classes. As always they’ve got a lot of guys who can score, and a top faceoff unit feeding them the ball could make a three-peat a reality.

Biggest Strength: Midfield. Two strong faceoff specialists, an All-ISL and two honorable mention two-way mids, an Ivy hockey commit, and a NESCAC football commit headline the returners for a unit with some other guys ready for bigger roles. The depth and athleticism that is just about tops in the league.

Biggest Question: Can they survive being the hunted? After two titles there’s no question everyone will circle Nobles on the calendar. Can the Dawgs handle the onslaught? The pole depth is maybe not at the level of the other teams in this group, and they don’t have quite as many superstars as the past two seasons, but they’ve proven that they know how to peak at the right time and will certainly have a say in May.

Player to Watch: Henry Tweedy - Sr. Mid/Tufts (22g, 19a All-ISL) - Had a breakout season and is a great get for Tufts. He feasted as a physical two-way mid, making a lot of plays in transition/early offense and then as more of an off ball threat in settled offense. It’ll be interesting to see if he keeps that type of role or if he’s used as more of a settled offense initiator who draws the pole and opens it up for others. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yFZcuf9b8r0

Player to Watch: Tuck Gilbane - So. Att/Uncommitted 53g, 37a All-ISL) - Nobles always has great scorers, but 90 pts as a freshman is ridiculous even for the Dawgs. He has all of the tools and is sturdy enough to handle the attention of #1 defenders, so I expect a monster spring and summer before he becomes a highly coveted recruit. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V1GP6YWImKg

St. Seb’s
Committed Players
Chris Merageas -24 (Att - Denver)
Mike Quinn -24 (Att/Mid - Michigan)
Max Proia -24 (Mid - Colby)
James Joyce -24 (Mid - Michigan)
Cormac Walsh -24 (Mid - Bowdoin)
Brendan Fulham -24 (Def - Duke)
Paul Armstrong -25 (Att - Holy Cross)
John Stenberg -25 (Mid - Dartmouth)
Crosby Thurmond -25 (Mid - Holy Cross)
Ryan Farley -25 (Def - Lafayette)
Devin Maguire -25 (Def - Army)
Chandler McClements -25 (Goal - Penn)

(12-5, 10-3 ISL, in 2023): The Arrows had a strong year despite graduating a big group in 2022 and only playing four seniors last spring due to some injuries. There’s talent and significant experience returning at every position group. They have a lot of standouts but not superstars across the junior and senior classes and will come at teams with waves of depth that should allow them to play 20+ guys in every game.

Biggest Strength: Defense: The top Lsm and a three-year starter in net are gone, but everyone else returns, including all of the shortstick dmids. It’ll be interesting to see if/how the pecking order for playing time changes up from last year as rates of improvement will have varied with so many returners. Whatever group emerges as the top rotation will be one out league’s stoutest.

Biggest Challenge: What’s the offense look like? Only two contributors graduated, but they led the scoring at attack and midfield respectively and were a lefty tandem that initiated a lot of the offense, especially in big moments. They have five potential starters at attack; how the top trio is sorted and other two flow into the midfield rotation will give the offense its early season shape. I expect there could be some shuffling and evolving from March to May.

Player to Watch: Cormac Walsh - Sr. Mid/Bowdoin (11g, 11a HM All-ISL) - He does everything at a high level, but he’s more smooth than explosive so appreciation for his play is a slow burn rather than eye popping. He has great game sense and is one the league’s best passers. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XczdZTmaxeU

Player to Watch: George Kelly - So. Dmid/Lsm/Def - A multisport standout and versatile defender. He’s a Lsm/Def for club, but began last season as the top shortstick dmid with the logjam at longstick. Started out strong but an injury limited his spring. He made HM All-ISL (ISL 7) at RB this fall, and got write ups from Ty Xanders and NLF for dominant play (with a pole) at a select event at IMG this winter. He’ll clearly be on the field, but in what role and with which type of stick? https://imlca.sportsrecruits.com/athlet ... eo=3306302

Thayer
Committed Players
Nate Austin-Johnstone -24 (Att - Rutgers)
Fin Holland -24 (Mid - Union)
Conrad Langenhangen - 24 (Mid - Union)
Jackson Henehan -24 (Faceoff - Harvard)
Chrisl Cabral - 24 (Def - Rutgers)
Teddy Lally -25 (Att - Notre Dame)
Tyler Chouinard -25 (Att - Army)
Gus Beaudry -25 (Mid - Army)
Jack Cappadona -25 (Def - Army)
Garr Long -25 (Goalie - Brown)

(10-6, 9-5 ISL, in 2023): The Tigers graduated a huge class but avoided rebuilding status with the addition of two Four-Star juniors who came over from Tabor, giving them arguably the strongest junior class in the state. Still, they’re replacing 10ish every game players, many of them 2-3 year contributors. The talent is there but it may take a few weeks for things to click into place.

Biggest Strength: Attack. Last year they had four guys for three spots and which seemed like an awkward balance. This year the skill sets and roles of the top three seem to map out clearly and balance each other well. They should be one of the top groups in New England all season.

Biggest Question: What’s the program identity? The talent is undeniable but continuity is an issue. Coach Rubeor wasn’t there very long when you factor in Covid and now Coach Daye is just in his second season at the helm. There’s a lot of turnover graduating a big class and bringing in transfers. Seems like a lot of pieces.

Player to Watch: Tyler Chouinard - Jr. Att/Army (29g, 13a HM All-ISL) - He doesn’t have the pronounced athleticism of his linemates - though he’s quicker and stronger than he initially seems - but his toughness and intangibles are a heck of a combo. He thrives off of contact and seems to use it as an advantage as a counterpunching dodging style that makes him awkward for defenders to cover, especially in tight. https://imlca.sportsrecruits.com/athlet ... eo=3035091

Player to Watch: Gus Beaudry - Jr. Mid/Army (11g, 8a) - A very fluid and smooth player, he could have a breakout year as the guy that makes defenses pay for over-adjusting to the attack with his shoot/feed/dodge ability off of skip passes. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XgTb3qGbmsM


The Puncher’s Chance: These teams all have solid talent on and on the right day can certainly take games off of the top 5. But they also have some more obvious questions and depth concerns may just be an injury or two away. They’ll battle it out for the final playoff spots and could definitely win Round 1 games.

Groton
Committed Players
Patrick Keegan -24 (Att - RPI)
Amos Lawrence -24 (Def - Middlebury) Have heard he’s not pursuing this commitment.

(10-8, 8-7 ISL, in 2023) Groton made it to the finals of the consolation playoffs, and return one All-ISL and three HM players. I get the sense there are a few kids like Amos Lawrence on this team that had high D3 interest but opted for other opportunities. They don’t light it up with btb feeds to btb goals, but they’re smart, disciplined, and don’t beat themselves.

Biggest Strength: Longsticks. I don’t know how deep the group goes but I like the trio of Lawrence, Miller, and Scheible. Their statures and styles are very distinct from each other which has to be a benefit in game planning/deciding match ups.

Biggest Question: Do they have a playmaker at attack? They have a couple of proven scorers returning up front, but can they take the next step and be plus-level players like they have at midfield and defense.

Player to Watch: Matthew Scheible Jr. Lsm/Def/Uncommitted (4g, 3a) - A great blend of balance, speed, and stickwork that allow him to press out with an aggressiveness of a 6’3 player, even though he’s listed at 5’10. Between his tape, accolades, and that SAT score I imagine he’s on the radar for the remaining spots at high academic D1s, while the NESCAC and similar D3s are praying he’s still available and interested this summer. https://imlca.sportsrecruits.com/athlet ... eo=3173949

Player to Watch: JP Charpentier Jr. Mid/Uncommitted (25g, 6a All-ISL) - Four separate coaches named him in the “Most Underrated Players in the ISL” article in New England Lacrosse Journal. He’s a do-it-all player with all of the tools to do it. Emblematic of the Groton program in that he’s more grit than flash, he’s still racked up plenty of accolades listed at the beginning of his highlights. I imagine he’d be committed if he weren’t a little under prototypical D1 size.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iXwhkklxh7Q

Middlesex
Committed Players
Ty Samson -24 (Att - Skidmore)
Nick Moore -24 (Mid - Colgate)
Andrew Matarese -24 (Def - Lafayette)
Owen Crann -25 (Att/Mid - Penn)

(10-6, 9-5 ISL, in 2023) There’s a lot of firepower coming back for what was a young yet strong Zebras squad. I came very close to putting them in the top group as they’ve got a good group of multi sport athletes along with the lacrosse first guys, and I wouldn’t be surprised at all to see this as a final four team if a few things go their way.

Biggest Strength: Explosive Players: Three returners who each went for over 55 points last spring, and all have the feet to create instant offense. Luckily they have a few other reliable scorers as well, but that trio is a nice crutch.

Biggest Question: How formidable is the depth? The starters match up with any team in the ISL, but what do they get from their 5th/6th poles, second midfield, 3rd dmid, etc? If a few role players excel from placeholders into playmakers then this team should have a lot of confidence.

Player to Watch: Matt Egan - Jr. Mid/Uncommitted (29g, 32a - All-ISL) - Also already a two time All-ISL in hockey (Eberhart), I’m sure he has the attention of college coaches from both sports. He’s not as polished as some of the committed 2025s, but outscored all but two of them with numbers that are rare for a soph middie in the ISL. With his size and athleticism the ceiling is quite high if he chooses to pursue lacrosse. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TBHK01M2CO0

Player to Watch: Emmett Goodrich - So. Def - A reclass from Winchester, he’ll bring an edge to an athletic group of lonsticks that will have a lot of match up flexibility. The Zebras may want to practice Man Down without Goodrich though—while his highlights are worthy of Motley Crue you can see refs reaching for flags a comical amount of times after he lays someone out. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-XwYyvdoxDk

Milton Academy
Committed Players
Sam DeGrappo -24 (Att - Oberlin)
Will Lavalee -24 (Faceoff - Trinity)
Silas Hamblett -24 (Goal - Wesleyan)
Natty Mason -25 (Att - Georgetown)

(8-8, 7-6 ISL, in 2023): Strong year for the Mustangs finishing 7th and making the playoffs. They lost a strong class, but it appears they’ve reloaded a bit with twin transfers from Canada adding to what looks like a very strong sophomore class. Not that it’s worth that much, but they did win the indoor league.

Biggest Strength: Specialists. The starting goalie and faceoff specialist are NESCAC commits and both made HM All-ISL last season as well. That’s a good mix of talent and stability in two parts of the game where a few key plays can really swing a game.

Biggest Question: How do the longsticks measure up? Three of the top four poles graduated including one to BU. I don’t have a lot of info on what pieces are there for a rebuild.

Player to Watch: Ryan Shea Sr. Att/Uncommitted (32g, 13a) - Although he’s a hockey player first, having his level of athleticism bringing a third element to contend with along with Mason and Degrappo gives this unit some oomph.

Player to Watch: Ian Smith So. Mid (13g, 6a) - A smooth lefty with good open-field athleticism. Downhill dodger with a heavy shot.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mG8odrvO8Ak

Rivers
Committed Players
Joshua Do -24 (Att - Swarthmore)
Greg Canning -24 (Att/Mid - Mercer)
Charlie Kantaros -24 (Lsm - Union)
Jack Rabazzi -25 (Def - Colgate)

(6-10, 5-8 ISL, in 2023) It was a rough year for the Red Wings and they lost a lot of scoring, but I do like some of the pieces and year two should be better for Coach Hudson continuing to make the program his own. A bounceback year would help reassert the notion that Rivers plans to stay in the upper tier, and could start a snowball of momentum for the new regime. I don’t think there’s a lot of room for error but if everything clicks they could be a playoff team,

Biggest Strength: Longsticks. They return 5 of the top 6 and Rabazzi has been a real player on the rise. Both Lsms clearly have hockey backgrounds which is always beneficial on gbs and in transition play.

Biggest Question: Who’s scoring? Only 53 total goals return from last season and five of those were from Lsm. It was a bit of a two-man show last spring so more opportunities should lead to more results, but it doesn’t look like they have a ton of firepower.

Player to Watch: Marcos Ramos - Jr. Goal/Uncommitted - He’s a little under the radar compared to his fellow Laxachusetts netminders who’ve committed, but he’s one of the most seasoned goalies in the league going into his third year as starter. They gave up 11.5 goals/game last spring, but I expect that down with a more so much back at defense and a consistent option facing off. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qGzpri6ZxE0

Player to Watch: Zach Musi - So. Faceoff - A transfer reclass from Belmont gives the Red Wings the faceoff specialist they desperately needed last year. With a strong defense but limited depth on offense, maximizing possessions will be key.

Roxbury Latin
Committed Players
Hayden Cody -24 (Faceoff - Bucknell as a 2025)
Sean Dilallo -24 (Lsm - Haverford)
John Thomas -24 (Lsm/Def - UVM)
Johnny Price -25 (Mid - Georgetown)

(11-7, 9-5 ISL, in 2023) If you believe in momentum then you should like this year’s Foxes squad. They finished 2023 on a high note - winning the consolation playoffs - and only graduated five seniors. Seven players who accounted for 138 goals as well as several athletic poles return. If they stay healthy they’ll contend with anybody.

Biggest Strength: First midfield - It might be the best put together top line in the league - Price is the lefty blue chipper, Cotton the speedster, and Popeo the sturdy two-way player. They combined for 76g, 38a last year. I could see it being closer to 100g, 50a this spring.

Biggest Question: What’s going on in goal? RL had the fortune of having Tufts and Holy Cross committed caliber goalies last year, but the misfortune of having them graduate together. Could be the achilles if a suitable starter doesn’t emerge.

Player to Watch: Hayden Cody -Sr. Faceoff/Bucknell as a 2025 (12g, 7a) - All-ISL in 2022 and honorable mention last spring, Cody is certainly battle tested and familiar with the competition. His proven ability to put up 20ish points gives him an added layer of value. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WI3K_Jl2iPs

Player to Watch: Matthew Bastardi -Sr. Att (20g, 48a - Academic All American) - A little surprised to not see a college commitment from Bastardi, but RL is like Groton in that they have more guys who could play in college than choose to. Having a great set up man back will be key with such a plethora of scorers.

Tabor
Committed Players
Evan O’Neil -24 (Att - Richmond)
Jackson Chase -24 (Att/Mid - Gettysburg)
Luke Handy -24 (Att/Mid - Skidmore)
Mitch Kavey -24 (Att/Mid - Loyola as a 2025)
Tim Bengston - 24 (Mid - Assumption football & lacrosse)
Ronan Schipani - 24 (Def/Lsm - Fairfield)

(10-8, 7-6 ISL, in 2023) Though talented, the Seawolves were on the losing end of a lot of close games last year, part of the growing pains of a young team and a first year HC. They managed to put it all together in a playoff upset of Belmont Hill, and looked like a favorite for 2024 as they only graduated 15 goals scored. Transfers took a huge toll however as a senior longstick (Penn commit) and a junior longstick and goalie (Army and Brown commits this fall) did not return. There’s still talent on the roster but a lot of questions as well.

Biggest Strength: Returning scoring - The top six scorers are back as well as another handful of guys who sprinkled in some goals. The starting attack should be especially potent.

Biggest Question: Can they sort out the back end? In addition to the transfers they also graduated a longstick to BU, so the talent drain on that side of the field is tremendous. They still have a Fairfield commit and a football prospect who is also a strong defender, but some guys will have to step up.

Player to Watch: Garrett Salit - Jr. Mid/Uncommitted (15g, 12a) - Not the flashiest but is a do it all middie and does it all at a pretty high level. On a team that probably doesn’t go as deep as the top squads, having players that check a lot of boxes is very important. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FPi114y0Nhg

Player to Watch: Liam Raby - So. Mid (5g, 2a at St. George’s) - Having mentioned the transfers out, Raby is one coming in as a reclass from St. G’s. 6’4 and with tools, which always makes for intriguing potential. I’m not sure he cracks the top six on offense but he’s a nice piece to have for the next three years.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Wx-wpcv8Hk


Looking to the Future: Wins may be few and far between for these squads that are all in varying stages of positioning their programs to be competitive with the stronger teams..

BB&N
Committed Players
Louie Varadi -24 (Att - Conn College)
Henry Rome -24 (Mid - Babson)
Henry Waisburd -24 (Goal - Holy Cross)
Will Fuller -25 (Att - Princeton)

(5-13, 4-9 ISL, in 2023): I definitely considered putting BB&N in the “Puncher’s Chance” group of teams,and gone are the days when everyone’s highlight video would feature 4-5 clips against the Lions. They graduated a small but impactful group of seniors and are led by a four-star junior recruit so they’ll be dangerous on the right day and this could be the year they break out.

Biggest Question: Who emerges after the top 3? It’s pretty easy to game plan for three guys. BB&N’s ability to beat any plus .500 teams will rely on finding reliable 4th, 5th, and 6th options.

Player to Watch: Will Fuller - Jr. Att/Princeton (32g, 23a HM All-ISL) - Very sudden yet smooth. Plays with his head up and it’s easy to see why he was an early commit. He’ll need first priority for the ice bath this spring as defenses are going to give him a lot of attention. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fKt5EWEu764

Player to Watch: Henry Rome - Sr. Mid/Babson (29g, 6a) - A tough two-way athlete that adds some scoring pop in the midfield to go along with the duo at attack.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V_UdGfNAfcQ&t=

Brooks
Committed Players
Cade Chezum -24 (Faceoff - Vassar)

(0-14, 0-12 ISL, in 2023): Dark days in North Andover. The good news is they only graduated 13 goals. The tough news is they only return 19 goals. I haven’t seen/heard much of anything on what they have this year which isn’t a good sign.

Biggest Question: When/will there be a rebound? The echo is getting softer, but I’ve said many times that Brooks was pretty good not very long ago. It's been a different program since the pandemic, and I’m not sure I see any fresh signs of life.

Player to Watch: Cade Chezum - Sr. FaceoffVassar (5g, 1a) - A true FOSO as he’s the #2 returning scorer. The importance of strength at faceoff will be amplified in the few equal talent match ups they have this spring. https://imlca.sportsrecruits.com/athlet ... eo=2792081

Player to Watch: Chris Caiazzo - jr. Lsm/Def (HM All-ISL) - A playmaking pole who can add a little spark to the defense and transition game.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2iKvsydQfCA

Lawrence Academy
Committed Players
Will Gaynor -24 (Att - Union)
Liam Teto -24 (Mid - Skidmore)

(5-9, 4-9 ISL, in 2023): It’s crazy how few close games the Spartans played in 2023. They had a one goal win over St. George’s but the margin in other games, win or loss, was always at least 4 goals. They return a big senior class, but I don’t know how much of the quantity is quality.

Biggest Question: Will the numbers work out? Lawrence is a smaller school yet competes quite well in the ISL’s tougher divisions for football (ISL 7) and hockey (Keller) and typically has a strong baseball team as well—that requires a lot of boys. Factor in non athletes and you start to run low on desks/beds. They have brought in some good young players but to get to the fringe of competitive in the ISL teams need at least 15 guys in the soph-senior classes who play/know the game at a high level. LA will need multisport contributors to consistently hit those numbers.

Player to Watch: Will Gaynor - Sr. Att/Union (30g, 14a HM All-ISL) -.Lethal lefty on the wing. Definitely has the feet to create some offense but is most deadly as a midrange shooter.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FrdxLTtfXAQ

Player to Watch: Tyler Streeter - So. (15g, 11a) - The perfect complement to Gaynor as he mirrors a lot of the same skills but with a different playing style. Poised for a big year after impressive freshman numbers.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j70DXva72kc

St. George’s
Committed Players
Nik Barnes -24 (Att - Trinity)
Bayard Plumb -24 (Mid - Gettysburg)
Jimmy Carlin -24 (Lsm/Def - Conn College)
Matthew “Toad” Deedy -24 (Goal - Air Force)

(0-16, 0-13 ISL, in 2023) Tough year for the Dragons after making the playoffs in 2022, but they didn’t graduate too much and have some nice players in this class. They seem to be stuck in a cycle of having a strong class every other year.

Biggest Question: Can they string together multiple strong classes in a row? How do they get out of the cycle I mentioned above? St. G’s plays host to multiple high level training events/tournaments/showcases over the summer. Obviously the facilities are a big reason why, but also the school is driving distance from MA and the Tri-State area while T.F. Green airport (which is a piece of cake) is nearby with daily flights to DC, Philly, and Baltimore. If they just leave the modern day equivalent of a recruiting brochure with every kid who checks in to one of those events…

Player to Watch: Toad Deedy - Sr. Goal/Air Force (HM All-ISL) - Also an All-ISL 9 football player as a DL/WR; that position combo definitely shows versatility and athleticism that he brings to the cage. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bDhiHpApwrc

Player to Watch: Bayard Plumb - Sr. Mid/Gettysburg (12g, 8a) - A smooth operator in the midfield who’s a threat to dodge, finish, or feed. Also, have there ever been two teammates who sound more like a duo on a quest in a LOTR/GOT style fantasy series than Bayard Plumb and Toad Deedy?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JSKzrjnR1-U

St. Mark’s
Committed Players
Marc Gadbois -24 (Goal - Skidmore)

(2-15, 2-12 ISL, in 2023) The skies are still cloudy but there’s sun in the forecast. Coach Ferraro continues to bring energy to the program and a couple of sophomores came in this year, including a scoring machine from central Mass. I think they still have a way to go, and unfortunately a couple of hockey players are out from injuries on the ice, but the 2026 class looks strong and there seems to be momentum towards restoring the program’s former glory atop the standings of the early ISL.

Biggest Question: What’s the best way to gauge improvement? Even if they’re not winning games, tightening goal margins and making the other team keep the starters in is a good first step.

Player to Watch: Marc Gadbois - Sr. Goal/Skidmore (HM All-ISL )- Gadbois deserves a medal when he graduates. He’s been shelled like the trenches of the western front during his time in cage for the Lions. Hopefully the tide has risen noticeably for his final season as several poles are back including one of the top sophs in the state. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O4TA1ds-Qow

Player to Watch: Luke Harwich - So. Att (59g, 39a, All-America at Algonquin High) - A transfer who dominated Central Mass last spring. His style of play will have to adjust to the level of competition, but he’s a good building block for the next few seasons.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X6WIOFobx8o

[Unknown Participant]

Awesome. Great job Laxxal22!

[Can Opener]

Incredible work. Your best yet — and that’s saying something!

[Laxboy78]

Really great work. So informative.

[Superlite]

Looks like Nobles scheduled Holderness for 4/1 at Nobles..

[Can Opener]

Looks like Nobles scheduled Holderness for 4/1 at Nobles..

That’s good news for New England lacrosse. I know that Holderness has been itching to play more ISL teams and (perhaps) the ISL has been resisting. Who wants to risk losing to a school up in the White Mountains with only 150 boys? Should be a great game and hard to predict the outcome.

[Laxxal22]

It's great to see Holderness-Nobles get scheduled. That both coaches were willing to play this on a Monday says how much they valued getting it played.

Some other New England but not West 1 non league games I'm interested to see to gauge relative strength are Exeter taking on Milton and Thayer early and then Nobles at the end of the season. Andover playing both Govs and Middlesex in the first two weeks of the season. Pingree vs. Middlesex and Thayer early.

Another scheduling tidbit I noticed is that Seb's and Govs play quite early (4/3) and that might be a non league game as they both have 11 other games against ISL teams between then and the tournament. If that's true then Govs avoids Seb's and BH this year. I thought they'd make the playoffs regardless but this makes it a lot easier.

[NNELax]

Looks like Nobles scheduled Holderness for 4/1 at Nobles..

That’s good news for New England lacrosse. I know that Holderness has been itching to play more ISL teams and (perhaps) the ISL has been resisting. Who wants to risk losing to a school up in the White Mountains with only 150 boys? Should be a great game and hard to predict the outcome.

Justin does a good job of recruiting...Gets a ton of support from the school....poverty program they are not..

[Laxxal22]

I'm interested to see how Holderness holds the momentum over the next few years. A charismatic HC and school support are huge, but what if the rest of Lakes Region and northern New England schools don't catch up at all? It's fun playing on a wagon of a team, but it fades a bit if the number of competitive games you have can be counted on one hand by Jason Pierre Paul.

An arms race can quickly change the caliber of play in a league, ISL football is a good example of that, but Holderness sprinted out to a huge lead while the others were idling. To keep going at this rate I think they'll need Brewster, New Hampton, and others to pick up the pace and give legitimate chase. If that doesn't happen it'll be tough to keep assembling top 20ish rosters to play a not top 100 schedule.

[Sportin' Life]

It's an interesting point you make and I tend to agree. No doubt Coach Simon has high aspirations for his squad. He has been a regular presence at recruiting events across the country over the past few years and is using social media effectively to build his program's brand. It'll be interesting to see if the other Lakes Region teams seek to follow suit. The Bulls were much heralded for their 17 - 0 season in '23 but the fact is that they didn't play any teams of real substance. (Perhaps one could argue that Exeter was a decent team given wins over Govs and Milton but I don't think so when the rest of its results are considered.) Kudos to them for adding Nobles to their schedule this spring but they need to add more top tier ISL and NEW1 teams to really test their mettle against the best. (I realize that location makes this a challenge for them, especially for mid-week games.)

[MA Lax Fan]

If I’m a stud lacrosse player in HS it would be a hard sell for me to go to The Lakes Region in NH to play.

The Connecticut prep schools would be much more appealing for both weather and level of competition.

[NNELax]

Not if you want to ski....Holderness is a great spot...not for everyone...