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Note: This is the first of two article profiling teams that finished undefeated at the Philly Freshmen Invitational
By Chris Goldnberg
TopLaxRecruits.com, Posted 11/23/14
DOWNINGTOWN, Pa. – Alex Bamford said there is no secret why Team 91 from Long Island capped an undefeated Fall season Sunday by going 3-0 at the Philly Freshmen Showcase Invitational at United Sports.
Team91 DEF Michael Gomez (Left), MF Chris Nicholas, ATT Alex Bamford
“We are really close,” said the attackman from the Brunswick School (CT). “I have never been on a team so close. I have been been with them the last few years and it’s been one of the best experiences of my life.
“I will be friends with everyone after Team 91 is finished and for the rest of my life.”
Team 91 earned wins Sunday over Titanium Elite, Bucks Select and Prime Time.
Bamford also earned a spot in Saturday’s Fab 40 All-Star game.
“I think the team I got put on helped,” he said, “It was a really good group of kids. We really played well and that showcased everything for me.”
Bamford said he must continue to work hard.
“There is just a lot of talent out there,” he said, “You have to keep working hard and try to keep playing your best throughout the game. Everybody is watching you and you never know if someone is outworking you. You have to be prepared as you can be.”
Other Team91 players that excelled Sunday:
Chris Nicholas, Midfield, Chaminade
“We played as a team,” said Nicholas. “It was a lot of fun playing in front of college coaches. The team is never selfish and we always move the ball in transition and we’re always getting groundballs.”
What did he learn from the event? “You always have to hustle and go for groundballs and that will get you noticed by coaches.”
Michael Gomez, DEF, Half Hollow Hills East
“The goal was just to play team lacrosse and get the wins. We didn’t play selfish; everybody moved the ball.”
Why did the team enjoy so much success this fall? “Everybody comes hard to practice and everybody comes to play every time. I have been with the team for three years and every time we get stronger and stronger as a team.”
Laxachusetts also finished 3-0, defeating Edge Elite (Ontario), Thunder and NXT. the following players shined for Laxachusetts.
Laxachusetts ATT Brian Antonelli (left), DEF Jake Calnan
Brian Antonelli, Belmont Hill, ATT, MA (Fab 40 All-Star)
What goals did you have coming into the weekend?
Antonelli: “I just wanted to play my best and make good contributions to whatever team I was on.”
How did you adjust to the level of play?
Antonelli: “It was just (getting used to) different playing styles; as an individual you are trying to showcase your skills and then team-wise show how you mix with your team.”
What went well for Laxachusetts?
Antonelli: “We won all three of our games; we moved the ball well and our defense was shutdown.”
What did you learn from the weekend’s competition about your game?
Antonelli: “Probably to rely on your teammates and not try to do everything yourself. The guy next to you will be there and you can rely on him.”
What type of college are you looking for?
Antonelli: “Academics everything begins with academics and lacrosse comes second.
Jake Calnan, Noble and Greenough, DEF, MA
What goals did you have comingin?
Calnan: “A lot of people have been telling me lately I haven’t been talking much so I focused on communication today and that went well.
What went well today for your team?
Calnan: “As a defense I think our clear game was good. We got the ball out fast, our offense was really good, the middies scored well today and we didn’t have to rely on our attackmen to score.”
What did you learn about your game from the competition?
Calnan: “For clearing game, I usually rush myself under pressure and I tend to throw pretty quickly. Today, I calmed down and focused on that.”
What type of college are you looking for?
Calnan: “Like Brian said, academics first lacrosse second.
Why has Laxachusetts had so much success?
Calnan: “The kids on my team are the best group of kids. We all love each other and play together really well. We can trust that other defensemen can get it done on the field and we have trust in the offense and that leads to wins.”
The post Teams that excelled Sunday at the #NXTPSI2014: @team91lacrosse, @LaxachusettsMM appeared first on toplaxrecruits.com.