Dr. Tom Watts Memorial Boys U19:

Championship Game:

Baltimore Crabs 12, Team Colorado 9 - scoresheet

The Baltimore Crabs were able to cash in their offensive opportunities en route to their fourth straight Dr. Tom Watts Memorial Tournament Championship on Wednesday afternoon.  Their late run started at 2:36 in the third with a rip from John Kaestner (Johns Hopkins - 3g, 1a) and moments later, Chris Costabile (Dartmouth – 3g, 0a) punched one home. The Crabs then got off two more sandwiched around a Colorado goal by Michael Biemford (Ohio State – 3g, 0a) to push the score to 12-9 with 9:05 left.  That hill would prove too tough for Colorado to climb who battled well all game but did not have the firepower to get their first win since 2005.

The Crabs offense got hot twice and used those runs to set them apart from Colorado.  Their first started after a broken play with 5:40 left in the second quarter.  At the time Colorado was leading 4-3 but the Crabs scored five goals before the half ended, taking an 8-4 lead into the break.  The Colorado Defense played good individual defense on the day and defended the transition game of Baltimore well, but the Crabs were good at creating confusion off ball and used their excellent lacrosse IQ as the game wore on.

The close defense of Baltimore hounded the dangerous Colorado attack all day long and held Colorado’s starters to 2g, 1a.  In goal Adam Cohen (UMBC) played the first half finishing with six saves and Harry Krieger (Harvard) also had six saves but made five of them in the fourth quarter to fend off the a possible Colorado comeback.  Mark Jutkowitz (Maryland) and Harry Prevas (Virginia) were brilliant on defense for the Crabs.

Colorado fought hard but weren’t able to tie the game at any point in the second half.  Midfielder Drew Babb (Denver – 1g, 0a) had a good day and played well on both ends creating a lot of good opportunities on offense.  In goal Dom Poletto (Manhattanville) finished with six saves playing the first half and James Standley (Chapman) had with five in the second half.

The championship for the Crabs marks the only time a team has won four straight U-19 titles at the Vail Lacrosse Shootout.

Wednesday Results:

Division I:
Championship: Baltimore Crabs 12, Team Colorado 9 - scoresheet
3rd Place:  East Coast Kings 11, Players Lacrosse Club 5 - scoresheet
5th Place:  Team Ohio 15, War Cry Lacrosse 3 - scoresheet
7th Place:  Maverik Dallas 8, Blue Lion Elite 7 - scoresheet

Division II:
Championship:  Toronto 12, Winnipeg Wolverines 7 - scoresheet - Toronto team photo
Salpointe Lancers 7, Sacramento Heat 8 - scoresheet
Nebraska 4, Salpointe Lancers 3 - scoresheet
Nebraska 1, Sacramento Heat 8 - scoresheet

2009 Vail Lacrosse Shootout HS Boy's All-Star Team
Attack
Jim Little - Sacramento Heat
Fraser Cavness - Team Colorado
Brandon Benn - Toronto Renegades

Midfield
Lance Yapor - Players Lacrosse Club
Greg ives - East Coast Kings
Alex Myhre - Team Nebraska

Face Off
Brett Morrison - Winnipeg Wolverines

Long Stick Middie
Gavin Fisher - Team Colorado

Defense
Marc Crawford - Team Ohio
Davis Gunter - War Cry
Ryan Baker - Salpointe Lancers

Goalie
Scott Baker - Blue Lion Elite

OTHER TOP VOTE GETTERS

Attack
John McFadden - Baltiomore Crabs
Dave Emala - Baltiomore Crabs
Michael Biemford - Team Colorado

Midfield
Chris Constabile - Baltiomore Crabs
Jack Doyle - Baltiomore Crabs

Face Off
Chace Calkin - Team Colorado

Defense
Mark Jutkowitz - Baltiomore Crabs
Brian Lestikow - Team Colorado
Evan Potter - Team Colorado

Goalie
Max Huber - Players Lacrosse Club
Adam Cohen - Baltiomore Crabs

Team Colorado vs. Baltimore Crabs

Overview:

Today’s game between the Baltimore Crabs and Team Colorado should be a great one.  Both teams have shown incredible offensive prowess throughout the tournament, scoring over 15 goals in each of their Division I games.  Neither team has been great on defense, though Colorado’s opponents have yet to provide much of a test and certainly won’t be on par with what they will see today out of the Crabs.  Today’s game will be decided by Team Colorado’s offensive tempo.  If they can keep it balanced and limit Baltimore’s possessions, they should be in a great position at the end of the game.

Baltimore’s Offense vs. Team Colorado’s Defense:

The Crabs’ offense is what puts their team near the top of the list of all-time great U-19 teams at the Shootout.  After watching them yesterday it was clear that the only things that can stop them are their own mistakes or lack of possession time.  When the East Coast Kings maintained possession they had a fighting chance, but as yesterday’s 4th quarter proved, it doesn’t take much for the Crabs offense to get white hot.  John Kaestner (Johns Hopkins), leads a nasty Baltimore attack and after scoring four goals in yesterday’s semi-final he should get strong consideration for U-19 All Star Team.  In the midfield the Crabs have a trio of players that should concern opposing teams.  Jack Doyle (Harvard), a Under Armor High School All American and MIAA Player of the Year, plays a hard, old-school style of lacrosse.  He is big, fast, and can shoot on the run, but more than that he clearly demonstrates remarkable field sense. Doyle should draw the Colorado’s long stick on each offensive possession. In addition to Doyle, Chris Costabile (Dartmouth) and Cooper Brown (Washington & Lee) are also big guns for the Crabs.  Costabile scored two goals yesterday and is a very solid player while Brown (Washington and Lee) has tremendous feet and is a very nimble dodger.  Colorado coach Isaac Nelson-Gradner said “Team Defense” will be their main strategy for dealing with the talented Crabs offense.  Look for big #28, Chris Hoffman (Virginia) to make an impact in the defensive end for Colorado. 

Edge:  Baltimore

Team Colorado’s Offense vs. Baltimore’s Defense

If there is one thing that was evident after yesterday’s semi-final games it was that the Crabs can be scored on.  The East Coast Kings had a good game plan that Colorado will need to emulate to win today’s championship.  With that said, if Colorado can play the way they did yesterday their offense is even better than the Kings.  With four All-Americans on attack Colorado was able to make it look easy when they wanted to score yesterday.  Eric Law (Salisbury), is a fast and creative attackmen, Frazier Cavness (Dartmouth) who notched five goals yesterday can finish from anywhere and Ryan Parietti (Pennsylvania), should give the close defensemen of Baltimore problems with his speed throughout the game.  The Colorado midfield is led by Under Armor All American Pat Murray (Georgetown) who’s large frame gives him a physical advantage that is tough for U-19 players to handle.  The Baltimore defense will need to close a lot of the hole that the Kings opened up yesterday if they want to win.  The Crabs offense was able to bail them out but that was against a somewhat unorganized Kings squad.  The more structured and well coached Colorado offense should be able to capitalize more often.  Harry Prevas (Virginia), will be the main cog in defending the Baltimore goal.

Edge:  Colorado

Goaltending:
Both teams will lean on their goalies to make some big saves for them today.  Team Colorado’s starter, Dom Poletto (Manhattanville) has been good so far, but he will be under relentless pressure today.  Colorado will also use James Standley (Chapman) in net.  Neither are particularly big, but they are quick and have big-save potential.  The Crabs will also use two goalies in Adam Cohen (UMBC) and Harry Krieger (Harvard).  Krieger will be the biggest goalie on the field today and will likely close the game.  In a game where offensive possessions will be the focal point, the team that gets two or three big stops (and controls the rebounds) will be at a decided advantage.

Slight Edge:  Baltimore

Face-Offs:
Two of the best will be on display today at the face-off ‘x’ as Baltimore’s Joe Impallaria (UMBC) takes on Colorado’s Chase Calkin (Manhattan).  Calkin was 2008’s FOGO of the tournament after leading Victorious Secret to the championship game.  He will be instrumental today if Colorado hopes to keep possession time and slow down the Crabs’ attack.  Impallaria has been stellar all tournament long and has proven to be more than just your typical FOGO.  Look for him to make an impact on the offensive end as well.

Edge:  Push

Intangibles:
Baltimore’s tough game against the East Coast Kings yesterday could either be a good thing or a bad thing for them depending on how you look at it.  Either it’s going to toughen them up or tire them out.  Team Colorado knocked Ohio out fairly easily in the quarterfinals before rolling over Players Lacrosse Club in the semis yesterday.  Once again, it’s a double-edged sword.  Either the Colorado team will be rested and ready, or they could be over-confidant – a problem that has plagued the team in the past.  Colorado hasn’t won the U-19 title since their 2005 victory over Baltimore while the Crabs have won three in a row.  Will playing at 8,000 feet for the fourth consecutive day take its toll on the Crabs?

Edge:  Colorado

Coaching:
Team Colorado’s coaching staff is all new this year following the retirement of Brian Perry and Carey Smith.  George Washington’s Isaac Nelson-Gardner takes the helm, assisted by Mountain Vista’s Jose Trujillo.  Nelson-Gardner has shown a very calm and measured approach this year, contrasting to Team Colorado coaching staffs of the past.  The Baltimore Crabs are led by Duncan Booth, a much more boisterous character who can be quite vocal.  In terms of pedigree, Booth certainly has it over the young Nelson-Gardner, but there’s no doubt that Colorado has been playing fast and loose all tournament long under Nelson-Gardner’s leadership.  The big question is whether or not Colorado will be nervous heading into their biggest challenge of the tournament.

Edge:  Push

Staff Prediction: 
While the two offenses in the game today will be outstanding, it will be the team that manages to play the best defense holding the trophy at the end of the game.  We all expect this to be a high scoring game. 

Staff prediction:  Baltimore Crabs 14, Team Colorado 12

Dr. Tom Watts Memorial Boys U19:

Semifinal #1

Team Colorado 18, Players Lacrosse Club 3 - scoresheet

Total and utter domination by team Colorado was the name of the game in the first semi-final of the 2009 Dr. Tom Watts Memorial Boys U19 Tournament.  It seemed like every shot that Colorado took in the first quarter found the back of the net as the local boys cruised to 8-0 first quarter lead.  Team Colorado head coach Issac Nelson –Gardner was pleased with the games result, “Today was great team victory for us.”   Colorado’s offense was very balanced and did a great job of finding space.  Colorado attackmen Ryan Parietti, who has committed to the University of Pennsylvania, made several fine plays on the day complementing the rest of the talented Colorado attack.  When Players Club did have the ball the staunch defensive effort of University of Denver commitment, Kyle Hercher was there to foil any offensive opportunity.  Colorado will have a much tougher time tomorrow against the Crabs who could be one of the most talented teams to ever compete in the U-19 tournament.

Semifinal #2:

Baltimore Crabs 15, East Coast Kings 14 - scoresheet

In Division II action, the Winnipeg Wolverines and Team Toronto will meet for the Championship tomorrow on Ford at 9:00 am.

Tuesday Results:

Division I:
Semifinal #1:  Team Colorado 18, Players Lacrosse Club 3 - scoresheet
Semifinal #2:  Baltimore Crabs 15, East Coast Kings 14 - scoresheet
Consolation:  Team Ohio 9, Maverik Dallas 5 - scoresheet
Consolation:  War Cry Lacrosse 9, Blue Lion Elite 8 - scoresheet

Division II:
Toronto 13, Team Nebraska 3 - scoresheet
Winnipeg Wolverines 11, Salpointe Lancers 10 (ot) - scoresheet
Winnipeg Wolverines 16, Sacramento Heat 14 - scoresheet

Wednesday Games:

Division I:
Championship:  Team Colorado vs. Baltimore Crabs – 1:00 pm – Ford Field
3rd Place:  East Coast Kings vs. Players Lacrosse Club – 11:00 am – Avon 1
5th Place:  Team Ohio vs. War Cry Lacrosse – 9:30 am – Avon 1
7th Place:  Maverik Dallas vs. Blue Lion Elite – 8:00 am – Avon 1

Division II:
Championship:  Toronto vs. Winnipeg Wolverines – 9:00 am – Ford Field
Salpointe Lancers vs. Sacramento Heat – 8:00 am – Avon 2
Nebraska vs. Salpointe Lancers – 9:00 am – Avon 2
Nebraska vs. Sacramento Heat – 10:00 am – Avon 2

See Schedule/Brackets in the upper left for further details.

Dr. Tom Watts Memorial Boys U19:

Quarterfinal day for the U-19 boys was a big one as the East Coast Kings, Team Colorado, Baltimore Crabs and Players Lacrosse Club all advanced to the semifinals in Division I.  Players Lacrosse was the only #2 seed to win, taking down Maverik Dallas 11-8 in a nice comeback.  Team Colorado looked extremely impressive in their win over Team Ohio, winning 18-9.  Colorado’s attack was terrific and a tricky ride made things difficult for Ohio early.  Whenever Ohio got a goal, Colorado stuffed it right back down their throats and got one or two of their own.  Players Lacrosse represents the best a Chicago-based team has ever performed in Vail and they will have their work cut out for them tomorrow.

There were no surprises in the other two games as an extremely talented Baltimore team took down Blue Lion Elite with ease and the East Coast Kings hammered War Cry Lacrosse.  In Division II, the story of the day was Team Nebraska, who won their first ever game in Vail with a 12-11 overtime thriller over last year’s Division II champion Winnipeg Wolverines.  Nebraska will have a tough match-up tomorrow against a very skilled Toronto squad, who had no trouble dispatching the Sacramento Heat by a score of 13-6.

Division I semifinals will be on Avon 1 at 11:00 and 1:00 Tuesday.

Monday's Results:

Division I:
Quarterfinal #1:  East Coast Kings 13, War Cry Lacrosse 4 - scoresheet
Quarterfinal #2:  Team Colorado 18, Team Ohio 9 - scoresheet
Quarterfinal #3:  Players Lacrosse Club 11, Maverik Dallas 8 - scoresheet
Quarterfinal #4:  Baltimore Crabs 23, Blue Lion Elite 3 - scoresheet

Division II:
Sacramento Heat 12, Salpointe Lancers 5 - scoresheet
Team Nebraska 12, Winnipeg Wolverines 11 (ot) - scoresheet
Toronto 13, Sacramento Heat 6 - scoresheet

Tuesday's Schedule of Games:

Division I:
Semifinal #1:  Players Lacrosse Club vs. Team Colorado – 11:00 am – Avon 1
Semifinal #2:  East Coast Kings vs. Baltimore Crabs – 1:00 pm – Avon 1
Consolation:  Maverik Dallas vs. Team Ohio – 9:00 am – Avon 1
Consolation:  Blue Lion Elite vs. War Cry Lacrosse – 3:00 pm – Avon 1

Division II:
Semifinal #1:  Toronto vs. Team Nebraska – 11:30 am – Avon 2
Play-in Game:  Salpointe Lancers vs. Winnipeg Wolverines – 10:00 am – Avon 2
Semifinal #2:  Sacramento Heat vs. Winner Winnipeg/Salpointe – 1:30 pm – Avon 2

See Schedule/Brackets in the upper left for further details.

Dr. Tom Watts Memorial Boys U19:

Pool Play in the U19 boys division kicked off and not without a few surprises on Day 1.  Most notably, tournament stalwart Team Ohio was knocked off by the East Coast Kings, a team out of New Jersey primarily, in Pool C.  This sets up one of the biggest U19 rivalries for a first-round showdown when Team Ohio takes on Team Colorado in tomorrow’s quarterfinals.  Colorado and the Baltimore Crabs both rolled through their pools relatively easily while Maverik Dallas won Pool D.

Two Chicago-based teams will make appearances in the Division I quarterfinals on Monday morning with War Cry Lacrosse and Players Club Lacrosse both finishing in second place in their respective divisions.  The other second place finisher was Blue Lion Elite, a Kansas City-based squad, who will take on the Crabs tomorrow at 3:00 pm.

Results:

Pool A
Baltimore Crabs 14, Toronto 3
Players Lax Club 16, Team Nebraska 0
Baltimore Crabs 12, Players Lacrosse Club 5
Toronto 11, Team Nebraska 8
Players Lacrosse Club 8, Toronto 2
Baltimore Crabs 17, Team Nebraska 1

Pool B
Team Colorado 15, War Cry Lacrosse 0
War Cry Lacrosse 13, Sacramento Elite 8
Team Colorado 14, Sacramento Elite 1

Pool C
Team Ohio 15, Salpointe Lancers 3
East Coast Kings 14, Salpointe Lancers 1
East Coast Kings 12, Team Ohio 6

Pool D
Maverik Dallas 14, Winnipeg 4
Maverik Dallas 8, Blue Lion Elite 2
Blue Lion Elite 14, Winnipeg 9

Monday's Schedule of Games:

Division I Quarterfinals
East Coast Kings vs. War Cry Lacrosse – 9:00 am – Avon 1
Team Colorado vs. Team Ohio – 11:00 am – Avon 1
Maverik Dallas vs. Players Lacrosse Club – 1:00 pm – Avon 1
Baltimore Crabs vs. Blue Lion Elite – 3:00 pm – Avon 1

Division II
Sacramento Elite vs. Salpointe Lancers – 10:00 am – Avon 2
Winnipeg vs. Team Nebraska – 11:30 am – Avon 2
Winner Sac/Salpointe vs. Toronto – 1:30 pm – Avon 2

See Schedule/Brackets in the upper left for further details.