LaxPower Back-Up Stick

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...

OSVAlacrosse wrote: ↑Thu Dec 15, 2022 11:27 am

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...

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?

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.

OSVAlacrosse wrote: ↑Thu Dec 15, 2022 11:27 am

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...

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?

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.

Turnandrake wrote: ↑Thu Dec 15, 2022 8:29 pm

OSVAlacrosse wrote: ↑Thu Dec 15, 2022 11:27 am

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...

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?

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.

Lol UA and Nike events. Top talent does not always play these events and politics play a role in forming the teams.

MDlaxfan76 wrote: ↑Fri Dec 16, 2022 9:02 am

Turnandrake wrote: ↑Thu Dec 15, 2022 8:29 pm

OSVAlacrosse wrote: ↑Thu Dec 15, 2022 11:27 am

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...

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?

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.

Lol UA and Nike events. Top talent does not always play these events and politics play a role in forming the teams.

I got a chuckle out of that one too.

More perplexing is the rationale that "BL is late to the game"...why?
Because boarding schools that take PG's attract players from around the country...so, what BL now wants to be Salisbury?
Ok, leave the MIAA.
Same for McDonogh if they truly want to be Lawrenceville, the alma mater of their dominant funder.

I have no argument with schools charting their particular course.
My objection is pretending they are within the bounds of the spirit of this league.
That was my issue with St. Frances.

As to placing the top teams from other leagues (without PG's) ahead of MIAA teams...sure, in any given year, the top team from another league would or could or did beat the top team out of the MIAA...but the reverse is also true. Do any other leagues have as many top teams playing each other and without playing other teams in the league where 20-1 is not unexpected? Maybe...and good for them if they do.

Not sure what the relevance would be.

OSVAlacrosse wrote: ↑Fri Dec 16, 2022 1:24 pm

MDlaxfan76 wrote: ↑Fri Dec 16, 2022 9:02 am

Turnandrake wrote: ↑Thu Dec 15, 2022 8:29 pm

OSVAlacrosse wrote: ↑Thu Dec 15, 2022 11:27 am

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...

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?

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.

Lol UA and Nike events. Top talent does not always play these events and politics play a role in forming the teams.

I got a chuckle out of that one too.

More perplexing is the rationale that "BL is late to the game"...why?
Because boarding schools that take PG's attract players from around the country...so, what BL now wants to be Salisbury?
Ok, leave the MIAA.
Same for McDonogh if they truly want to be Lawrenceville, the alma mater of their dominant funder.

I have no argument with schools charting their particular course.
My objection is pretending they are within the bounds of the spirit of this league.
That was my issue with St. Frances.

As to placing the top teams from other leagues (without PG's) ahead of MIAA teams...sure, in any given year, the top team from another league would or could or did beat the top team out of the MIAA...but the reverse is also true. Do any other leagues have as many top teams playing each other and without playing other teams in the league where 20-1 is not unexpected? Maybe...and good for them if they do.

Not sure what the relevance would be.

I am glad I could get a chuckle. I will say that the top talent in Maryland was on the DMV All Star teams and I would also put the top DMV area teams last season as a notch above the top MIAA teams. The difference is the DMV teams are split into IAC and WCAC.

I do not think we will know if this season things have changed until games are played. the level of talent at the Nike games was greater than what teams represented this fall at NHSLS. Neither translate to Spring. MIAA does not need PG's when the top players at McDonough are older than most PG's anyway. The IAC and WCAC schools also do not have PG's granted the bottom of the WCAC is weak but IAC combined with top WCAC is equally competitive to the MIAA in recent seasons.

kramerica.inc wrote: ↑Fri Dec 16, 2022 2:23 pm To add to this discussion and put it into some visual perspective:

The following are the Laxnumbers ratings for the MIAA, WCAC and IAC combined. This is the same formula that powered Laxpower. It focuses on w/l record and score differential. I have some minor quibbles based upon a couple h2h discrepancies. But overall, it's pretty close to reality.

Despite those minor h2h discrepancies, it is consistent and formulary. And shows pretty clearly what a few on here are pointing out- The MIAA is a much more competitive of a league, from top to bottom. Impressive as the MIAA has more teams than both of the other leagues being mentioned.



1.) St Johns College HS 19-0-0 99.94 (WCAC #1)
2.) Boys Latin 13-4-0 97.35 (MIAA #1)
3.) Calvert Hall 15-5-0 96.72 (MIAA #2)
4.) McDonogh 13-6-0 96.49 (MIAA #3)
5.) St Marys Annapolis 17-3-0 96.49 (MIAA #4)
6.) Archbishop Spalding 12-6-0 95.31 (MIAA #5)
7.) Georgetown Prep 14-6-0 94.51 (IAC #1)
9.) St Pauls 11-6-0 94.02 (MIAA #6)
9.) Bullis 14-5-0 93.94 (IAC#2)
10.) Gonzaga 14-6-0 92.78 (WCAC #2)
11.) Loyola-Blakefield 6-9-0 92.57 (MIAA #7)
12.) St Stephen-St Agnes 18-5-0 92.30 (IAC #3)
13.) Paul VI 16-6-0 92.16 (WCAC #3)
14.) Severn School 10-8-0 92.08 (MIAA #8)
15.) Landon 11-7-0 91.39 (IAC #4)
16.) Gilman 6-11-0 90.16 (MIAA #9)
17.) St Albans 13-9-0 89.77 (IAC #5)
18.) Mount St Joseph 7-10-0 89.33 (MIAA #10)
19.) DeMatha 11-8-0 89.27 (WCAC #4)
20.) John Carroll 6-10-0 88.31 (MIAA #11)
21.) Episcopal 9-11-0 86.39 (IAC #6)
22.) Heights 9-6-0 86.05 (WCAC #5)
23.) Good Counsel 7-8-0 84.59 (WCAC #6)
24.) St Marys Ryken 6-13-0 74.92 (WCAC #7)
25.) Bishop OConnell 4-13-0 73.08 (WCAC #8)
26.) Bishop Ireton 2-13-0 72.86 (WCAC #9)
27.) Bishop McNamara 2-9-0 63.33 (WCAC #10)

Turnandrake wrote: ↑Fri Dec 16, 2022 5:08 pm

kramerica.inc wrote: ↑Fri Dec 16, 2022 2:23 pm To add to this discussion and put it into some visual perspective:

The following are the Laxnumbers ratings for the MIAA, WCAC and IAC combined. This is the same formula that powered Laxpower. It focuses on w/l record and score differential. I have some minor quibbles based upon a couple h2h discrepancies. But overall, it's pretty close to reality.

Despite those minor h2h discrepancies, it is consistent and formulary. And shows pretty clearly what a few on here are pointing out- The MIAA is a much more competitive of a league, from top to bottom. Impressive as the MIAA has more teams than both of the other leagues being mentioned.



1.) St Johns College HS 19-0-0 99.94 (WCAC #1)
2.) Boys Latin 13-4-0 97.35 (MIAA #1)
3.) Calvert Hall 15-5-0 96.72 (MIAA #2)
4.) McDonogh 13-6-0 96.49 (MIAA #3)
5.) St Marys Annapolis 17-3-0 96.49 (MIAA #4)
6.) Archbishop Spalding 12-6-0 95.31 (MIAA #5)
7.) Georgetown Prep 14-6-0 94.51 (IAC #1)
9.) St Pauls 11-6-0 94.02 (MIAA #6)
9.) Bullis 14-5-0 93.94 (IAC#2)
10.) Gonzaga 14-6-0 92.78 (WCAC #2)
11.) Loyola-Blakefield 6-9-0 92.57 (MIAA #7)
12.) St Stephen-St Agnes 18-5-0 92.30 (IAC #3)
13.) Paul VI 16-6-0 92.16 (WCAC #3)
14.) Severn School 10-8-0 92.08 (MIAA #8)
15.) Landon 11-7-0 91.39 (IAC #4)
16.) Gilman 6-11-0 90.16 (MIAA #9)
17.) St Albans 13-9-0 89.77 (IAC #5)
18.) Mount St Joseph 7-10-0 89.33 (MIAA #10)
19.) DeMatha 11-8-0 89.27 (WCAC #4)
20.) John Carroll 6-10-0 88.31 (MIAA #11)
21.) Episcopal 9-11-0 86.39 (IAC #6)
22.) Heights 9-6-0 86.05 (WCAC #5)
23.) Good Counsel 7-8-0 84.59 (WCAC #6)
24.) St Marys Ryken 6-13-0 74.92 (WCAC #7)
25.) Bishop OConnell 4-13-0 73.08 (WCAC #8)
26.) Bishop Ireton 2-13-0 72.86 (WCAC #9)
27.) Bishop McNamara 2-9-0 63.33 (WCAC #10)

St Marys beat Calvert Hall twice last but CH is ranked ahead of them???????

Turnandrake wrote: ↑Fri Dec 16, 2022 5:08 pm

kramerica.inc wrote: ↑Fri Dec 16, 2022 2:23 pm To add to this discussion and put it into some visual perspective:

The following are the Laxnumbers ratings for the MIAA, WCAC and IAC combined. This is the same formula that powered Laxpower. It focuses on w/l record and score differential. I have some minor quibbles based upon a couple h2h discrepancies. But overall, it's pretty close to reality.

Despite those minor h2h discrepancies, it is consistent and formulary. And shows pretty clearly what a few on here are pointing out- The MIAA is a much more competitive of a league, from top to bottom. Impressive as the MIAA has more teams than both of the other leagues being mentioned.



1.) St Johns College HS 19-0-0 99.94 (WCAC #1)
2.) Boys Latin 13-4-0 97.35 (MIAA #1)
3.) Calvert Hall 15-5-0 96.72 (MIAA #2)
4.) McDonogh 13-6-0 96.49 (MIAA #3)
5.) St Marys Annapolis 17-3-0 96.49 (MIAA #4)
6.) Archbishop Spalding 12-6-0 95.31 (MIAA #5)
7.) Georgetown Prep 14-6-0 94.51 (IAC #1)
9.) St Pauls 11-6-0 94.02 (MIAA #6)
9.) Bullis 14-5-0 93.94 (IAC#2)
10.) Gonzaga 14-6-0 92.78 (WCAC #2)
11.) Loyola-Blakefield 6-9-0 92.57 (MIAA #7)
12.) St Stephen-St Agnes 18-5-0 92.30 (IAC #3)
13.) Paul VI 16-6-0 92.16 (WCAC #3)
14.) Severn School 10-8-0 92.08 (MIAA #8)
15.) Landon 11-7-0 91.39 (IAC #4)
16.) Gilman 6-11-0 90.16 (MIAA #9)
17.) St Albans 13-9-0 89.77 (IAC #5)
18.) Mount St Joseph 7-10-0 89.33 (MIAA #10)
19.) DeMatha 11-8-0 89.27 (WCAC #4)
20.) John Carroll 6-10-0 88.31 (MIAA #11)
21.) Episcopal 9-11-0 86.39 (IAC #6)
22.) Heights 9-6-0 86.05 (WCAC #5)
23.) Good Counsel 7-8-0 84.59 (WCAC #6)
24.) St Marys Ryken 6-13-0 74.92 (WCAC #7)
25.) Bishop OConnell 4-13-0 73.08 (WCAC #8)
26.) Bishop Ireton 2-13-0 72.86 (WCAC #9)
27.) Bishop McNamara 2-9-0 63.33 (WCAC #10)

St Marys beat Calvert Hall twice last but CH is ranked ahead of them???????

Slim wrote: ↑Wed Jan 11, 2023 7:46 am Less than a month out from the start of season. Hearing BL, Loyola, St. Mary's, Spalding, and McDonogh all getting practice time in a few days a week so far. Anyone else hearing any news? Big transfers, from in town or out of town? Additions or subtractions to coaching staffs?

Excited for the competition to begin!