ODAC 2023
Posted: Mon Aug 22, 2022 8:25 pm
Saw some team specific forums thought I'd go ahead and make a conference group!
Yes they are
Agreed. It seems to me that the quality of the top ODAC teams has decreased as the number of lacrosse teams in the conference has increased. Perhaps the conference could go to a divisional format where each team does not play every other team in the conference.JustOneTime wrote: ↑Tue Aug 23, 2022 12:49 pm This is not good news from a lacrosse standpoint. Another poor team that all will be required to play. It will hurt the strength of schedule for the top teams trying to get a NCAA bid.
This is fun to think about,GeneralBart wrote: ↑Tue Aug 23, 2022 12:59 pm Perhaps the conference could go to a divisional format where each team does not play every other team in the conference.
Mens lacrosse is going to a weighted schedule in 2023. I am not sure what the divisions are but it is split along the lines of traditional performance. The top teams on each side will not play all of the bottom teams on the other side.GeneralBart wrote: ↑Tue Aug 23, 2022 12:59 pmAgreed. It seems to me that the quality of the top ODAC teams has decreased as the number of lacrosse teams in the conference has increased. Perhaps the conference could go to a divisional format where each team does not play every other team in the conference.JustOneTime wrote: ↑Tue Aug 23, 2022 12:49 pm This is not good news from a lacrosse standpoint. Another poor team that all will be required to play. It will hurt the strength of schedule for the top teams trying to get a NCAA bid.
I believe each team will play 9 conference games and as per the prior post by InsideRoll, the conference will stack rank.GeneralBart wrote: ↑Tue Aug 23, 2022 1:53 pm Thanks for the insight. Do you know how many conference games will be scheduled during the regular season?
Tough because it doesn't feel like there is 8 playoff caliber teams. I guess the argument could have been made for having both Shenandoah and Bridgewater in the playoffs but realistically neither team is going to make it that far. If they do though then the it gives 1 and 2 seed a nice break.Leonard Washington wrote: ↑Thu Aug 25, 2022 2:28 pm With the addition of Averett, I wonder if they will stay at 7 teams in the playoffs or add another team to make it an even 8?
Selfishly I think it should stay at 7. The Bridgewater and Shenandoah (play in) game was a great one. I do understand that Roanoke took care of them 2 days later, but imagine if W&J and Lynchburg had to play Guilford (would have been the 8 seed) and Shenandoah. Plus with the current format you reward the #1 seed and #2 seed with more time off/rest before they get things started in the ODAC tourney.Bert Macklin wrote: ↑Thu Aug 25, 2022 2:37 pm
Tough because it doesn't feel like there is 8 playoff caliber teams. I guess the argument could have been made for having both Shenandoah and Bridgewater in the playoffs but realistically neither team is going to make it that far. If they do though then the it gives 1 and 2 seed a nice break.
In 2021, Bridgewater beat Roanoke in the quarterfinal to advance to the semi-final. Shenandoah and Bridgewater are relatively young programs compared to W&L, Lynchburg, HS & Roanoke, who have consistently been in the top four. Add Randolph-Macon (who have been up/down over the years) and one could argue there are seven playoff caliber teams with some struggling programs behind them.Bert Macklin wrote: ↑Thu Aug 25, 2022 2:37 pmTough because it doesn't feel like there is 8 playoff caliber teams. I guess the argument could have been made for having both Shenandoah and Bridgewater in the playoffs but realistically neither team is going to make it that far. If they do though then the it gives 1 and 2 seed a nice break.Leonard Washington wrote: ↑Thu Aug 25, 2022 2:28 pm With the addition of Averett, I wonder if they will stay at 7 teams in the playoffs or add another team to make it an even 8?
In regards to Lynchburg I’d say that’s a homer post if there ever was one. The majority of those players have no experience and didn’t play meaningful minutes. Returning 2 goalies who struggled most of last year is hardly an accomplishment. So listing them as meaningful returners holds little weight. Here a less objective look. Using 14 starters (3A, 3M, 3D, 1G, 1LSM, 2DM, 1FO).JustOneTime wrote: ↑Fri Aug 26, 2022 11:15 am The playoffs should remain at 7 teams. It makes the regular season games more meaningful knowing the top two teams get to sit out the first round and rest up.
I didn't realize that Lynchburg was bringing back most of their team. They will be a force and certainly favored to three-peat.
Great analysis, thanks.InsiderRoll wrote: ↑Fri Aug 26, 2022 2:01 pm
Roanoke
Starters Returning: 13/14
Points Returning: 86.1%
Key Returners: Luke Kammerman, A (HM AA, 111pts), Luca Docking, A (65pts), Wyatt Whitlow, A (66pts), John Dias, LSM (68gbs), Ethan Caldwell, M (47pts), RT Williamson, D (20 Starts), Sean Kennedy, A (27pts), Trevor Stocks, M (17pts)
Key Losses: George Gilbert, M (58pts)
Analysis: Roanoke should easily have the best offense in the ODAC. Led by Kammerman, probably the best player in the conference and strong core of offensive players I’d expect them to put up a lot of points. The defense needs to drastically improve in 2023, this unit really struggled against good teams. They also were a below average clearing team in 2022. I’d expect them to move up a step this year, however their issues typically lie with the ability to play discipline and stay out of their own way, if they can overcome those issues then they may be a top 20 team. If they can’t it’ll be like 2022.
The Siena transfer to Roanoke should be noted it was a walk-on player who didn’t make the team. He was never actually a Siena lacrosse player. So I’ll wait to count him as an impact player.JBFortunato wrote: ↑Fri Aug 26, 2022 2:25 pmGreat analysis, thanks.InsiderRoll wrote: ↑Fri Aug 26, 2022 2:01 pm
Roanoke
Starters Returning: 13/14
Points Returning: 86.1%
Key Returners: Luke Kammerman, A (HM AA, 111pts), Luca Docking, A (65pts), Wyatt Whitlow, A (66pts), John Dias, LSM (68gbs), Ethan Caldwell, M (47pts), RT Williamson, D (20 Starts), Sean Kennedy, A (27pts), Trevor Stocks, M (17pts)
Key Losses: George Gilbert, M (58pts)
Analysis: Roanoke should easily have the best offense in the ODAC. Led by Kammerman, probably the best player in the conference and strong core of offensive players I’d expect them to put up a lot of points. The defense needs to drastically improve in 2023, this unit really struggled against good teams. They also were a below average clearing team in 2022. I’d expect them to move up a step this year, however their issues typically lie with the ability to play discipline and stay out of their own way, if they can overcome those issues then they may be a top 20 team. If they can’t it’ll be like 2022.
With regard to Roanoke, they lose Stocks who transferred out, and add a pole from Siena and a midfielder from Canisius, each of whom come in as sophomores and neither of whom played a significant role at their respective prior schools. Other than Kammerman's younger brother, who is very talented, I don't know anything about the incoming class.
I think this season is an interesting test for Lynchburg: are they able to be consistently great year to year while losing significant talent, like a Tufts? I think the same question is posed to CNU this season, who lose a ton of important players.
That young Roanoke team from a few years ago is now a Juniors/Seniors team with quite a bit of experience and a familiarity with each other that can only yield good results on the field. They will struggle again, however, if they can't improve their defensive play, as well as their faceoff performance. If they shore things up in those areas, it could be one of those years for Roanoke IMO.