“The West is rising,” says Alec Barnes, faceoff specialist for 3d Select.
NATIONAL SENSATION
If you wanted proof lacrosse is growing around the country, all you had to do was watch the Champion All-American Showcase. Not only would you have been treated to a thrilling 11-10 overtime game in the boys’ final, but you also would have seen the national impact from the winning Pride team, which featured players from 15 states. New Hampshire’s Blake
Bodreau won the overtime faceoff and scored the game-winner. Texas’ Lito Flanagan, a long pole,
Kyle Borbi A Publication of US Lacrosse September 2013 >> LACROSSE MAGAZINE 51
scored in the fourth quarter. Georgia’s Simeon Johnson was the vocal leader and played intense defense. California’s J.J. Ntshaykolo threw checks that left opponent’s sticks scattered on the ground. Massachusetts’ A.J.
Lucchese buried shots all week long, none bigger than the game-tying goal with one second left on the clock to force overtime. Colorado’s James Hall
seemed to score at will, as if he were an offensive player rather than a defenseman. Delaware’s Chase Cowan shut down some of the nation’s top offensive talents. New Jersey’s Kyle Borbi and Pennsylvania’s Nick
Valentino always seemed to find the back of the net. New York’s Brian Balkam and Idaho’s Jarrin Wallace consistently denied other teams from getting the ball in the cage.
And so it went, with countless contributors from all over the country showing their stuff on ESPNU.
The teams convened for the first time on a Wednesday before the Showcase. By the time they finished their instant classic championship two days later, they had forged some special bonds. “In 35 years of
coaching, that was one of the best games I’ve ever seen,” said Pride coach
Steven O’Donnell, from LaSalle Academy in Rhode Island.
O’Donnell had the added pleasure of watching his son, Brady, deliver the assist on Lucchese’s game-tying goal. “It was a blast with these guys,” Lucchese said. “It’s incredible. I got to meet some many great guys from all over. Great players, and friendships that I’ll keep.”
— Brian Logue
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