LaxPower Back-Up Stick

Posted: **Sat Feb 05, 2022 10:17 pm**

Typical Lax Dad wrote: ↑Sat Feb 05, 2022 10:02 pm
MDlaxfan76 wrote: ↑Sat Feb 05, 2022 9:53 pm
DocBarrister wrote: ↑Sat Feb 05, 2022 9:10 pm
flalax22 wrote: ↑Sat Feb 05, 2022 9:02 pm
wgdsr wrote: ↑Sat Feb 05, 2022 8:57 pm
Sagittarius A* wrote: ↑Sat Feb 05, 2022 8:41 pm
flalax22 wrote: ↑Sat Feb 05, 2022 8:12 pm
Sidelinehorn! wrote: ↑Sat Feb 05, 2022 8:04 pm
flalax22 wrote: ↑Sat Feb 05, 2022 2:05 pm
primitiveskills wrote: ↑Sat Feb 05, 2022 2:01 pm
DocBarrister wrote: ↑Sat Feb 05, 2022 1:53 pm Kirson with a 42.9% save percentage today.

Where have we seen that before?

The Hopkins D has not played badly in front of him.

DocBarrister
And one of those was a heave from midfield at the end of the half. Plus two that nicked him on the way to hitting the pipe. Struggling to remember a clean save.
That last one to close the game was clutch lol
Openly rooting against your own goalie is about as lame as it gets...grow up and get a life
Big difference between rooting against and offering commentary and making light of it at that. The good news for you is I suspect we won’t have to have this back and forth for much longer.
I don't expect Kirson to survive much past the Georgetown game. He'll get bombed and be out by halftime. If Gtown doesn't get him Loyola will. He was a stellar 2-7 last year and at this point it's obvious to everyone but our new coaching staff that he can't get the job done. Marcille took the team to the Big Title game. How hard is this to figure out? If they don't want to play Marcille, give GIB and chance and see what he can do.
Kirson is a proven failure.
Whenever the coach says for the benefit of the "program" you know there's some BS factor entering into the decision. Like, for instance, if we don't play this guy we won't be able to get any other kids to transfer. Who knows what factors go into their decisions, but this one is hard to fathom. I can recall another recent Hopkins coach who loyally stuck by his goalie right up until the day they unceremoniously pulled the plug on him.
can your b.s. the guy earned the starting spot today. go kick your dog.
Did he earn it or did the HC make a call on what was best for the program. What does that even mean? By all accounts Gib outplayed Kirson last weekend. So who earned what? Coach K has his guy. Coach Annino has his. Marcille gets left out in the cold and Milliman makes the call. But I suppose Kirsons dad will come and tell me I’ve got it all wrong.
I’m willing to wait and hear MDlaxfan’s expert opinion on Kirson’s play today.

I know the stats and I have my opinion as a fan. I have watched Kirson’s performance on television. But I’m willing to hear from an expert who has played the game at the highest level and who has watched goalie play for pretty near half a century. Doesn’t mean his opinion will be gospel, but it would be really helpful to hear.

DocBarrister
Not a strong day apparently (50%, and a soft 50%, against Jacksonville is not killing it), but I was on the golf course during the first half, so all I really "saw" were the stats and the running commentary on here. Can't comment on whether he was beaten by shots that should have been stopped or clearing etc. It was a cold day...no fun for tenders generally speaking.

Second half showed me little to go on.

If there's a place I could watch the first half, I'll do so and offer my opinion for what little it's worth. (link?)

Stepping back from any one game though, my initial assumption is that the coaches see what they see in practice and make the call based on who they think helps the team win in any particular game. I'd need a bunch of evidence to suggest they aren't doing so in this case.

That said, I'm a bit perplexed by whether there's an additional meaning to what you say Milliman put out there about helping the program...if that means playing someone because he has more seasons to contribute, that'd definitely bother me. (Play your best guy for this week, this half, period). But it may just mean that he's choosing the guy who he thinks gives them the best chance to win right now. And the comment above about running the defense might well be an important factor for game one.

So, I'll reserve judgment until I see more. And, of course, we don't know for sure what others can provide right now. I was thinking Versfeld might be the strongest, based on the commentary a fan had re # of goals and saves etc last week, but he's being clear that he may not have had it correctly. But it sure sounded like that was the case.

But I definitely agree that it's a big open question.

And coaches do sometimes err in these judgments.

BTW, was Webb dressed...or injured perhaps?
Game will be re-broadcast tomorrow morning. Set your DVR.

Thanks, MDlf and TLD.

Yes, game will be re-broadcast (probably in slightly abbreviated form) tomorrow morning on ESPNU.

Also, the full replay is available on the ESPN app (I assume you subscribe to ESPN or the full Disney+ package).

DocBarrister

Posted: **Sat Feb 05, 2022 10:24 pm**

-I really don't think the plan was to go back to grimes after 1 half at attack but credit to pm, it used to take Petro 3/4 of a season to make these changes.
-espn games are always available to watch on replay immediately after on your cable provider or through the watch espn app as well as all espn network broadcasts included in your plan. acc network is also included now (thanks burke) so you can see other games.
-big ten went 6-0 today.
-qk really wanted to unload on Daniels/baker during his schnydman segment. You can do it QK. A few blowout losses, maybe a bad travel experience coming back from your annual cawlidge hockey/wrestling stuff for espn and perhaps you'll get specific on the broadcast.
-the end of the third period goal by grimes was a real bright spot. Petro and benson used to call time outs especially against the manhattans and umbcs at the end of quarters in feb/march games just to work on last 30 second plays. In this situation they did not call timeout and grimes put one through. very positive development for number 9.
-those maryland rutgers cameras were ridiculous. the terps especially, championship caliber product for a decade now and a club lacrosse type broadcast. Under Armour should ask for a renegotiation. What's the point if you can barely see the players much less the logos.

Posted: **Sun Feb 06, 2022 7:42 am**

DocBarrister wrote: ↑Sat Feb 05, 2022 7:35 pm Would welcome MDlaxfan’s take on Kirson’s play today. Replay is available on the ESPN app.

DocBarrister

Don’t need his expertise to see Kirsons big concern. His step to the ball is poor. He doesn’t get down on low or bounce shots. How many went under his stick? Several. He doesn’t commit to the shot (step). I watched the entire game.

Posted: **Sun Feb 06, 2022 7:51 am**

Mr3Putt wrote: ↑Sun Feb 06, 2022 7:42 am
DocBarrister wrote: ↑Sat Feb 05, 2022 7:35 pm Would welcome MDlaxfan’s take on Kirson’s play today. Replay is available on the ESPN app.

DocBarrister
Don’t need his expertise to see Kirsons big concern. His step to the ball is poor. He doesn’t get down on low or bounce shots. How many went under his stick? Several. He doesn’t commit to the shot (step). I watched the entire game.
Might need the ole 2 step this week. Men for TU can Bring It. Going to be a fun game. Advanced forecast 40 at game time. Spring lax is back

Posted: **Sun Feb 06, 2022 8:31 am**

As an aside can we please stop hitting the quote button at the top? If you are having a running conversation calling each other a jackass most will be abe to tell what or whom you are referring to without copying the Book of Genesis each time.

Let's talk about QK for a second. As usual he made a couple very good points but then again. Was he not openly rooting for Jacksonville? Speaking of the reasons for the burgeoning SOCON upset when Jacksonville never took the lead in the game? "Rub your belly big boy?" He also made several small mistakes he shouldn't make -e.g. Shure played SSDM last year. His point that Hopkins has shooters/passers and not great dodgers has some ring of truth in that they have no one with size that is a great dodger but he was the one tht made the point last year that DeSimone now had a burst and he seemed to forget it.

Jacksonville's mascot is a Dolphin not a Jaguar

Marcille did not "take" Hopkins to the BIG title game. As Christoph Waltz said in Inglorious Bastards "BINGO"

That being said I don't think anyone could look at that game and say boy the Hopkins goalie played well. If pipes don't count as SOGs and Saves I am actually wondering how you get to 8 saves. 2 of the 8 saves were of the softest variety you can get - a 50/60 yard shot as time winds down in the first half that he caught and the desperation long range shot at the end of the game. It is hard to recall any shot he corralled in his stick to start a faster clear. I can't conceive - especially after a 4-9 season - that Milliman is playing Kirson because of any conspiracy factor. One has to believe Milliman wants to win lacrosse games - I bet you he gets paid more if he does so. Therefore, I am forced to conclude they believe he gives them the best chance right now. The players can't be involved in the conspiracy either - if Kirson was clearly not the guy for the job - they would lose the team in a heartbeat. I would like to return to the days however when it was believed the Hopkins goalie would equal or outplay his counterpart across the field. It probably should also be pointed out that on a freezing cold day when the opponent is generally running the clock down to single digits each possession - difficult position to play.

While Chauvette had some first game jitters it would appear - the Grimes move may have been to get Raposo on the field for some time and remains to be seen if it is permanent

I missed QK wanting to unload on the Hopkins admin - I thought he got sincerely choked up about JS - what exactly were Lucifer and Medusa supposed to do about Jerry Schnydman?

11 for 45 shooting - only Keogh/DeSimone/McDermott were at or over 33%. 17 turnovers and 27 non face-off man ground balls is what kept that game close.

Posted: **Sun Feb 06, 2022 9:00 am**

51percentcorn wrote: ↑Sun Feb 06, 2022 8:31 am I would like to return to the days however when it was believed the Hopkins goalie would equal or outplay his counterpart across the field. It probably should also be pointed out that on a freezing cold day when the opponent is generally running the clock down to single digits each possession - difficult position to play.

I don't disagree it was a cold day, but both goalies were playing in the same conditions. The Jacksonville goalie was spectacular. He was keeping them in the game. It seems we've had poor tending for the last five years. At least Marcille saved 55% against Rutgers, an elite offense, who made a playoff run last year. If you can't save 50% against Jacksonsville.....what hope is there against the rest of the schedule? Goalie is the most important position on the team. Period. The number one goal of the goalie is to STOP THE BALL. That's the most important thing he does. If he can't do that, the team is dead in the water. Outside shots need to be stopped or the defense get's frustrated. I would be happy seeing Gib get a shot and I would be happy with Marcille, but the season is about to hit a huge iceberg if they stay on their present course.

Posted: **Sun Feb 06, 2022 9:37 am**

51percentcorn wrote: ↑Sun Feb 06, 2022 8:31 am 11 for 45 shooting - only Keogh/DeSimone/McDermott were at or over 33%.

This is Jake Lilly erasure!!!

Degnon was also 1/2. Need him to take a few more shots.

Offense will come around, still figuring a few things out. DeSo looks the same as last year (in a good way) if not a hair quicker and if Keogh stays healthy that's another versatile weapon. Epstein probably isn't ever getting back to his freshman year form but I don't foresee many more 0 and 0 games from him.

I'm more encouraged by the play of the defense in front of Kirson than I am underwhelmed in the offense. The bar is low but that looked like, dare I say it, an actual defense. Shorties who are adequate covering midfielders, big/athletic guys with 6-foot poles who can time slides and lay the lumber. That Waldbaum kid is a big boy and made a couple of plays but other than that we pretty much shut them down. Jax is not UVA or Maryland by any stretch but they're not exactly a cupcake either. That said, Towson will likely be tougher.

Posted: **Sun Feb 06, 2022 9:46 am**

It is not often I agree with you but it is certainly true that both goalies had the same conditions and the Dolphin goalie performed very well while the Blue Jay goalie did not play great.
- He was 8 over 8 but as discussed earlier at least 2 of the saves were stat collectors at best.
- If he made 8 saves then it is hard to recall when and where he controlled rebounds except for the 2 end of half stat collectors
- a 4x AA former goalie excoriated his play on Jax's 4th goal
- I did not think his decision making on the wrap around goal was sound - they are obviously being coached to do it - but he went way too far and was not on the same page as the defenseman

My point was that the style of play JAX employed - either by design or decent performance of the Hopkins defense - was to run the clock down to the nub on alot of possessions - they only generated 32 shots while a bit more impatient Blue Jay group offered up 45. There's a difference there - but not trying to argue the Blue Jay goalie played the equal of the Dolphin goalie.

Sorry forgot about Lilly/Degnon - was focusing on the players that took alot of shots - need better than 0-6/1-6/1-4 from some of your big guns

Posted: **Sun Feb 06, 2022 11:31 am**

Can't believe that no one mentioned QK talking, and getting really excited, about this being the biggest win in Jax program history - when the score was tied and it was early in the second quarter. I mean, what to say about that.

Overall, kind of an underwhelming performance. Doesn't really change my view of the team, though I have slightly less belief in the upside case. To me, the upside case depends on getting 2018-level Epstein back and I'm not sure I even saw a flash. Offense as a whole needs some work. Wish they'd push things a little more, at least when the 6v6 isn't working great. Defense was good and I believe that will continue. To continue to beat the goalie situation to death, I didn't see a single high quality save and there were probably two goals where he probably should have made the save. The clearing game as a whole was bad, and don't think Kirson did much to help it. Agree with 16 that McDermott probably shouldn't be the clearing middie. Martin seems to be the guy to do that if you ask me (I know he'd have to sub off, but still).

Posted: **Sun Feb 06, 2022 11:37 am**

Re: QK, I think he just has to stop announcing Hopkins games, for everyone's sake (including his). Let him do his homage to the teams he loves on ACC games. He clearly has an issue with the school, either from playing days or post-playing days (BTW, it would be great for any insiders on the board to expand on that). Yesterday was of course filled with the typical cheap shots and digs, but one thing stood out: he groaned audibly at a Jacksonville turnover towards the end of the first half, right after a several-minute spiel on how Jacksonville (in a tied game in the second quarter) was on the cusp of a program-changing upset. He was fully in fan mode, even the announcers during the infamous Chris Webber timeout didn't react with such pure emotion and disappointment.

I don't think anyone expects or wants the Dick Vitale/Duke nonsense when it comes to Q, but there is clearly an issue here which keeps hime from being objective.

Posted: **Sun Feb 06, 2022 11:50 am**

Watching this game on ESPNU right now.

You guys are too tough on your squad. It was a cold day. When the score got to 11-7, then 11-8, a pipe by Desimone could easily have gone in, ballooning the score and who knows after that.

I think the 5 on 4, then the Jacksonville goalie Millikan made an amazing save, again if that goes in, the floodgates open.

Just such a fine line between you guys being happy or not.

Hopkins defense looks solid. I like 31 whoever that is. Tough kid.

The offense IMO looks better than in a long time. Desimone impresses. They have to set Grimes up like Maryland does with Wisnaukas…lefty snipe.

Kudos to Jacksonville’s Galloway. He’s got the vibe of a great coach. Waldbaum plays smart. Gotta cheer for my Florida boys.

Posted: **Sun Feb 06, 2022 12:08 pm**

31 is McManus. He got a little chippy yesterday a couple of times. Thought he could have gotten another flag or two. Didn't really expect to see that from him, but from a Hop perspective, good to see a little attitude from the defense. One more QK note - anyone else notice when he called McManus, Colwell?

Posted: **Sun Feb 06, 2022 12:11 pm**

Peter Brown wrote: ↑Sun Feb 06, 2022 11:50 am Watching this game on ESPNU right now.

You guys are too tough on your squad. It was a cold day. When the score got to 11-7, then 11-8, a pipe by Desimone could easily have gone in, ballooning the score and who knows after that.

I think the 5 on 4, then the Jacksonville goalie Millikan made an amazing save, again if that goes in, the floodgates open.

Just such a fine line between you guys being happy or not.

Hopkins defense looks solid. I like 31 whoever that is. Tough kid.

The offense IMO looks better than in a long time. Desimone impresses. They have to set Grimes up like Maryland does with Wisnaukas…lefty snipe.

Kudos to Jacksonville’s Galloway. He’s got the vibe of a great coach. Waldbaum plays smart. Gotta cheer for my Florida boys.

That was a reasonable, rational post. Thank you.

DocBarrister

Posted: **Sun Feb 06, 2022 12:13 pm**

Peter Brown wrote: ↑Sun Feb 06, 2022 11:50 am Watching this game on ESPNU right now.

You guys are too tough on your squad. It was a cold day. When the score got to 11-7, then 11-8, a pipe by Desimone could easily have gone in, ballooning the score and who knows after that.

I think the 5 on 4, then the Jacksonville goalie Millikan made an amazing save, again if that goes in, the floodgates open.

Just such a fine line between you guys being happy or not.

Hopkins defense looks solid. I like 31 whoever that is. Tough kid.

The offense IMO looks better than in a long time. Desimone impresses. They have to set Grimes up like Maryland does with Wisnaukas…lefty snipe.

Kudos to Jacksonville’s Galloway. He’s got the vibe of a great coach. Waldbaum plays smart. Gotta cheer for my Florida boys.

Agreed on Galloway. One wonders whether Cuse went with the wrong alumnus. We'll see.

Posted: **Sun Feb 06, 2022 12:27 pm**

From what I heard about a very under the radar section 3 (NYS) commit to Jax with the same last name as a former Syracuse star Jacksonville Hs supported Galloway a lot. Not anything untoward but compared with like what Corrado and Fedorjaka dealt with for years they are doing their part to help Galloway and the program succeed.

Posted: **Sun Feb 06, 2022 12:36 pm**

Peter Brown wrote: ↑Sun Feb 06, 2022 11:50 am Watching this game on ESPNU right now.

You guys are too tough on your squad. It was a cold day. When the score got to 11-7, then 11-8, a pipe by Desimone could easily have gone in, ballooning the score and who knows after that.

I think the 5 on 4, then the Jacksonville goalie Millikan made an amazing save, again if that goes in, the floodgates open.

Just such a fine line between you guys being happy or not.

Hopkins defense looks solid. I like 31 whoever that is. Tough kid.

The offense IMO looks better than in a long time. Desimone impresses. They have to set Grimes up like Maryland does with Wisnaukas…lefty snipe.

Kudos to Jacksonville’s Galloway. He’s got the vibe of a great coach. Waldbaum plays smart. Gotta cheer for my Florida boys.

Not sure about too tough. Things to like and dislike about the game.

Plus:

Keogh - Quick, high lax IQ, sees the field.
Deso - Picked up right where he left off.
Martin - Even when he got beat he got a CT on the trail check.
Defense - Don't remember Jax getting a pass through from the wing to the crease. Brought the wood.
Smith - LSM looks like it's in good hands going forward, especially if Kaufman can contribute.
Dunn - Not sure about his competition yesterday but he did a good job contesting everything.

Minus:

50/50 ground balls. This has become a theme. Dunn is the reason they won overall, but they missed a few bunnies.
Joey - Needs to vary his game instead of being a 100% wing shooter.
Goalie - 50% saves doesn't pass the eye test.
Clearing - Fire drill at times. Bad spacing so Jax could trap the adjacent man easily. 75% is sub par.

The good thing is, they have a whole week to get better at practice.

Posted: **Sun Feb 06, 2022 12:52 pm**

primitiveskills wrote: ↑Sun Feb 06, 2022 12:13 pm
Peter Brown wrote: ↑Sun Feb 06, 2022 11:50 am Watching this game on ESPNU right now.

You guys are too tough on your squad. It was a cold day. When the score got to 11-7, then 11-8, a pipe by Desimone could easily have gone in, ballooning the score and who knows after that.

I think the 5 on 4, then the Jacksonville goalie Millikan made an amazing save, again if that goes in, the floodgates open.

Just such a fine line between you guys being happy or not.

Hopkins defense looks solid. I like 31 whoever that is. Tough kid.

The offense IMO looks better than in a long time. Desimone impresses. They have to set Grimes up like Maryland does with Wisnaukas…lefty snipe.

Kudos to Jacksonville’s Galloway. He’s got the vibe of a great coach. Waldbaum plays smart. Gotta cheer for my Florida boys.
Agreed on Galloway. One wonders whether Cuse went with the wrong alumnus. We'll see.

No doubt Galloway is a rising star and has a bright future. That is very agreed on, however he is still chasing Jacksonvilles signature moment where they take the next step, until he gets there he’s probably on the outside of job searches at that level. I would agree he’s capable of leading a major program, although like with any young HC at the top level, there will be a few growing pains.

Posted: **Sun Feb 06, 2022 1:11 pm**

InsiderRoll wrote: ↑Sun Feb 06, 2022 12:52 pm
primitiveskills wrote: ↑Sun Feb 06, 2022 12:13 pm
Peter Brown wrote: ↑Sun Feb 06, 2022 11:50 am Watching this game on ESPNU right now.

You guys are too tough on your squad. It was a cold day. When the score got to 11-7, then 11-8, a pipe by Desimone could easily have gone in, ballooning the score and who knows after that.

I think the 5 on 4, then the Jacksonville goalie Millikan made an amazing save, again if that goes in, the floodgates open.

Just such a fine line between you guys being happy or not.

Hopkins defense looks solid. I like 31 whoever that is. Tough kid.

The offense IMO looks better than in a long time. Desimone impresses. They have to set Grimes up like Maryland does with Wisnaukas…lefty snipe.

Kudos to Jacksonville’s Galloway. He’s got the vibe of a great coach. Waldbaum plays smart. Gotta cheer for my Florida boys.
Agreed on Galloway. One wonders whether Cuse went with the wrong alumnus. We'll see.
No doubt Galloway is a rising star and has a bright future. That is very agreed on, however he is still chasing Jacksonvilles signature moment where they take the next step, until he gets there he’s probably on the outside of job searches at that level. I would agree he’s capable of leading a major program, although like with any young HC at the top level, there will be a few growing pains.

All true, but it remains a fact that they hired a HC with exactly zero experience coaching men's lacrosse at this level. No doubt Gary would have the leg up on the off-the-field and adminitsrative stuff. But Galloway has already arguably experienced more on-the-field growing pains than the guy they hired.

Posted: **Sun Feb 06, 2022 1:12 pm**

Peter Brown wrote: ↑Sun Feb 06, 2022 11:50 am Watching this game on ESPNU right now.

You guys are too tough on your squad. It was a cold day. When the score got to 11-7, then 11-8, a pipe by Desimone could easily have gone in, ballooning the score and who knows after that.

I think the 5 on 4, then the Jacksonville goalie Millikan made an amazing save, again if that goes in, the floodgates open.

Just such a fine line between you guys being happy or not.

Hopkins defense looks solid. I like 31 whoever that is. Tough kid.

The offense IMO looks better than in a long time. Desimone impresses. They have to set Grimes up like Maryland does with Wisnaukas…lefty snipe.

Kudos to Jacksonville’s Galloway. He’s got the vibe of a great coach. Waldbaum plays smart. Gotta cheer for my Florida boys.

Jacob Greiner,
he’s picked up his game from last year to this,
a lot of people missed that guy.

Posted: **Sun Feb 06, 2022 1:15 pm**

nyjay wrote: ↑Sun Feb 06, 2022 12:08 pm 31 is McManus. He got a little chippy yesterday a couple of times. Thought he could have gotten another flag or two. Didn't really expect to see that from him, but from a Hop perspective, good to see a little attitude from the defense. One more QK note - anyone else notice when he called McManus, Colwell?

Thanks. He’s a big kid with good speed and aggressive hands, and by the looks of when he knocked into a Jacksonville player, all muscle. I know he was a tad out of control, but….

I think in lacrosse when the opponent thinks some huge defenseman is a little out of control, that might help set the table to the defenses advantage. I know I wouldn’t want that kid crushing me. Lol.

Anyway, I thought in all phases the Hopkins team looks better than in a while. Better athletes, better skill positions, tougher defense, quicker attack, solid midfields. And they clearly didn’t play their best, which you have to like if you’re a fan. I think this kid Grimes was utilized poorly. He looks like Wisnaukas and O’Neal, all big kids who prefer the lefty crank. But I didn’t see him set up to do what he looks like he should do.

I also think the goalie is good. You guys were criticizing him here yesterday, but I thought he played solid, even at the very end with that last second save which wasn’t frankly an easy save.

A couple more guys who impressed. Degnon and Shure. Peshko is a smart player. Degnon has a very hard cannon. Shure gets after it. Smith is a quality player on defense.

Seriously, I think this team is really good, at least better than the last few years.

LaxPower Back-Up Stick

Johns Hopkins 2022

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