Minnesota '07 Season Thread

[BSM24]

So I'm offically making this the first, and only thread for Minnesota Highschool Lacrosse this '07 season. WE ARE SANCTIONED! Anyways, the goal is for there to be alot of good debates about everything going on in Minnesota relating to Lacrosse. Pre-season predictions, Top-10 lists,ect... Use your imagination. So I'll get it started. Top-10 teams this season, What do you think? Personally, it think that this is a hard thing to pick, b/c in my opinion as a state we are finally hitting the point where there will be no more huge blowout victories in the top-10, or maybe even top-20 matchups.(well maybe a few)
But if I had to guess, here is what I would say.
Top-10 Teams
1. Benilde-St. Margaret's
2. Eden Prairie
3. Osseo
4. Totino Grace
5. Edina
6. Blake
7. Moundsview
8. Wayzata
9. Acadamy of Holy Angels?
10. Apple Valley?
So there you have it, my half assed Top-10, but I'm probably wrong. So tell me what you think. GO!

[mnlax9]

hey man bsm killed us in the semis last year (eastview) but them are some wack rankings

[dukelax47]

osseo at 3 are u kidding me? they lost everyone except an ok goalie and a dope lsm
tg lost everyone too. i think they have like one or two starters returning. Blake will be good along with ep and benilde. wayzata should be up there too.

[AHA lax5]

Benilde and Eden Prairie are gonna be the best teams in the state. Both are going to be very tough and solid at every position. Osseo and Totino wont be as good as last year....and there is no way Moundsview gonna be number 7, especially when they arent varsity.

[senorlax17]

The only teams that I agree with up there (not necessarily in their current positions) are BSM, EP, Edina, Blake, and Wayzata. I don't know much about Apple Valley (are they even sanctioned?) but I know that Osseo, Totino, and AHA won't be that good this year. Like other people have said, Osseo lost most of their players, as did Totino and AHA, and Moundsview isn't even sanctioned. I don't know who I would fill the other 5 top ten positions with, I would probably get Eastview and Breck in there, but otherwise I have no clue. We'll all just have to wait until the season starts.
Also (don't mean to highjack the thread) but does anyone know what teams are actually getting sanctioned this year?

[wilsontopowell]

osseo lost everyvody cept their goalie and kyrillis, hurley michalski and libera are gone from holy angels, apple valley lost some good players, pitzl and nesser i think his name was are gone from totino, i dont think those teams will be in the top 10. i think if blakes new 3 poles are decent they will win state again. if not them then benilde or eden prairie

[BSM24]

I'm pretty sure Moundsview is sanctioned b/c they are on our schedule, and again this is just a half assed top ten so feel free to make your own also. And senorlax17, I'm pretty sure they have all the teams on LaxPower and maybe on MBSLA?

[senorlax17]

And senorlax17, I'm pretty sure they have all the teams on LaxPower and maybe on MBSLA?

Alright thanks, I'll check that out.

[LAXMomx3]

Blake is definitely a contender for MSHSL State Champs. You don't win the MBSLA two years in a row with two undefeated seasons to boot and then lie down the year the sport becomes sanctioned. But we'll see how it all plays out. The only thing I can say about BSM24 putting them 6th is that there is a little reality missing. And putting BSM #1? That's just looking at the possibilities found in positive thinking. :-)

In any event, 28 teams in for this year (and I THINK I heard a 29th joined but have no idea who). To see the whole list: http://www.mbsla.org

[LAXMomx3]

For those too lazy to figure out where to go once you get to the home page (which would be "Our teams" at the top).. here's the list of MSHSL teams in alpha order:

AHA
Apple Valley
Armstrong
BSM
Blake
Jefferson (Bloomington)
Kennedy (ditto)
Breck
Chaska
Cooper
Eagan
Eastview
EP
Edina
Hill-Murray
Hopkins
Irondale
Lakeville
Mahtomedi
MPLS
MTKA
Prior Lake
Roseville
Shattuck
St. Thomas
Totino
Wayzata
Woodbury

[dukelax47]

im pretty sure u can go undefeated 2 yrs in a row and then suck. blake lost a lot of people. they will still be good with kip and seivold. but they will not be nearly as good as last year.

[BSM24]

Yes, I agree that Blake will not be a bad team, and won't "lie down" but with all the talented seniors that they lost, especially at defense, which will probably be their downfall this year, they by no means will have another undefeated season. Again, like I have already said, this is a half assed top ten, and I would like to hear from everyone one else who they think the top ten teams will be. And not to be cocky, but I honestly think that my team(BSM) and Eden Prarie are going the be the 2 top teams in state this year. We(BSM) have 7 returning starters (all seniors), Chris Dressen to make up for Brennon Harrington on defense, and I feel we will have some of the best defensive midfield units in the state. Our only down fall will be our midfield offense, but we do return 3 ten+ goal scores at midfield, and 2 solid FOGO's. Also, we have two LSM's, who both played Varsity last year. And of our starting unit of 10 players, 4 played for the MN Lax Loons this summer, 4 on both the Lax loons and the MN Elite team, and all 8 have recieve looks from DIII, DII, and DI schools. And Eden Prairie also comes into the season with some of the best players in the state. Tony Donna at D, Baxter, Hewitt, and Jones on offense, and also Richards on D, all of which were on the MN Elite team this summer. But Blake also had alot of players on the MN Elite team, so LAXMomx3, you are right that you can't count them out of winning state this year. They do still have Seivold coaching, and no more Hank(THANK GOD). Wayzata should be good, and so will Edina, and SO WILL BLAKE, but other then that, the rest are just pure guesses. We can only wait and see.

[AHA lax5]

I'm pretty sure Moundsview is sanctioned b/c they are on our schedule, and again this is just a half assed top ten so feel free to make your own also. And senorlax17, I'm pretty sure they have all the teams on LaxPower and maybe on MBSLA?

You can still have a unsanctioned team on your schedule, you can still play club teams even if your team is varsity.

[BSM24]

You can still have a unsanctioned team on your schedule, you can still play club teams even if your team is varsity.
Well then that makes sense. Muchas gracias for the info :monkey:

[LAXMomx3]

The thing about one season to the next is you never know who is going to step up to fill the big vacated shoes, who is going to end up injured or who is going to be an idiot and get a minor. Look at Lakeville's (?) football team this year. I think they had something like 6 or 7 starting guys out the first two games of the season. In a sport like lacrosse, that can really slam your record. I do hope EP is good this year as I was really disappointed last year. Of course, part of that was that Baxter was hurt, they moved his position and their goalie's inexperienced under pressure showed. So you're right.. you just never know. But there is something to the coaching where they make adjustments that utilizes the best talent currently on the roster instead of the same old plays and just plugging in bodies.

Here's a question though... with the sport now sanctioned, has anyone seen an improvement in support from their schools? Some schools, who have always considered their teams varsity, have given lax equal support as all other sports, MSHSL or otherwise. Some treated lax like second class athletes barely allowing them field time. In other words, do you think this new status in the state will show up on the playing fields with stronger competition all around?

[wilsontopowell]

Here's a question though... with the sport now sanctioned, has anyone seen an improvement in support from their schools? Some schools, who have always considered their teams varsity, have given lax equal support as all other sports, MSHSL or otherwise. Some treated lax like second class athletes barely allowing them field time. In other words, do you think this new status in the state will show up on the playing fields with stronger competition all around?

my team minneapolis southwest now gets to play at our stadium and use our practice fields instead of going to north minneapolis to play our games

[LAXMomx3]

Is mpls doing a combined team of sorts? The sanction list just says Minneapolis.

[wilsontopowell]

Is mpls doing a combined team of sorts? The sanction list just says Minneapolis.

yeah its all the minneapolis schools but its pretty much all southwest kids

[AHA lax5]

We, Holy Angels, are not really getting treated equally really. We get to use our stadium earlier in the season for some practices, but after about a weeks use, we will have to practice at a city park down the street. Also as of right now we have 2 HOME games at Lake Nokomis and not our stadium. Its really weird, because last year all of our home games we are out stadium. So I don't know what the deal is.

[mnlax9]

AHA do you play in the winter league at the irish dome?

[crimsond-pole]

Hold up! Osseo will be decent this year and i think we (Maple Grove) will finally be able to beat them. As for who will be #1 I think it will be EP

[senorlax17]

I think it is a smart guess to say that EP and BSM will be at the top of the league this year considering all the talent they have brought back from last year.
As for Blake, they have lost a lot of talent, but they won't be bad this year by any means. They are returning two of their attack (Dooley and Upjohn) and Seivold, three very good players. The obvious question is whether or not they will be able to fill the spot left by the loss of their three poles. If they can find a way to do that, I think they will be fine this year.
I also think that this year's competition will be much closer than ever before between the top teams in the state, as BSM24 said. I am really just excited to see how everything turns out, to see Blake finally lose (hopefully), and to get out of school for a state tournament.

[AHA lax5]

AHA do you play in the winter league at the irish dome?

yea I do, Do you?

[JollyRogerPt2]

There are more questions than answers this year. Last year was Blake's coronation parade, with TG/Osseo/AHA/BSM attempting to upgrade their play to challenge them. This year, (as some have mentioned) Blake must replace an entire close defense. Do not make the mistake of minimizing that. It is very difficult to do. IN NO PARTICULAR ORDER - SOME THOUGHTS FROM THE SIDELINE>>>

From a "most returners" point of view, BSM has to be considered the favorite. How will they deal with being the hunted, rather than the hunters... But they should make the finals.

EP's new coach, Ryan Ward is by all acounts a wonderful guy, and a very good offensive player. How will he adjust to being the head coach, and having to coach field defense, shot selection etc....

TG has lost so much talent (Pitzl, Nesser, Sadder, Kubovic to name a few...) they will be rebuilding.

Mounds View - the same as TG (Lost Berger, Nelson, Bailey).

AHA - lost too much talent in Hurley/Librera/Michalski Should be a rebuilding year for Coach Overman.

Wayzata has undergone a complete coaching change, and rumor is that the new coach may be lacking... Is the rumor true? They do return a strong goalie and a great face off middy (Alex Fong).

Breck - some talent was demonstrated at the North Star Camp, but do they have depth?

Prior Lake - Showed significant improvement last year, Stark and Childs are two athletic midfielders who should be among the best.

Blake - It's the Kip n Seivold show. It would be hard to contest that they are the two most recognizable players in the the state. Before he leaves HS, Seivold should be the best in his class. But whether the team defends (as pointed above) will be the question.

Jefferson - lost athletically superior middy Andrew Larson (to St. Thomas), but they were pretty young and have some athletic defensemen. Their lead Attackman (Alex Wesenberg) has committed to Queens college in North Carolina. He is a good qb and can create his own shot on the post up. Should be a rebound year for them.

Eastview - new head coach, Tim Roach, is lucky to have a strong youth organization, and lots of players in the pipeline. Transitioning to a new system is difficult. But athletically they can run with anyone.

MORE LATER>>>

[mnlax9]

AHA lax. Ya i do i was an attackmen in the first half and then i played face off in the second half for a while. I guess well be seein you late in the season

[AHA lax5]

AHA lax. Ya i do i was an attackmen in the first half and then i played face off in the second half for a while. I guess well be seein you late in the season

What team do you play for?

[AHA lax5]

AHA - lost too much talent in Hurley/Librera and the defenseman that went to Butler (whose name I'm blanking on - I'll come revise later). Should be a rebuilding year for Coach Overman.

Derek Michalski is his name.

[mnlax9]

eastview we played you last week

[BSM24]

So I thought it was ironic since we were just talking about him, but Butler just anounced that they have dropped their larcrose program. So Michalski isn't gunna be playing D-1 lacrosse this year. But I'd assume he would transfer somewhere. I don't know. Anyways that sucks.

[AHA lax5]

Yea he is put in a tough situation. They aren't sure, but either last night or the night before, the team was deciding if they wanted to play out the season or not. And I'm sure all the freshman or at least most will transfer(or redshirt) so they have all of their elligibility left so they can play a full 4 years of lax.

[Kristin Garland]

First off, I would like to say congratulations to the boys in finally becoming a sanctioned sport.

I've noticed that there is a lot of discussion on here regarding men's lacrosse, any discussion of Minnesota Women's Lacrosse? I played lacrosse at Gustavus and am now a Jr. High Girls lacrosse coach at Benilde and wouldn't mind some open discussion.

Any takers?

[JollyRogerPt2]

Some additional thoughts from the sidelines.

Eagan is always competitive - but I know little about their team.

Apple Valley - the two clasess that contributed to their first appearance in the state championship two years ago are now gone. Head Coach Joe Gaston will be relying upon a new generation - led by attackman Vince Wigdahl - to get them back to the championship.

Lakeville has one of the best coaches in the state in Sean Pearce (Clarkson), and it would not surprise me if the Panthers surprise.

Edina lost alot of very good players, per their coach Ed McFadden, but they continue to produce new players.

Cooper is in it's second year of "post-weil" teaching, which should result in an improvement, although the loss of "do everything defender" Kevin Whiteis will be felt.

Minneapolis has been "down" for two years, but have been playing young players for a long time - is this the year they return to prominance?

Minnetonka - Eric Schmidt will dominate face offs and be a problem for any team that will play the Skippers. They have a well-populated youth program. THey've been snake bit the last couple of years by some early conference losses. In the past, they've always play better at the end of the year - does that trend disappear this year, when the team schedules start later?

[AHA lax5]

I think Edina could be pretty strong and Minnestonka, I wouldn't be suprised seeing them being solid this year either.

[LordoftheTwine]

can anyone give me some info on Shattuck- St. Mary's I just signed a letter of intent for their hockey program But Ill be playing Varsity lax too and I just want to know how other lax players in the area view their program?

[LAXMomx3]

Their hockey is outstanding. No doubt. In my opinion, this hasn't translated all that well to the lacrosse field and they have a reputation of playing "dirty." And it hasn't won them games, only penalties and injuries to other players. However, if they get a few more guys like you coming from the east who actually play the sport, that could change. That's the real test of a boarding school. They get guys (and girls) from all over the country, so it's not like there is a MS or feeder program to get a good read on them year to year. But the bottom line is it's a hockey program.. and a damn good one at that. And that's saying something in the state of Minnesota. :)

By the way.. check the current sales for a REALLY warm coat.. you're gonna need one! And good underarmour is key. Even a spring sport like LAX is played in pretty chilly weather around here. Minnesota winters can easily go from October to the end of April. :)

[LordoftheTwine]

thanks for the insight LAXMom

[AHA lax5]

Yea Shattuck is pretty good at hockey, but my high school Holy Angels just beat them last week...first high school team in the MN to ever beat them, it was a pretty big deal. And if your playin' lax for them, then looks like we'll be playin eachother this year.

[LordoftheTwine]

I will @ SSM for the '08 season

[LAXMomx3]

Wow AHA.. that IS huge. Congrats on Holy Angel's win. There must have been some serious hooting and hollering that night! I saw Shattuck on the ice and I swear, most of them looked the size of NHL players instead of high school kids! :-)

[AHA lax5]

Yea the whole arena was packed, sold out. We play Shattuck every year, most of the time losing by 1 or 2, and finally this year we pulled it off.

[senorlax17]

I was excited when I saw that my team gets to play Shattuck this year in lacrosse. I know that my school's soccer and hockey teams have been smoked by Shattuck's soccer and hockey teams, and so I, along with all the soccer and hockey players on the team, are hoping that we will get to take them down in lacrosse.

[illfish]

How cold is it in MN right now?

[CougarLax07]

Blake is definitely a contender for MSHSL State Champs. You don't win the MBSLA two years in a row with two undefeated seasons to boot and then lie down the year the sport becomes sanctioned. But we'll see how it all plays out. The only thing I can say about BSM24 putting them 6th is that there is a little reality missing. And putting BSM #1? That's just looking at the possibilities found in positive thinking. :-)

In any event, 28 teams in for this year (and I THINK I heard a 29th joined but have no idea who). To see the whole list: http://www.mbsla.org

ya centennial is now varsity too

[LAXMomx3]

How cold is it in MN right now?

Currently, at 6:56pm, it's -7. Not sure about the wind chill. I read somewhere that there is a certain degree below zero that once you below that threshold, your body no longer feels the cold. Good to know. However, I think that threshold is about -20. :-) I will say the first winter I moved here I had never been so cold in my life. Now, however, I rarely have to wear a coat until Christmas time. My kids... barely wear a coat now!

[LAXMomx3]

Winter League at MTKA Dome:
Just noticed that there'll be a preview of BSM24's initial season's predictions this Sunday when Eden Prairie faces off against Benilde. While not exactly the starting line up on either side, it'll should be quite the game with BSM trying to recapture their #1 spot in the blue division (which they lost due to forfeit to wayzata - Super Bowl Sunday). It's pretty much a must-win for BSM if they want to play the no. 1 team in the other division.

[senorlax17]

Speaking of the Minnetonka Dome league this Sunday, another important game is going down. Breck plays Blake. I can't wait to hopefully get some revenge on those Blake guys, even if it is only in winter league. I think it will be a good game and might show who will be first in that half of the division (since there's a three way tie right now with Blake, Breck and Edina). But it's just winter league, so (as LAXMom said) no starting lineups and no big deal, but it should still be fun.

[curlyq0009]

I agree with most of your comments except the Wayzata coaching situation. The new coach ,Coach Crane is by far a superior coach then his predecessor. He's from out east with a prep school background in Boston. He has coached youth thru high school with much success. I definitely see Wayzata having a great year!

[LAXMomx3]

Speaking of the Minnetonka Dome league this Sunday, another important game is going down. Breck plays Blake. I can't wait to hopefully get some revenge on those Blake guys, even if it is only in winter league. I think it will be a good game and might show who will be first in that half of the division (since there's a three way tie right now with Blake, Breck and Edina). But it's just winter league, so (as LAXMom said) no starting lineups and no big deal, but it should still be fun.

I checked the three-way tie. There isn't one. Blake is the only team 5-0 (actually in both divisions since BSM forfeited and Eden Prairie lost to Edina the week before Edina lost to Blake). In the division, Blake is 3-0(9ga), Breck and Edina are both 2-1 with 8 and 11 ga respectively. Still.. BOTH games should be fun (EP/BSM and Blake/Breck).

http://www.mtkalax.org/Standings.asp?snid=29345642&org=mtkalax.org

[senorlax17]

I checked the three-way tie. There isn't one.

Well you're right about that. I guess I had the two Mtka teams switched around (we beat one and lost to the other). It makes more sense now.

[JollyRogerPt2]

UPDATE:

Osseo and Maple Grove just went MSHSL Varsity...

[senorlax17]

UPDATE:

Osseo and Maple Grove just went MSHSL Varsity...

Wow, really? I hope that's right, because that is really cool. The more teams that go varsity the better! (and there's the fact that if we get enough teams for a real state tourny, we can get out of school for the games!!!)

[AHA lax5]

How many teams is that up to now?

[LAXMomx3]

Wow, really? I hope that's right, because that is really cool. The more teams that go varsity the better! (and there's the fact that if we get enough teams for a real state tourny, we can get out of school for the games!!!)

If I am not mistaken, the agreement that the MSHSL would sponsor both a girls and boys state tourney for 2007 has already been made. Since both sides were maybe only one or two teams short of the proposed minimum, they went ahead and granted official tourneys for both! Still.. the more teams the better -- especially from a national standpoint.

[wilsontopowell]

How many teams is that up to now?

i think its at 27 or 29

[AHA lax5]

So, we will have a state tourney? and we can miss school for this just like any other sport? If thats true I am pumped. Also, having scores and what not in the paper is sweet too.

[mnlax4life]

Who is going where for school next year? This is the roster of seniors from MN Elite to help with some names. I listed all that I have heard about.
Alex Wesenberg (Queens)
Vince Wigdahl
David Upjohn
JJ Greisinger
Tom Cykana
Toffer Toffoli
Monroe Vibbard
Zac Blue
Joe Costello
Todd Baxter (Fairfield)
Eric Schmidt
Alex Fong
Scott Stark (UMD)
Billy Mauzy
Kent Patterson
Bobby Moore
Cory Childs (Tri-State)
Willy Sanders-Lyle
Brett Hartmann
Eric Elgin
Bo Minarik
Brian Kyrilis
Nate Katkov
Tony Donna (Saint John's MN)
Pat McMahon (Bellarmine)
Matt Gilbert
Michael Gilligan
Bill Straus
Joey Slattery
Kenny Flemming

[falconlax1]

Kent Patterson isn't a senior he's a junior if I remember correctly

[dukelax47]

slattery is going to virginia along with fong

[mnlax4life]

Nope, it says he is a senior on the website, so idk. But I think he is goin somewhere to play hockey.

[senorlax17]

Billy Mauzy is going to Colgate.

And with the 28 teams on the list on the page before this, I think that the new addition (of Osseo, Maple Grove, and Centennial) we are now at 31. If I'm not mistaken (which is very likely) I think you need 32 teams to have a real state tourny, but if they already made the deal to have one then it's no big deal. One more would be nice though.

[wilsontopowell]

eric schmitt st.johns(NY)

[BSM24]

This is Michael Gilligan. I'm heading off to Kenyon next year. YA DIII Lax.

[BSM24]

And Katkovs a Junior, and Tophers a sophomore or junior. I can't remember which one

[AHA lax5]

Topher is a junior

[CougarLax07]

slattery is going to virginia along with fong

did slattery and fong get recruited there or are they just trying to walk on

[LAXMomx3]

And with the 28 teams on the list on the page before this, I think that the new addition (of Osseo, Maple Grove, and Centennial) we are now at 31. If I'm not mistaken (which is very likely) I think you need 32 teams to have a real state tourny, but if they already made the deal to have one then it's no big deal. One more would be nice though.

Yeah... you could be right. It doesn't say there is a state sponsored tournament on the MSHSL website and there is something about the July meeting that said schools would have to be in by Oct to be considered for the min of 32 (not to play in the MSHSL, but to have a tournment).

I suppose we'll all know soon enough. The girls have had a very competitive state tourney every year without the MSHSL's support, so even if that doesn't happen, it will be fun (even if you don't get to miss school). Games for girls were always later in the afternoon and evening regardless.

[senorlax17]

LAXMom you're right, even if we don't get the MSHSL's support, I'm sure the state tournament will still be very fun. I just think it would be amazing if we could get all the 32 teams we need for a real state tourny, especially in the first year of being sanctioned, because that would definitely look very good for our state.

[mnlax4life]

That was a joke.

[mnlax4life]

did slattery and fong get recruited there or are they just trying to walk on


That was a joke.

[d-pole01]

does anyone know the offical date for minnesota to start practicing outside as a team? im getting pumped for this season. AHAlax5 and senorlax17, we get to play your teams this year, should be fun.

[wilsontopowell]

does anyone know the offical date for minnesota to start practicing outside as a team? im getting pumped for this season. AHAlax5 and senorlax17, we get to play your teams this year, should be fun.

i think its march 27th

[LAXMomx3]

i think its march 27th


March 26 thru May 26. 9 week season. 12 official games max.

[CougarLax07]

March 26 thru May 26. 9 week season. 12 official games max.

does the 9 week season include playoffs? and 12 official games is for the regular season right?

[starslax3]

yes 12 games is regular season, then the state tourny

[LAXMomx3]

May 26 is the "last date" so I imagine that's the day of the final game. (it says nothing about a rain date). BTW.. I am getting all this information from the MSHSL website.

[BSM24]

Just to let everyone know, we(BSM) beat Eden Prairie, 6-5. The game was SICK!!! But EP didn't have Baxter or Donna. Anyways just letting everyone know.

[LAXMomx3]

Just to let everyone know, we(BSM) beat Eden Prairie, 6-5. The game was SICK!!! But EP didn't have Baxter or Donna. Anyways just letting everyone know.
What happened near the end of the game... was there a scuffle of some sort? There were like three minutes left and instead of calling a ref time out to sort it out, they let the clock run through until 58 seconds left before they started the game again. Did someone get ejected?

In any event, that puts BSM and EP with the exact same record in their league 3-1 with 9GA. (BSM #1 due to the head to head win).

Blake beat Breck as well. Not sure what the final score was.

[senorlax17]

Breck-Blake game was 6-8 (respectively). It was actually a really good game, and both teams had most of their normal players there, but both were also missing a few key ones. Blake didn't have their usual goalie or Seivold, Breck didn't have Gilbert. If the regular season game is anything like this one, it will be super intense. I can't wait.

[LAXMomx3]

Ran into Lisa Skoog last night at the dome (secretary for the MBSLA and in charge of that website) who told me that the MSHSL voted in January to host the state championships this year for both girls and boys. It will be held at Hopkins HS -- just like the girls have done for the past couple of years on their own. While being sanctioned should also help with the star trib and other news coverage as well, if the past is any indication, I think there should should be some sort of media day because the biggest hurdles for reporters is understanding the game well enough to report on it!!

[BSM24]

Nice, I like the sound of that

[wilsontopowell]

This is Michael Gilligan. I'm heading off to Kenyon next year. YA DIII Lax.

congrats on kenyon

[senorlax17]

I can't wait for the season to start, and then eventually the state tourny. I can't wait to see what types of things the media does for the sport. I know that I've been waiting to be able to see boys lax scores in the paper for a while, and now that should be realized. Not only that, but some of the amazing games that go on should be finally televised and properly covered on the news. It should be exciting to finally get lacrosse out to the general public, but it will be interesting to see how the news stations will try to educate people about the sport, if they try to do so at all. I just think that would be a good idea since most people in MN don't know what lacrosse really is.

[AHA lax5]

Yea the State Tourney and the Media is pretty sick, I'm pumped for that.

[wilsontopowell]

Yea the State Tourney and the Media is pretty sick, I'm pumped for that.

the state tourney is at hopkins though.... i was kind of hoping it would be in the dome

[LAXMomx3]

I cannot imagine LAX finals would ever go to the dome. First of all, there isn't yet the fan base to justify the size of the venue. Look how long it took girls hockey to get to excel? But mostly I wouldn't think it would happen, regardless of attendance, because by the end of May the dome is set up for baseball. The expense to switch that around would never be covered by lax fan revenues. With football, we're already piggy-backing on the U and the Vikings. And if you've ever seen football played on a converted Baseball field (I am thinking of the Saints stadium in St. Paul where St. Bernards plays), it's completely confusing.

[CougarLax07]

I cannot imagine LAX finals would ever go to the dome. First of all, there isn't yet the fan base to justify the size of the venue. Look how long it took girls hockey to get to excel? But mostly I wouldn't think it would happen, regardless of attendance, because by the end of May the dome is set up for baseball. The expense to switch that around would never be covered by lax fan revenues. With football, we're already piggy-backing on the U and the Vikings. And if you've ever seen football played on a converted Baseball field (I am thinking of the Saints stadium in St. Paul where St. Bernards plays), it's completely confusing.

Isnt the girls hockey state tournament at Ridder?

[LAXMomx3]

Isnt the girls hockey state tournament at Ridder?
The consolation round is at Ridder, but the championship rounds are at Excel (Feb 22nd thru the 24th).

http://www.mshsl.org/mshsl/showbrackets.asp?tournid=2415

[JollyRogerPt2]

Anyone want to take a shot at an Pre-season all state team? To start discussion, here's a quick attempt... I took liberties where I could not break a tie

Attack:
Kip Dooley
Vince Wigdahl
Matt Draxler
Alex Wesenberg

Midfield
Joe Costello
Todd Baxter
Jordan Seivold
Eric Schmidt
F/O
Alex Fong
LSM
Brian Kyrilis

Defense
Michael Gilligan
Pat McMahon
Tony Donna
Brian Strauss

Goalie
Kenny Flemming

[wilsontopowell]

Anyone want to take a shot at an Pre-season all state team? To start discussion, here's a quick attempt... I took liberties where I could not break a tie

Attack:
Kip Dooley
Vince Wigdahl
Matt Draxler
Alex Wesenberg

Midfield
Joe Costello
Todd Baxter
Jordan Seivold
Eric Schmidt
F/O
Alex Fong
LSM
Brian Kyrilis

Defense
Michael Gilligan
Pat McMahon
Tony Donna
Brian Strauss

Goalie
Kenny Flemming

id replace matt draxler with brett hartmann

[CougarLax07]

ya i would go with hartmann too... that is one heck of an attack that benilde has

[BSM24]

See, in my opinion, having the games at the dome would be cool, but it is completely unnecessary. In late May, the weather is so nice, why not have the game outdoors. For football and Soccer, it is so cold out that you need to have it indoors, b/c more people will show up which equals to more $$$ for MSHSL. Just having a turf field rather then those crappy uncut fields we had in Blain last year is such an improvement. But I wish that the games were farther away, and not at a highschool field so that we could get out of school for them. Since they are at a school, the games will all be after the school day ends.

[CougarLax07]

See, in my opinion, having the games at the dome would be cool, but it is completely unnecessary. In late May, the weather is so nice, why not have the game outdoors. For football and Soccer, it is so cold out that you need to have it indoors, b/c more people will show up which equals to more $$$ for MSHSL. Just having a turf field rather then those crappy uncut fields we had in Blain last year is such an improvement. But I wish that the games were farther away, and not at a highschool field so that we could get out of school for them. Since they are at a school, the games will all be after the school day ends.

good call on that... but i thought you got out of school anyway cuz our hockey team didnt have to go to school for wednesday (im pretty sure), thursday, and friday and we had 2 night games on thursday and friday when we won state in '04

[mnlax4life]

Is there like an official pre-season all-state team, and if so, who does it?

[LAXMomx3]

Since the startrib and the tv stations have both done very limited coverage of the sport (and they are usually the driving forces behind preseason all-state guesses), I am thinking there isn't an official anything. However....

I was checking hockey scores this morning on the MSHSL website and saw that they posted the competitive section assignments for Boys Lacrosse. Check it out.

http://www.mshsl.org/mshsl/showcompsection.asp

Frankly, based on these sections (and section winners go to state), my personal opinion is that it would be reasonable to assume that the best two teams will NOT end up in the state finals, especially considering who all is in section 6! Besides Eden Prairie (who's almost guaranteed a play off spot in section 5) and Osseo (another virtual guarantee in section 4), section 6 has some of the strongest teams, especially in BSM, AHA, and Blake.

[LAXMomx3]

PS and FYI: If you go to the above link on the MSHSL website, you might have to choose the "Activity" (which would be Boys Lacrosse) and hit "go to" to see the section assignments.

[d-pole01]

so, how will state work this year, will we play all our games, go to sections, duke it out and the top two teams in sections go to state?

[mnlax9]

thats how it usually works

[BSM24]

I guess I'm just comfused how this is all going to work. Most of our games this year are against teams from section 4, but BSM is in section 6

[dukelax47]

i dont get y u think ep is gonna be so good they were decent last year and they have the same team but lost their starting goalie. their new goalie is a below average sive and to mention aha and playoffs is obsurd they lost everyone except one of their starting attack

[LAXMomx3]

I understand what Dukelax is saying, but IMO it's more about program than any one season. Look at the perinneal powerhouses in any sport. EP ALWAYS fields a great football team and they lose starting lines every year. Personally, I think it's all about the program in general. Look at the Duke's, Maryland, and Syracuse's out there. They graduate players every year, and yet every year they come in strong. I think good programs continue because success breeds success. The players coming up are wanting to be on the team. They work harder. They get better. And we're going to start seeing that all across our own state more and more - especially as more kids go off to play in college, more colleges turn club to varsity and more kids come out to play in general. Sure, some years are going to be more stellar than others, but really, it's all about the program. Comparing year to year is fine, but think about it... it gives you no real insight to the strength or depth that's been waiting (and developing) in the wings.

Look at it this way.. If you were going to play lax in college, would you consider this year's roster or record OR would you consider your future teammates, the coaches, the overall success of the program and you're ability to contribute?

[BSM24]

dukelax, how they did last season has no effect on this season. Yes, they do have the same team, which is a team with alot of talent and ALOT of game experience. Not to mention one of the best, if not the best players in state(Todd Baxter) along with Tony Donna, who may be the best pole in the state. So they will have a good season, which they would have last year if Baxter didn't get hurt.

[mnlax9]

back to the all state team. i think david allan mite get it

[AHA lax5]

check out www.westsidelax.com they have preseason divisional rankings and a little info about each team and their key players.

[wilsontopowell]

check out www.westsidelax.com they have preseason divisional rankings and a little info about each team and their key players.

a lot of their previews of how teams are going to finish is not even close i think to how the season is going to end up

[BSM24]

check out www.westsidelax.com they have preseason divisional rankings and a little info about each team and their key players.
I am loving this site, I can't wait to see what kind of coverage they have once the season starts

[LAXMomx3]

check out www.westsidelax.com they have preseason divisional rankings and a little info about each team and their key players.

Wonder if someone should forward this "resource" to the startrib. And as to their not picking them the way anyone else would pick them. Isn't that the problem with preseason polls regardless of whose doing the ranking? :bye:

(Those little icons are just too cute to continuously ignore)

[mnlax4life]

Most of the picks are not very accurate to begin with though. Some of them are way off and some of the best teams in the state are not even in there.

[LAXMomx3]

The only polls I've ever seen carry any weight (or realism) are coaches polls that rank the top 10 in a secret ballot kind of format. Top vote getter is #1, and so on.

[mnlax17]

Nope, it says he is a senior on the website, so idk. But I think he is goin somewhere to play hockey.
no hes not gonna play hockey after hs, he is gonna pursue lacrosse

[LAXMomx3]

no hes not gonna play hockey after hs, he is gonna pursue lacrosse

First of all, Kent Patterson is a current junior. Second, he is currently playing Jr. hockey in, I believe, Cedar Rapids. I am pretty confident that hockey is his focus since such programs are usually geared towards Division I scholarships.

[senorlax17]

IMO, that westsidelax.com site is a bunch of you know what. They have some of the teams where they should be, but EP should not be 4th in their division behind Jefferson and Apple Valley. Also, if you read some of the summaries, they talk about how either all of the players are coming back, yet they still have the team ranked low, or how almost none of the players are coming back, but the team is still ranked very high. Personally, I don't think the guys over there have any clue how the season is going to turn out. I guess no one really does, but I'm sure we could get a pole on here of who we think will be the top teams and get a better sense of who it will be than that website. I mean, some of that stuff is just rediculous.

Also, for the all-state team or w/e: I would put Slattery as the goalie, I think he's gonna be pretty solid this year.

[AHA lax5]

Its true alot of their rankings are a little messed up. But from what I know this is the sites first year, so they don't know that EP is always a dominant force like they can be and stuff like that. Just wait til the season starts and they should get a clue.

[BSM24]

Ya, I really don't care about the Top Ten AT ALL!!! I just think it will be cool to have a site like that which will put out lots of articals, game-summaries, and once the season does get under way, a "real" top 10 list. Though everyone will still just use laxpower anyways

[senorlax17]

The site should be a good resource after the season starts, but for right now I'm staying away. It makes me too angry.

[LAXMomx3]

If it makes any difference, I do think they used Laxpower to back up some of their predictions. Eden Prairie finished 18th last year; Not exactly a sure "powerhouse" by anyone's standards. So just looking at laxpower, the top five at the end of last season were (in order) Blake, Osseo, BSM, AHA and Totino Grace (Edina was #6). Given what they had to go on, I think they played it safe.

[CougarLax07]

Since the startrib and the tv stations have both done very limited coverage of the sport (and they are usually the driving forces behind preseason all-state guesses), I am thinking there isn't an official anything. However....

I was checking hockey scores this morning on the MSHSL website and saw that they posted the competitive section assignments for Boys Lacrosse. Check it out.

http://www.mshsl.org/mshsl/showcompsection.asp

Frankly, based on these sections (and section winners go to state), my personal opinion is that it would be reasonable to assume that the best two teams will NOT end up in the state finals, especially considering who all is in section 6! Besides Eden Prairie (who's almost guaranteed a play off spot in section 5) and Osseo (another virtual guarantee in section 4), section 6 has some of the strongest teams, especially in BSM, AHA, and Blake.

I am biased but I think that Centennial will come out of section 4... and that AHA wont be that good this year... sorry turner

[mnlax4life]

Also, for the all-state team or w/e: I would put Slattery as the goalie, I think he's gonna be pretty solid this year.

I don't know about that, although flemming's team was better than slattery's, Osseo's defense was terrible outside of Kyrilis. He dealt with more in-close shots than slattery did. I think this hurt his stats and thats why he wasnt all-state last year. ( I dont think he was)

[JollyRogerPt2]

Anyone going to the Chris Jenkins Invitational this weekend?

Details at www.minnesotalacrosse.org

[AHA lax5]

I am biased but I think that Centennial will come out of section 4... and that AHA wont be that good this year... sorry turner

Its all good strand, we will just try to prove you wrong.

[d-pole01]

Anyone going to the Chris Jenkins Invitational this weekend?

Details at www.minnesotalacrosse.org
i'll be there for the 5 o'clock game becuase i have hockey practice :banghead: otherwise i would go for all of them. If you see a bunch of centennial guys, thats me.

edit: didnt go becuase the roads sucked and didn't have a ride, did anyone go? im really interested to see how it was.

[FreshMiddie]

what about anoka? WE ARE GONNA ROCK!!! at least....varsity.

[wilsontopowell]

what about anoka? WE ARE GONNA ROCK!!! at least....varsity.

yep i bet......

[FreshMiddie]

umm....on the internet, it is hard to tell if someone is sarcastic, but I think you are. Well, I personally have no idea how good they are, but we will see.

[senorlax17]

I heard that those games at the U were pretty sick. My bro went to watch em, and he said that they were all pretty impressive, especially Duluth's win over Lindenwood (9-3). Minnesota also played well only losing to Cal Poly 6-9. I would've gone, but I was at a reffing certification thing all day and the roads were just terrible.

[CougarLax07]

I heard that those games at the U were pretty sick. My bro went to watch em, and he said that they were all pretty impressive, especially Duluth's win over Lindenwood (9-3). Minnesota also played well only losing to Cal Poly 6-9. I would've gone, but I was at a reffing certification thing all day and the roads were just terrible.

ya i was at the duluth game but i had to leave for hockey it was a good one.... i loved the duluth fans

[CougarLax07]

yep i bet......

i thought that was a joke too

[senorlax17]

Ok, so I don't know about the rest of you players on here, but I've been playing lacrosse so far in the box league at Raleia (sp?) and the field league at the Tonka dome, and now that both are over I don't know what I'm gonna do with myself on Sat/Sun nights (lacrosse wise that is). Are any of you guys in the same boat as me, and do you have any advice on what I might be able to play? (As in, more leagues or stuff like that)

[d-pole01]

ummm, just a quick question for anyone trying out for U17, are they going to have tryouts on April 8th becuase thats Easter sunday becuase thats whats posted on www.laxloons.com

[mnlax9]

if thats whats posted then im sure

[lax2007]

Who do you think is going to get All-American from Minnesota this year?

[JollyRogerPt2]

If I recall, MN can place 7 on the AA team:

Kip Dooley
Joe Costello
Todd Baxter
Jordan Seivold
Eric Schmidt
Brian Kyrilis
Michael Gilligan

Is my guess - heavy in Midfield....

[senorlax17]

That is one impressive list. Good reason why the Elite have done so well the past two years.

[BSM24]

O man, so basically all of Minnesota has a snow day today. I love it. Anyways, what is everyone doing for captains practice and tryouts? We would get some time at the dome but we don't want to pay the money for it so we're stuck in the gym at school.

[CougarLax07]

not true we definately didnt have a snow day but i didnt go cuz we lost the night before

[BSM24]

Dude that sucks. Both the losing and no snow day:(

[AHA lax5]

not true we definately didnt have a snow day but i didnt go cuz we lost the night before

haha aw poor strand

[senorlax17]

I definitely got to miss all of the snow because I was in Baltimore for the face-off classic. My flight was probably one of the last to take off, we absolutely gunned it out of the airport. But my school got a snow day Friday anyways. The one day I wasn't there...

[CougarLax07]

haha aw poor strand

at least we didnt go undefeated and then lose in the section finals... ouch :banghead:

[wilsontopowell]

at least we didnt go undefeated and then lose in the section finals... ouch :banghead:

yeah whats up with that and to burnsville

[AHA lax5]

at least we didnt go undefeated and then lose in the section finals... ouch :banghead:

hey dont talk to me about that son, I aint on the hockey team and you know that. I didnt even go it was at 10 in the morning. But all my Burnsville folk were giving me crap about it.

[senorlax17]

Back to lax, our captain's (Breck) start next Monday and we get our equipment tomorrow (Thursday). What about with you guys and your schools? When do/did captain's start for you? The season starts officially in less than 3 weeks and I'm absolutely pumped.

[lax2007]

well i don't know about you guys but I believe that Wayzata will have a strong season this year, I believe that they have a lot of depth and a lot of talent. What do you think about Wayzatas chances for a good season?

[senorlax17]

well i don't know about you guys but I believe that Wayzata will have a strong season this year, I believe that they have a lot of depth and a lot of talent. What do you think about Wayzatas chances for a good season?

They won't be bad this year. Their new coach is questionable, he'll have to prove himself. But players wise, they should have a solid team.

[lax2007]

yeah I am not too sure about the coach either I believe that his name is Adam Crane. But player wise I believe that they have some of the best, Pat mcmahon is a very solid D. Fong is a solid middie and Slattery was an outstanding goalie last year.

[AHA lax5]

Doesnt Wayzata have Sean Pollock as the Assistant coach now? He plays for the Swarm.

[mnlax4life]

Heres my top five list and why I think they should be there.
1. Benilde
They have 3 very talented attack in Draxler, Hartmann, and Vibbard; and 2 solid poles (Gilligan and PJ) in front of a returning goalie. Their midfield will be a question mark though.
2. Eden Prarie
They are very talented all over the field with Donna, Baxter, Jones, and Hewitt leading the way. But no goalie is a cause for concern.
3. Wayzata
They were a solid team last year but ran into Osseo early in the tournament. Fong, Slattery, and McMahon all contribute to their solid defense. They can score very effectively too. Coaching and mental breakdowns are their problems right now.
4. Blake
It's funny how you can win every game 2 years in a row and be #4. They could be easily higher but their defense is not pretty. The question is-Can Dooley, Sievold, and Upjohn score enough goals every game?
5. Osseo
Although Osseo lost virtually everyone, they might still have hope. They have no established scorers but bring up some young talent. Kyrilis is very solid and Fleming will play a big role. If he can play his best, they could be a contender.

If you dont like these, you do one. These are just my preseason picks, they can easily change. Other teams in the mix; Breck, Edina, Centennial, Totino, Prior Lake, Apple Valley, and Bloomington Jefferson.

[senorlax17]

Bravo, I have to say this is the best analysis of the top 5 I've seen yet. The top 4, I would agree with fully. The only thing I do not agree with is Osseo as #5. I don't know who else I would place there, and I wish I could say I did, but I think Osseo will fall down farther. Top 10? Maybe, but I think top 5 is stretching it.

[lax2007]

I don't agree with the standings 100% I believe:
1. Eden Prarie
2. Wayzata
3. Benilde
4. Blake
5. Osseo???

I am not sure about Osseo, I have heard that they will still have some talent after they lost almost all of they're starters last year. I believe that Eden Prarie will, with out a doubt, win state this year. They are extremely deep with talent on they're team this year, and have been playing all winter together. I think that Benilde will be a good team this year however they do not have enough talented middies to allow them to take the title this year. I believe that Wayzata will put up a very good fight but not have enough talent to get past Eden Prarie. I believe that with all of the talent that Benilde has on attack the defense from Wayzata will be able to over power them. I think that Wayzata will have the best Defense this year with Howe, another kid who just moved to wayzata from North Carolina, and it will be lead by mcMahon, who I think is also the best D in the state.

[lax2007]

but with all of that said i still think that Eden Prarie will hands down win the state title this year, with baxter donna hewitt jones and many other talented kinds.

[BSM24]

I'm not sure where all this talk about BSM not having any middies is coming from. We have 8 middies returning this year. Bo Mlnarik, who played for the Elite last summer and was an All-State, and All-Tournament Soccer player last season, along with Jamie McCormick(All-State soccer player) and Stu Neville(6-7 Starter for our Basketball team), who were both on our man-up last year. Also, we'll Anthony Nanne, who will be our second face off mid, and the most athletic player on our team. And incase you are wondering, Bo, Jamie, and Stu were our three leading scorers at middie last season. So to say that we have no middies is a complete lie, and we should have a better group at middies this season then we did last season.

[lax2007]

You guys will have a strong team. But if you want to talk about individuals benilde had three people on the Elite team, and Eden Prarie had six (Richards, Jones, Donna, Baxter, Schleider, and Hewitt). Eden Prarie has also been practicing together all winter long. I believe that instead of having all of their talent stacked in just one place they have it in all positions. Again, I do believe that you will have a strong team just not a state champion team like you said previously in your first comment.

[BSM24]

We had 4 on Elite, and 4 more on the loons, along with a returning goalie. EP will get lit up this year w/out a goalie, end of story. And I'm not sure what you mean by saying that all of our talent is in one position. We have three returning attack, all of whom played on Elite and Selects, 2 returning D, plus Dressen fropm Chaska, and a returning goalie, all of whom played on Elite and Selects, and 8 returning Middies!!! But we'll wait and see come playoffs.

[lax2007]

talk to you then

[CougarLax07]

although i havent played with any of benilde's middies i will agree with their attack and defense will be good i played with all of them this summer and i think they definately have a good shot at winning a title... but i do think that EP has a great shot at winning one too

[elitelax22]

Who are the team that should be watched out for that are considered an underdog?

[CCLAX07]

Benilde-ive seen the middies from benilde they maybe returning and maybe their good at soccer too but that doesnt make them good, their attack are sick ive played against Dressen hes pretty good also and they got gilbert at D whos a Stallion they will be among the best, but against a strong middie team they might have troubles gettin the ball up the field.


Holy Angels- they have JJ (my future dorm room Bud) and Turner whos like my brother, but thats the only talent they are going to have.

Osseo- they have Kyrilis and Flemming thats it ill leave it at that i played with their team in the summer.

EP- this one is tough because they didnt get any one new, but they all returned. their record was bad, but baxter was hurt. they are very capable of being good, but they are capable of doing the same thing as last year.

Blake- Kip Seivold and Upjohn are unreal players andi dont think many kids in this state can stick with kips agility and Seivold's speed

Moundsview? Maple Grove? sorry i dont know anyone from there and im hearing all this talk about them? i dont think they can keep up with the best

Wayzata- i think they will be a solid team, fong, mcmahon, and Slats i think they will have a good season and i think Crane is an awesome coach who will benefit the team

Apple Vallley- Top 10? Wigdahl, Wigdahl, Wigdahl, and Wigdahl - that is it

totino grace only has puppy dog (if you know who that is)

[lax2007]

now I am kind of disagreeing with what I said yesterday, I do believe that EP has the potential of being a state champ, and I still think that they still have the best chance. But CClax07 brought up a good point saying that they could just end up doing the same thing as last year. Personally I don't think that Baxter would have made them state champs last year if he had not been hurt (even though he is an outstanding player).

I guess it all depends on who wants it more between Benilde and EP, and the chemistry within the teams. So we will see come game time in a couple of weeks.

~What do you think of Wayzata's chances of being a good team this year?(I am not saying that Wayzata is going to win state, I just think they might be a team overlooked this year)
~and are any teams going on spring break trips other than minnetonka?

[BSM24]

Gilbert plays for Breck, not BSM. Our D are Chris Dressen, Patrick Johnson, and Michael Gilligan

[wilsontopowell]

Who are the team that should be watched out for that are considered an underdog?

everyone besides benilde and EP

[CCLAX07]

sorry i meant Gilly even tho gilbert is also a great defender

[Elaxn21]

Sorry boys but your rankings are all wrong. Yes Blake and Ep are there but a huge no to AHA and Apple Valley. Blake, EP, Wayzata, Minnetonka and BSM should be your top 5. All teams have very solid starting lines.
Yo JollyRogerPt2 thanks for the love.
Schmitty

[CCLAX07]

whats Up Gilly and Schmidt, if u havent figured ito ut its childs, but i agree with you Eric with the top 5 even though you guys have to beat us first, just kidding

[elitelax22]

Were is minnetonka going for spring break? I also hear blake is going to NC this correct?
Hello schmitty and gilly its the other pl kid

[elitelax22]

schmitty hows the foot feeling- other pl kid

[turkeyballa]

dont count out the 2001-2002 state champs(welll sCholastic that is i think!) rosevillle!

[anklebreakerMN]

i disagree with a lot of the rankings by some very narrowminded individuals that are posting here...here's my two cents...


1. Blake - until they lose they still deserve...they havent lost a game in two years, Seivold is a great coach and can get the job done. Very potent scoring punch that might have to beat teams 15-14 this year....I dont care what anyone says...to be the man, you've got to beat the man....
2. BSM - this is their year if any. Stacked at attack, stacked at midfield, stacked at defense. I think they only lost one actual starter at the midfield last year - what they do have that the other teams dont - consistent coaching staff...they didnt hire or replace anyone.. that goes a lot when you are talking about teams such as Wayzata and EP - who basically have to start over and break bad habits, etc. The gripe at midfield is that it wasnt enough...I dont think the people making these statements played BSM last year, or saw the talent. A couple of transfers from other teams should make that impact immeadiate. Also a very young team that will be competing for years to come...
3. EP - very gifted and talented team. Great players...but they are just that right now, and thats what EP has struggled with the past two years is the "team" mentality. Can they come together under a new staff again? Second staff in 3 years is hard...espically from the leftovers of the past two staffs still lingering... Goalie is questionable - D is questionable outside of Mr. Dana.. Baxter is a very dominant player, and he has some very nice compliment of players to add punch. Midfield Defense is there problem, that was VERY OBVIOUS at winter league.
4. Jefferson - very overlooked team right now. Has rebuilt and reloaded to reflect some of the past glory days. I would look for them to push the other two (BSM and EP). They have a very deep team and a feeder program - that goes along way now a days. Should be intresting...I think they still have a potent attack, and a very talented core.
5. Wayzata - quality team, but inexpierence at the helm will be a problem. This team has a solid 3 players - that are very good players, but three players cant do it all. Yes they have probaly the best goalie in the state, but whose going to play d, whose going to score...to many question marks right now. MID D is bad here as well...(EP's MID D is much better than Wayzatas) On the cusp of a great year, or a huge disappointment..im going with the latter from what I have seen so far....and the question remains, will players continue to leave the program to head to private schools still?

Then again, this is all speculation at this point....

[mnlax4life]

Whether you try to or not realize it, most of the people posting here are very bias. Everybody is so worried about defending their team rather than what they really think. So lets just let the season provide the answers.....

[lax2007]

Your right all of these comments are just speculations at this point, but i do believe that Blake will be knocked from the top spot. Putting aside that they have not lost a game in two years, they lost a bunch of talented kids that benefited the team (However they do have a lot of talented players now that could certainly get the job done). They also are getting a new coach which I hear is a good adjustment from Hank, but who knows how his first year will go with the new team. Overall I believe that Blake will just not have as much depth as they did last year.

As for Wayzata and Jefferson i believe that they could get switched around. You brought up a good point that Jefferson will be a strong team this year, but I just think that Wayzata will top them. Nothing against Jefferson, I just believe that Wayzata will have more depth. Wayzata does have a solid to 2 lines in middie, and will be led by Alex fong and Adam Kelsey. The attack for them will be solid as well. The D will be questionable I guess. But i think mcmahon and slattery could turn things around for them on D. However I believe that after the 2 strong lines of middie, the one line of strong attack, and slats and mcmahon in the back, there talent also drops off as well.

~These are just speculations you could be totally right with your ratings.

[senorlax17]

To everyone talking about Wayzata: I've heard that Slattery hasn't shown much interest in the team so far this year. That he hasn't come to any captains practices, that he hasn't been doing much in the off season, etc. I don't know how much of that is true, but if Slattery isn't in top form, or if he doesn't play (which could be possible), it would be a huge loss to Wayzata, and I would say would probably take them out of the top 5 teams.

As for the underdog teams that someone brought up, I would have to agree that it is every team besides the few that are being named right now (Blake, BSM, EP, Wayzata). Jefferson should be good this year, they have a lot of talent coming up that couldn't play varsity last year since they were freshmen (coach's rule). Apple Valley looks solid, Minnetonka will be young (almost all sophomores if I'm not mistaken) but led by a very solid middy in Schmitty.

And, yes this is biased since I go there, I have to throw Breck into the mix seeing as how we didn't graduate a single player from last year, and brought in new players from out east and from different schools. Our defense will be solid, minus a new goalie we have to train in (our one from last year transferred), as will our attack. And the new middies we got will finally give us the depth we need to actually run with other teams. I can't say we'll be top 5 right now, but I don't think that saying top 10 is unrealistic.

As for some of the teams I have questions about: how are Eastview, Hopkins, Armstrong, and Edina looking? I haven't heard too much talk of them on here, but I know that Edina should be very, very strong this year, and Eastview always gets the big football "goons" out. So how will they do? I have no clue.

[elitelax22]

Seivold has coached with blake for a year or two or more not sure but I am sure that they dont need to start over.

[elitelax22]

seivold has coached with Blake before behind Hank and I think Hank being gone the team has a better chance of pulling it off again.

[senorlax17]

Agreed. Seivold has been a coach there for a while, just not the head coach. With how well he did out on the east coast coaching, I think he will be much more free to show how good he really is now that he's at the healm.

[elitelax22]

Yea i agree but i think they will be a top team all the way threw but i am putting it up right now there will be an upset lost to blake early in there season. (which could help them so they are not carrying the pressure of the undefeated team.

[E612Lax]

thoughts on Minneapolis Lacrosse? i heard they have a solid squad

[LAXMomx3]

I am just going to weigh in here about teams vs individual players. Look at it this way, the "go-to" guys on teams are getting pretty well known (and can be shut down with few exceptions) so depth of talent proves a huge asset to any team. And along with that, it has far less to do with who a team has lost from the previous year than who they still have and had on the sidelines waiting for the opportunity to step up.

Consistent coaching is helpful to this end because the coach already has next year's potential starters on his radar, has a better feel of field chemistry, etc. There are roles to be filled. EP's biggest problem with their inconsistent coaching (or any team that falls in this category) is that the players are then constantly vying for the individual nod/recognition from the coaches instead of working on building a cohesive team. It's like constantly needing to prove yourself encourages selfish play. And sorry, but one or two stars rarely take a team all the way. Depth and chemistry does. Mn lax season is so short that if you don't start with good chemistry it's kinda hard to get that all together in such short order. It's not like basketball where you have almost five months. Lacrosse is over in 6 weeks or something.

Benilde, while looking strong in the finals of Winter League to which their entire varsity showed up to beat Blake leaving their regular winter league guys to stand on the sidelines holding their helmets - will be crushed in man-downs if they don't scale back on the slashing and hits from behind during the regular season. It won't matter how much talent they have on the roster if they are being buried in penalities. Of course, this will depend on the refs. My question isn't whether we're all going to see some great lacrosse this season, because I am sure of that. I question the ability of the refs to step up to meet the improved competition. It will do nothing for the state's reputation as a great hotbed for Lacrosse if it looks like a bunch of thugs or hacks out there confusing hockey or football with lacrosse. Watch those East Coast college teams play sometime. It is all about moving the ball and creating lots of options.

As for EP playing all winter -- which I am pretty sure MTKA has as well -- it sure speaks loudly to the benefits of having a dome at your disposal. :-)

As for Blake, they have a big x on their backs and know it. But despite having some unknowns, even if a player wasn't a major contibutor in game minutes last year, just practicing on a daily basis with the best team in the state two years running definitely improves the overall team in all positions. I don't think running after Seivold all day would be fun, but you'd definitely improve! Of course, this holds true for any teams and is typically why good teams stay good over the years. It actually reminds me a little of Coach Grant and EP football. The players work as hard as they do starting in MS and lower just to play for the big guy someday. Seivold is creating the same excitment and reputation for Lacrosse at Blake.

[elitelax22]

this is well put laxmomx3 i will agree with everything you said.

Whats the deal with slatts?? Anyone know?

[faceoff middie]

anybody out there that thinks hill-murray will be good this year? our varsity team wasnt the greatest last year and we lost like 15 seniors but our jv team owned just about everybody.

[AHA lax5]

Holy Angels- they have JJ (my future dorm room Bud) and Turner whos like my brother, but thats the only talent they are going to have.


Thanks bro, love you too dawg.

[JaredR]

This is Michael Gilligan. I'm heading off to Kenyon next year. YA DIII Lax.
Well I'm not from Minnesota, but I'm off to Kenyon next year as well.

[CougarLax07]

anybody out there that thinks hill-murray will be good this year? our varsity team wasnt the greatest last year and we lost like 15 seniors but our jv team owned just about everybody.

i wouldnt plan on your varsity team doin too hot this year

[Elaxn21]

JJ is great at AHA....I hope he shoots with me this weekend, along with childs

[LAXMomx3]

If there are questions about the coach showing interest -- although technically by MSHSL rules he shouldn't be "talking" to the team except in a parent/player format -- all it would take is one phone call by a parent to the school's athletic office to get answers or at least some action. I would think he would have/should have contacted the captains and set a direction for preseason capt non-mandatory practices and at the very least let them/the team know that the first practice/try outs are on such and such a date. Seriously, if the school is paying him, I am more than sure they will be interested especially if he's not. :-) Doesn't exactly bode well for a winning formula for gaining your teams respect.

[CCLAX07]

haha yea schmitty give me a call thursday and ill drive down on friday.

turner much love

and yes its funny watching people discuss our teammates on here, and speculating the season

and i agree with laxmom on how indivadual players can get shut down cuz im getting sick of beig iso out, i wish it was a rule you couldnt stalk someone around the field

[CCLAX07]

E612lax i havent heard of anyone from there so im guessing they wont stick with the best sorry


your from minneapolis so im guessing u play for them

[elitelax22]

Cory what are you talking about you never get iso out. Jk man its sucks when you do..well for me cus then i have to step up and do something. But you always get away from them defenders.

Eric- who you guys playing at ND, that was one of the best turney we went to this summer?

[anklebreakerMN]

I am just going to weigh in here about teams vs individual players. Look at it this way, the "go-to" guys on teams are getting pretty well known (and can be shut down with few exceptions) so depth of talent proves a huge asset to any team. And along with that, it has far less to do with who a team has lost from the previous year than who they still have and had on the sidelines waiting for the opportunity to step up.



in all my years of MN Lacrosse, I have yet to see someone effectly "shut down" anyone else...i do see impacts and adjustments made by coaches to defend certain players differently, but I have never seen anyone run a proper lock out, nor take the ball away from that player everytime they have it.....most of your G 2 G effect the game in different means, just because they dont score doesnt mean dont impact the game

[anklebreakerMN]

haha yea schmitty give me a call thursday and ill drive down on friday.

turner much love

and yes its funny watching people discuss our teammates on here, and speculating the season

and i agree with laxmom on how indivadual players can get shut down cuz im getting sick of beig iso out, i wish it was a rule you couldnt stalk someone around the field


if its so funny, why do you read it and reply everytime? Its for talk, to drive intrest, and to drum up support for the sport....I dont know about everyone else, but Im tired of hearing it refered to as a mix of Hockey and Soccer....my point is be a diplomat for your state and your sport, dont talk about partying, etc on the boards....its not to difficult for coaches to figure out who you are - and could get you introuble...not preaching, just dont want to see anyone lose thier elgiblity and hear excuses about team X losing to team Y....

[falconlax1]

hey guys how good is shattuck st.mary's cause I go to armstrong and we get to play them this year so if you guys could tell any info on them i would like that a lot

[Elaxn21]

anklebreakerMN It sounds like you were plowed by the Twolves starters.

[CCLAX07]

first of all i said it was funny when people talk about us i dont know see why it has to do with me replying, but to answer falconlax lax last year when we played them they were all first years and were the worst team we played, but their all hockey players so u know quick that can chnage

[turkeyballa]

welll hey now we have 2 leagues now one varisty wiht a big hiuge ptopehy the tother a scholastic and oprp toopehy aiht sorta big prize too! oh btw go rahs!

[benji25]

I wish Marshall had a team... darn

[MNAttack313]

I think that St. Thomas is going to be pretty good this season.

[senorlax17]

With the one man team of Costello? Or is there more than just him?

[CougarLax07]

im pretty sure its just costello but i could be wrong

[wilsontopowell]

does anyone know where costellos going?

[MNAttack313]

We, St. Thomas, have our first line mid returning, two starting attack, and most of our defense. So, yeah, I think that we will be pretty good. Or at least more competetive than last year.

[BSM24]

Ya, you will be alot more competative this year, especially with so many returning players.

Stello could have gone to Delaware if he wasn't an idiot and just decided to call them back. But I still love him.

[mnlax4life]

We, St. Thomas, have our first line mid returning, two starting attack, and most of our defense. So, yeah, I think that we will be pretty good. Or at least more competetive than last year.


Thats what i'm talking about, people come in and just say stuff about their team. Thats ridiculous. Costello is a good player, but they were dreadful last year. A program doesnt change just like that.

[LAXMomx3]

in all my years of MN Lacrosse, I have yet to see someone effectly "shut down" anyone else...i do see impacts and adjustments made by coaches to defend certain players differently, but I have never seen anyone run a proper lock out, nor take the ball away from that player everytime they have it.....most of your G 2 G effect the game in different means, just because they dont score doesnt mean dont impact the game

I would agree that just because a player doesn't score doesn't mean he doesn't impact the game. My post, however, never suggested that. I categorically stand by my statement that depth wins games. And while I don't know what you mean by "proper lock out," I have most definitely seen players unable to overcome a defense and become frustrated to the point that it upsets their entire game, they make bad passes and/or forget about the pass completely in order to prove something. Usually this is accompanied by their coaches flippin out on the sidelines and screaming at the refs. :-)

[LAXMomx3]

Thats what i'm talking about, people come in and just say stuff about their team. Thats ridiculous. Costello is a good player, but they were dreadful last year. A program doesnt change just like that.

Based on this thought process, I wonder how anyone can think Eden Prairie is going to be so great this year. I am not saying they won't be, I am just saying that given their past performance (last season) and finishing where they did, how will they turn it around to the point where they will win the whole thing?

[BSM24]

Thats what i'm talking about, people come in and just say stuff about their team. Thats ridiculous. Costello is a good player, but they were dreadful last year. A program doesnt change just like that.
Well he's not saying that they are going to win state or anything, he just said that they will be alot more competative this year because they have alot of returning players this year, which is probably true. And so what if kids just talk up their team. You don't have to pay attention to them if you don't want to.

[senorlax17]

I would say that returning players helps a lot (with team chemistry and all that), but it is not all that important. If you are returning the whole team from the year before, but the team went 0-8 or something like that, it doesn't mean that you're automatically going to be good (I'm not saying this is any team, just in general). Of course returning players will always be a little better than the year before just because it's a year later and they're a year older, but it takes a lot of work to become really good during one off season. The teams that do the best are the teams that either return a lot of the players from the previous year and all of those players were good/the team did really well in general, or teams that bring up young talent that wasn't seen the year before.

[CCLAX07]

My team as a sophmore was 2-8 and then my junior year we didnt gain or lose anyone and went 8-2 returners do make a difference

[D Man D]

I'm from CT - do any of you guys play for the Minnesota club team that went to Notre Dame (Sophomore Midwest Challenge) last year ? i think this team had an older team that did champ camp or HotBeds last year - what camps are you doing this summer - team may have been something like Minnesota Elite, but the ND counselors referred to the team as the Yeddies

[LAXMomx3]

I'm from CT - do any of you guys play for the Minnesota club team that went to Notre Dame (Sophomore Midwest Challenge) last year ? i think this team had an older team that did champ camp or HotBeds last year - what camps are you doing this summer - team may have been something like Minnesota Elite, but the ND counselors referred to the team as the Yeddies

There was both the Elite Team and the Yeddies (not sure on the spelling of that one) last year. In any event, not sure what tourneys they ended up doubling up on but they are two separate teams. This year's Elite team isn't going to ND, but they are going to the Hobart Team Camp and HotBeds, along with one other. Not sure what the Yeddies are doing.

[senorlax17]

hahahahaha Yeddies? I didn't play for them, but I was on the "Yeti." That CT team was really good, you probably would've beaten us 100 times out of 100 times. This year we're making two teams though, continuing the team from last year in a U17 program and keeping the same U16 program. We don't know exactly what tournies we plan on going to yet, but we're thinking probly ND again and maybe one in NY, or other ones out east.

EDIT: If you didn't know, a Yeti is like the abominable snowman.

[D Man D]

hahahahaha Yeddies? I didn't play for them, but I was on the "Yeti." That CT team was really good, you probably would've beaten us 100 times out of 100 times. This year we're making two teams though, continuing the team from last year in a U17 program and keeping the same U16 program. We don't know exactly what tournies we plan on going to yet, but we're thinking probly ND again and maybe one in NY, or other ones out east.

EDIT: If you didn't know, a Yeti is like the abominable snowman.

thanks, guess I'm not as up on my abominable snowman nicknames as I should be (should I be?) yeah, our CT team is CT Elite - we're doing Hotbeds this summer and some other tournaments, but no ND. I know your older team was killer last year, just wondered if you were going to HotBeds. We were all freshmen last summer, this year at U 17 should be fun and really competitive - going against teams of all juniors as sophs will be tough, but cool

[mnlax4life]

Based on this thought process, I wonder how anyone can think Eden Prairie is going to be so great this year. I am not saying they won't be, I am just saying that given their past performance (last season) and finishing where they did, how will they turn it around to the point where they will win the whole thing?


They had a let down year yes, but they were a good team. Baxter's injury was a big blow to them as well as their schedule. They lost to teams like Totino (final four team), Osseo (State Runner-Up), Blake (State Champion), and Benilde (a talented team). I don't need to tell you that they have many returners from the Elite and Loons teams this summer. And those kind of returners are different than just players coming back.

[BSM24]

The tall #26 on the right. It's Minnesota's own RYAN HURLY

http://www.lax.com/bimages/1791/10

[AHA lax5]

The tall #26 on the right. It's Minnesota's own RYAN HURLY

http://www.lax.com/bimages/1791/10

Ryan Hurley is how it is spelled actually...and he has gotten into 3 games this year which is pretty impressive...I wouldnt be suprised if he started next year for the Big Red who have at least one senior on the starting attack for them. right now he is listed as the 4th attackmen on their roster...so he is doin big thangs.

[LAXMomx3]

That Hurley has gotten in three games as a freshman is really great. In fact, they don't have a very deep sub list and the two games he hasn't gotten into (like Duke) have been solid starters for the majority of play. He's doing great.

[PonyLAX17]

Hey guys I was wondering what kind of effort it took from the players and fans in order for your High School to sanction lacrosse as a sport. My school (Stillwater) allowed varsity players to letter last season but is refusing to sanction it as an official sport. They are using the argument that they have an uneven balance of girls and boys sports but wouldn't it still be even if the girls team was sanctioned at the same time?

[Kill-kill]

I know Rochester has two teams, but I am not sure if they are in the State High School league. Could someone post a link or tell me if Rochester Mayo/Lourdes (whom I would be playing for, but have some schedule conflicts) are?

[LAXMomx3]

http://www.mbsla.org

Neither Rochester teams moved into the Minnesota State High School League. They are still part of the MBSLA. No schedules have been posted as yet.

[MNAttack313]

Can any tell me wether it is legal r illegal to use the new gravity mouthguard made by ShockDoctor. Thanks.

[LAXMomx3]

Can any tell me wether it is legal r illegal to use the new gravity mouthguard made by ShockDoctor. Thanks.

I know that clear mouthguards are no longer legal. Ostensibly this makes it easier for refs to verify that mouthguards are in use. In looking at this Gravity mouthguard, it does fit that description in that it's very yellow. However, It doesn't seem to cover the front teeth for some reason. Truth is, however, I can't find anything that would prohibits this. The fact that Shock Doctor is a minnesota company would seem to suggest that it is, in fact, legal.

Quote from MSHSL rules for Boys and Girls LAX:
"Beginning in 2007, tooth protectors must be colored and not white or clear."

That's it.

[JollyRogerPt2]

Under NFHS rules, the lower jaw mouthguard was ruled not legal.

It's ridiculous, but so be it.

SeeDiscussion of Lower jaw mouthguard (http://forums.collegelax.us/viewtopic.php?t=7636&start=0)

[JollyRogerPt2]

Any reaction to the MSHSL rule that a team can only have 26 players on "Varsity"

[LAXMomx3]

Actually, the mouthguard thing makes sense. I didn't realize how it fit in the mouth, but as someone who has invested in three sets of braces, I am all for the best mouthguard you can get.

As for the team limits. Having more than that seems rather counterproductive. I know some teams keep some floaters for whatever reason, but then you have to essentially "cut" them coming into the state tournament. I know Eden Prairie ran into that (girls) one early year where they had to not dress one of their players. Then again, did that player have a chance in baloogaville of getting in the game regardless? Seriously, how many guys can you have on one team before there is horrid complaint about lacking playing time for the guys on the lower rungs of that particular ladder.

[mvgoalie]

hey senorlax its kyle from the yeti who are you?

[LAXMomx3]

Hey guys I was wondering what kind of effort it took from the players and fans in order for your High School to sanction lacrosse as a sport. My school (Stillwater) allowed varsity players to letter last season but is refusing to sanction it as an official sport. They are using the argument that they have an uneven balance of girls and boys sports but wouldn't it still be even if the girls team was sanctioned at the same time?

While the whole Title IX thing is somewhat confusing to me, it isn't about whether there is a girls team and a boys team for any particular sport, it's about participating numbers and proportional interest. From all I've read lately on the subject, I believe there is inherent discrimination against men in the interpretation of Title IX. Football teams with large rosters skew the numbers in most cases and is why other men's teams are currently taking a hit and getting cut (or in your case, not added) from the overall athletic program (and is why badminton and volleyball help those numbers). Personally speaking, I think it's somewhat of a crock since there is no equivilent equilizer in girls' sports for the numbers usually involved in football, but that's the way it currently is interpreted. There is some research that suggests that discrimination lawsuits will be forthcoming on behalf of men if the current trend to cut men's programs continues at the college level. Unfortunately, it seems LAX is the first to go.

One of the prongs used to determine compliance is if a institution is making efforts to expand programs/opportunities overall. So my advice to you is to join forces with the girls team. Make is a joint effort to convince the school (your athletic director) that it's good for the school for them to expand their offerings. There were a few schools out there that waited until Boys lax was sanctioned in order to offer both at the same time (becoming a somewhat wash to the overall program). But ultimately, Title IX doesn't look at individual sports but an overall program. Do your research and take on the system! :-)

Interestingly, as an aside, the 1972 Title IX was not intended to reflect parity in athletics but in academics. It wasn't until 1979 that they extended the interpretation to include athletics.

[LAXMomx3]

Redirecting the thread....

The season officially started on Monday. How's it going?

[JollyRogerPt2]

As for the team limits. Having more than that seems rather counterproductive. I know some teams keep some floaters for whatever reason, but then you have to essentially "cut" them coming into the state tournament. I know Eden Prairie ran into that (girls) one early year where they had to not dress one of their players. Then again, did that player have a chance in baloogaville of getting in the game regardless? Seriously, how many guys can you have on one team before there is horrid complaint about lacking playing time for the guys on the lower rungs of that particular ladder.

I strongly disagree. For a number of reasons as follows:

1. By limiting the number of players on a team, the MSHSL limits the opportunity for growth. Younger players development is slowed because they will not practice with the varsity coach for the first year or two. We're not yet the east coach with respect to coaching depth (i.e. in almost every program, the V coach is superior to the JV coach) - thus getting those extra 8-9 players on varsity to be with the varsity coach is crucial. It allows a team to become a program that reloads rather than rebuilds.

2. With 24 players on a team, you cannot meaningfully full field scrimmage for any length of time. For the more skilled teams, this type of practice is crucial.

3. The Playing time argument. Simply put, playing time is earned, not given. By making the varsity team, you have done something significant in and of itself. As a player, you are NOT ENTITLED TO PLAYING TIME. PERIOD. You are entitled to PRACTICE TIME if you make the team. That's it. If you don't play - use it as motivation to improve. Thus, IMHO, the "well you won't get PT anyway" is a specious argument.

4. Injury depth. One varsity team has 7 long poles. That's it. Most college teams with reasonable rosters keep 11-13. Most HS teams outside of MN with "traditional" roster sizes keep around the same amount. IF that HS team has any injuries to their poles, they'll be forced to rapidly advance JV players who will need to be brought up to speed in short order. IF the rosters were the way they were, the backups would be up to speed both literally and figuratively.

In summary, the roster limitiaton must be changed for next year. Along with the timing of the beginning of the season.

[LAXMomx3]

In order to have a good opinion for or against roster limits, I'd have to know the MSHSL's reasonings for the rule. But on the surface, and if I am correct and roster limits only apply for state comp, it's reasonable. While I am sure other sports have the same limitations, I know for sure that Hockey teams deal with it all the time.

1) I believe the roster limit is only subject to tournament play. So if you want to load up your roster for the season (for the reloading in future seasons or coach exposure, whatever), you certainly can. Coming into state play, however, you'd have to come up with a final 26 (not 24). And people would have to be dropping like flies to run out of players/substitutions assuming you're starting with a healthy 26. As for injured players that deserve state recognition or what have you, they are not dressed and therefore don't count towards your roster totals.

2) I agree that the regular season should be lengthened -- one injury and your season could be over since it goes so fast.

3)I agree fully with the playing time being earned argument. Definitely. I know of several teams that have several "elite JV" that essentially practice with varsity but get on the field in JV. You bring up an interesting catch 22 however, in that the depth of coaching in MN is limited. I would guess that the "best" coaches are always varsity (not just here, but everywhere), but the cost/reward of economics tells me that it would be difficult to coach too large a group with optimal success (think the small classroom argument) Frankly, running even practices would get difficult unless you have a zillion coaches. Lesson here: Growth is painful. And Lacrosse is in full adolescence. :-)

[LAXMomx3]

PS.. As for College Rosters. This is not college and should never be confused as such. College teams have coaches out the wazoo to meet all needs. If HS did that with varsity.. there'd be no talent in the coaching poll to bring up the ranks with solid players with excellent fundamentals. A college has one team -- there isn't a JV option. Comparing college rosters to that of HS is comparing apples to asparagus. It's not even the same food group.

[anklebreakerMN]

In order to have a good opinion for or against roster limits, I'd have to know the MSHSL's reasonings for the rule. But on the surface, and if I am correct and roster limits only