Posted by Brett Hughes, Senior Editor

Back with a Brett vs. article. This week I was asked to take on FOOD. I am a bit of a "foodie" so that was easy. Showing a little love to my brother's resturant Cap City, and some tips on how to tackle dieting and eating healthy.

For most of my readers you should not even worry about it. Honestly, it is never too early to learn the correct way to eat.

Tune in next week as our fitness and nutrition expert Jimmy Borrel helps you get ready for Thanksgiving and the holidays. 

Brett vs. FOOD 

Posted by Brett Hughes, Senior Editor
 
Lane Jaffe is one of the most popular coaches in Southern California and is respected by everyone in the game. Jaffe offered to cover his recent trip to Las Vegas for a lacrosse fundraising tournament called "The Duel in the desert." Check out what Lane had to say about the tournament and some of its star players.
 
Lane Jaffe special to ESPN RISE.
 
The only thing better then sport of lacrosse are the people associated with it.  When you think of Las Vegas, lacrosse is probably not the first thing that comes to mind, but I promise you that is changing.  Evidenced by 28 teams, boys and girls, four age groups, representing three different states, lacrosse is alive and well in Las Vegas! 

The guys from Vitality Lacrosse, did a great job of hosting The Duel in the desert lacrosse tournament.  Taken from the website, "This Lacrosse Festival is held to raise money for B is for Brady and P is for Pete.
 

	Lane Jaffe
	Mike Marchaund before the Duel in the Desert

By Brett Hughes, Senior Editor

Check out some of the "hot off the press" National Letter of Intent signings. Jack Reilly just put his name on the line at noon yesterday making it official that the Hopkins Blue jays landed the best athlete in the class. 

UNC has absolutley put together an incredible class.. Mark McNeill might be as strong an athlete as Reilly and continues to develop at a steady rate. If the time is put in McNeill who, Inside Lacrosse has as the No. 3 recruit, may end up being the top player in the class. Will Campbell from Worthington Kilbourne is an absolute man amongst boys and with Duncan Hutchins signing with UNC, the Tar Heels have the a bright future between the lines. TJ Kemp from McCallie, Tenn., can absolutley shoot the rock so look for him to make his way on the field on extra man early.

Hopkins and Syracuse are right around the same level, on Inside Lacrosse the have Hop as No. 2 and Syracuse as No. 3. I believe that the top of Hopkins recruiting class is better than 'Cuse, but there is a lot of talent for 'Cuse from top to bottom.

Kevin Interlicchio is another player who has a chance to be a repeat All-American at Johns Hopkins and will spark the Blue Jays on offense. The pipeline to Dublin-Jermoe, Ohio, continues with Eric Ruhl, which will make three players on the Jays roster. Something that is pretty unusual for an Ohio team. The big gun in that class is Jack Reilly, he is just flat out a space eater and the type of kid who is going to learn whatever it takes to blow up at the next level. Dave Pitremala has some talent to get Hopkins back to the top. It doesnt take him all that long to do it as we have seen before.

Maryland and Virginia just did what they always seem to do. Maryland got some talents players with that get to work mentality that Maryland seems to carry. Yesterday, Maryland added to their roster, Geoff Shannon of Inside Lacrosse reports that Peter Boyle also committed, staying in state to play for Dave Cottle. I also love Quinn Haley from Queen Anne's Md. He is a tough attackman that can turn the corner and I believe will fit in will with the squad in College Park.

Virginia will post another athletic class with Scott McWilliams, Rob Emery, and Pat Harbeson leading the way. The two St. Anne's Belfield boys, Austin Geisler and Owen Van Arsdale, will be contributers as well and with the glaring hole being a goalie for the future Austin "A-Money" Geisler will have a chance to step up down the road.

Ohio State coach Nick Myers landed some good talent as well in his mission to bring the Buckeyes into the national spotlight after departure of Joe Breschi to UNC. Look for Adam Trombley to help the Buckeyes out on attack and Calvert Hall goalie Greg Dutton will be solid between the pipes whenever his time comes for OSU. Check out some others on the IL Big Board.

Inside Lacrosse has it laid out here. 

Welcome back to the RISE UP BOYS, fall is underway and some of our boys have moved on to college and are enjoying fall all workouts and preparing for spring lacrosse. We have added some new faces from all over the country to our team and every week will have one of our MLL All Stars check in and answer the same questions as our boys on the RISE. In week one we have Kyle Harrison, the Face of STX and NIKE Lacrosse, owner of Playmaker Lacrosse, and lead counselor on the Nike Elite Lacrosse Camps by ESPN RISE. He is on the road all the time with USA tryouts and promoting his new K18 line so our questions are perfect for the Johns Hopkins legend.

	ESPN RISE
	Kyle Harrison

Patrick Harbeson (Annapolis, MD)
DeMatha Catholic High School
UVA
Midfield

What are you doing this fall?
This fall I am playing football... our team is 6-0 and working hard for the best season possible. As of right now, our team is ranked 10th in the nation according to ESPN RISE FAB 50. We have a common goal of winning our league championship (WCAC), and if possible going undefeated. This is only possible through hard work, becuase we play in one of the toughest leages which 'anyone can beat anyone'. Personally this season has been a blast, it's my senior season and it has been fun playing for a team that has so much potential. Aside from football this fall, I am alsoworking on sharpening my stick skills and mentally preparing myself for the offseason and ultimatly the spring season.

Ipod Top 5
No Particular order
1. We Be Steady Mobbin', Lil Wayne ft. Gucci Man
2. Almost Famous, Young Berg
3. Mary's Song, (Oh My My My), Taylor Swift
4. Imma Star, Jeremiah
5. Congratulations, Drake

Frank Price (Holly Springs, NC)
Holly Springs HS
UVA
LSM/D

What's going on this Fall?
This fall I've been working out at a cross fit gym four times a week, speed and agility training twice a week, hand to hand combat classes twice a week and my travel lacrosse team just started practice
 
iPod Top 5:
1. Big Green Tractor- Jason Aldean
2. Gettin you home- Chris Young
3. Jokerman- Bob Dylan
4. Born in the USA- Bruce Springsteen
5. Bartender- Rehab

Quinn Haley (Grasonville, MD)
Queen Anne's
Maryland
Attack

Whats going on this fall?
Just Football!

iPod Top 5
It's always changing, but for now I'd say
1. Chiddy bang, Kids remix
2. Kid Cudi, Up up an away
3. Super Mash Bros, I Bleed Purple and Gold
4. Matt and Kim, Daylight
5. Ray Barbee, Find Enjoyment
If am getting pumped up I like stuff like the Gladiator theme music they played at Sean taylor's tribute, and if there's dancing going on, I like all the Super Mash Bros.

Paul Harrison (Silver Spring, Maryland)
DeMatha Catholic High School
Drexel University
Defense/ LSM
 
Whats going on this Fall?
We are doing a lot of work this fall with DeMatha, lifting 3 times a week as a team and getting in stick work and 6 vs 6 practices once to twice a week. I am also playing in a  fall league with most of the DeMatha guys which is full games every Sunday. Once November starts I will be playing in tournaments with DeMatha and my club team Blackwolf.

Ipod Top 5:
1. Californication- Red Hot Chili Peppers
2. Young Forever- Jay- Z
3. That Was a Crazy Game of Poker- O.A.R.
4. Wonderwall- Oasis
5. 'Till I Collapse- Eminem

Josh Matanin (Ellicott City, MD)
St. Pauls School for Boys
Undecided: I have visited UNC, Duke, Georgetown, Navy, Towson, and plan on looking into many more. So I do not have a List of Top Schools yet.
Defense/ LSM

What's going on this fall?
I am training every day to gain an advantage on the field.

Ipod Top 5:
1. Remember the Name- Fort Minor
2. Are You Gonna be my Girl- Jet
3. Headstrong- Trapt
4. Till I Collapse- Eminem
5. By the Way- Red Hot Chili Peppers

John Muti (Mountain Lakes, NJ)
Mountain Lakes
Navy
Goalie

What's going on this fall?
I am playing football for the Mountain Lakes Herd. We are having another successful year with an 5-0 start.

Ipod Top 5:
1. Say Yeah- Wiz Khalifa,   
2. Gangsta- Maino,   
3. Bubble Toes -Jack Johnson
4. Somewhere Over the Rainbow- Israel Kamakawiwo'ole    
5. Make Her Say- Kid Cudi ft. Kanye West and Common

Jake Haley (Grasonville, MD)
Queen Anne's
Georgetown University
Goalie

What are you doing this fall?
Football! Queen Anne's is 6-0 and looking for a 2A state championship after making it to the semis last season.

iPod Top 5
1. Living the Dream, Super Smash Bros
2. Kids MGMT Remix, Chiddy Bang
3. Young Forever, Jay Z
4. Skinny Love, Bon Iver
5. Mr. Pitful, Matt Costa

Mark Brashears (Annapolis, MD)
Broadneck High School
Undecided
Midfield

What's going on this fall?
I am on the Golf team and working out!

Ipod Top 5:
1. Juicy- Notorious B.I.G.
2. Young Forever- Jay Z
3. Hello Seattle- Owl City
4. Congratulations- Drake
5. Drop- East Clubbers
 
Kodie Englehart (Coronado, CA)
Coronado High School
Vermont
Midfield

What are you doing this fall?
I am QB for our Islander Football Team and playing Indoor Lacrosse on Saturdays

Ipod Top 5: 
1. Can't Be Touched -Roy Jones Jr.
2. I Rock Skinnines, Fresh Boyz
3. Ambitions As A Ridah -Tupac
4. Man I Miss My Dawgs -Lil Wayne
5. Let Me Clear My Throat -DJ Kool

Michael Ehrhardt (Westbury, NY)
Chaminade High School
Maryland
Defense

What are you doing this fall?
I am playing wide receiver for Chaminade's Football team.  
 
iPod Top 5:
1. Replay-Sean  Kingston
2. Glory Road- Bruce
3. All the Above- Maino
4. Time to Pretend- MGMT
5. You Belong With Me- Taylor Swift

Craig "Goodie” Goodermote (Holtsville, New York)
Sachem East High School
Marist
Goalie

	ESPN RISE
	Zach Rogers

by Anthony Kelly special to ESPN RISE

	Zach Heffner/special to ESPN RISE
	NELC Coach Anthony Kelly.

It's always exciting to see how the game is exploding outside of the traditional hotbeds as we pushed westward. At OSU we had over 80 great players! The talent didn't stop there as we mixed in the Denver stop and the Nor Cal and So Cal stops. The kids out on the west coast were also very impressive, and I know all the kids were pumped in our efforts to add them to the tour.

After a long 2 weeks of training, lacrosse, and traveling, we closed out the NELC tour at Johns Hopkins. It was probably our most talented group of young players we have seen in one camp all year. We had numerous Division 1 and 3 commitments on hand at Friday's camp. It was awesome to watch them all playing and interacting with one another. I was thoroughly impressed with the guys when we got to 6 vs. 6, and the up and down 3 vs. 2 "basketball” drill. The stick skills and lacrosse IQ of these players was very obvious at this point.

As we closed out the day and all headed back to our normal lives, it was nice to sit and reflect on the camps. What's great about the NELC tour is that it gives these great players an opportunity to come to a camp, for FREE, work with some awesome trainers from Zone Ready, play some stress free lacrosse getting them away from the "recruiting summer”, having an opportunity to meet new friends, and most importantly have fun doing it and learn a bunch of new concepts to take home and incorporate into their own training. All of which will ultimately make them all better lacrosse players and hopefully better people. For me, it's just exciting to be able to help they young players achieve that and watch them grow as players. 

We'll see you all next summer!

	Zach Heffner special to ESPN RISE
	NELC Coaching Staff 2009

by Greg  Bice special to ESPN RISE

We just finished week one of the Nike Elite Lacrosse Camp!  This is my absolute favorite camp to be a part of and I am going to recap some of the highlights of week one.  Let's start with the staff...yes, a chance for me to toot our own horn, so please indulge me.  Let's start with the big man, Brett Hughes.  He brings so much energy to the field and he looks like Malibu from old school American Gladiators (Malibu as Brett Hughes easily one of my favorite "Youtube” Clips).  Then we have the Nike SPARQ trainers, the Gizzi brothers of Zone Ready - as intense as they come, from the same mold as the infamous Frog brothers, the vampire-slaying siblings from "The Lost Boys.”  This was the vampire movie of my time, and while I haven't seen or read "Twilight,” I know that there is no way it is even close to this movie. 

Side note: I don't know which Cory Haim/Cory Feldman movie is my favorite, "License to Drive” or "The Lost Boys” but I do know that they are both amazing!  For those of you who did not grow up in the 80s, do yourself a favor and watch this clip, The Lost Boys (I know all of you who just followed that link just made "The Lost Boys” number one on your Netflix.

 Moving on to Kyle Harrison, the man, the myth, the legend.  Behind all the smoke and mirrors that is K18, he is a really amazing athlete/coach who is passionate about lax.  He is also hands down the best tweeter around, seriously  - Kyle new that I was writing this blog before I did.  Not impressed?  Kyle also already knew that Jimmy Borell is about to think about squat thrusts and then isolation curls!  Ah, Jimmy Borell.  He came in a little banged up this week with a torn pectoral muscle and then immediately proceeded to tear his other pec from doing one armed pushups.  Even with two arms in slings he manages to get product into his hair and produce the Zach Morris wave.  Speaking of hair, how about the A-train, Anthony Kelly.  He used to look like Lorenzo Lamas who starred as the Renegade on the USA Network, what a great show!  Check it out, The Renegade.  Now he looks like a mix between the Incredible Hulk and Joaquin Phoenix.  This guy is a beast and a true workhorse.  Last and certainly least is our rookie, Max Seibald.  He has gone from winning the Tewaaraton Award to fetching us old men cartons of Muscle Milk after we crush a set of Medicine ball slams.  Max is an awesome competitor and brings so much to camp, I can't think of a better addition...oh, wait, yeah I can...Chuck Norris, but only the Texas Walker Chuck Norris, and here is why… Walker Doing Work!  I hope you watched all of these because I wasted a lot of time linking them up...and I love youtube!  The only thing better than our staff, are the athletes that came out to DO WORK! 

We had some serious ballers in San Francisco!  Those guys brought it!  My favorite part of the SF camp was when we did tennis ball drops and everyone was throwing their bodies around.  Guys were sacrificing their bodies more than when Chris Gizzi ran wedge-buster for the Green Bay Packers.  It was great!  One animal, that took it to the next level, was Ryan Bullen (Acalanes High School).  He is a big, tough defenseman who gets after it and plays blue-collar lacrosse.  Great camp and great kids, look forward to making back to the bay area next year.

LA was fantastic as well.  I really liked Cam Cole's game; the kid has some quick feet and a cannon of a shot.  He also rocks a sweet visor, like a young Jim McMann, totally awesome!  Who loves the super bowl shuffle?  That is actually a trick question because the answer is… everyone.  Zach Rodgers also had a great camp.  This kid has a great attitude and likes to mix it up, which every coach loves to see in a defenseman. We will hear much more about him in the future…  Good stuff LA!

Syracuse was, you guessed it, an excellent camp as well!  I gotta give a shout out to the lone Texan, Ian Seale who made it out.  He is a crafty lefty who proved he could play with the traditional hot beds.  Way represent the Lone Star state, the best country in the United States!  Also we had a great goalie Dillon Harrington of Ft. Myers Florida.  He was "pop corning” Anthony Kelly's 109 mph shot and Max Seibald's 110 mph shot. The Auburn High School players were also incredible; Connor Entenman (Cornell got a great one here), Matt Festa, Andrew Chadderdon, and the others show why Auburn is a tough school to play in the area.  We had a few face-off boys come out and scrap, Ricky Buhr (Manhasset, NY.), Tyler Brooks Lambert (Midlakes, NY), Drew Jenkins (Montclair, NJ.), Gabe Mendola (Ithica, NY and a Harvard Commit), and Bruce Pirie (Indian Hills, NY.) they all absolutely came to play. Bruce came to Syracuse for the first time, but was at Long Island last summer, this kid is a great player and an even better person.  Look for him to mix it up when he gets to college in a year, he is a very coachable player and works harder than A-train and I trying to complete a crossword puzzle.  We are idiots!  I gotta end it with that!

What a great week, I am ready to tear up week two with the boys and do work in Columbus, Long Island, Baltimore, and Charlottesville.  Until then do some work for Coach Borell and Kelly.   

By Kyle Harrison special to ESPN RISE

I'd be lying if I said I was a little disappointed when we finished setting up for the NELC San Francisco.  One of the top high school recruits in the nation (and he's not from Maryland or New York folks!), stood in his Nike jersey with no equipment or cleats on, a backwards hat, and a Proton Power in his hands. Rob Emery injured his back dead lifting in summer football training a few days before camp and was unable to participate. I've heard so much about this kid's potential that I had to introduce myself and get a few minutes to talk to the West Coast high school lacrosse legend in the making.

One year from now Emery will be headed to the University of Virginia as the most hyped West Coast high school lacrosse player in the history of lacrosse. The fact that he would even come out to camp knowing he can't participate just to be a part of it, says a lot about the person and player that he is. I watched as he followed around NELC coach Max Seibald (last years NCAA Player of the Year and 2009 Tewaaraton winner) and picked his brain on how he was successful in his college career and how he's coping in the MLL. I noticed for 5 hours of being on the lacrosse field, he didn't put down his stick once. That may seem insignificant to most, but there's a reason he's got great stick skills and is clearly ahead of the high school lacrosse curve in California. He simply wants to be the best lacrosse player he can be and that was evident today in the short time I spent with him.

Emery mentioned to me how important it was for him to be able to practice with his football team later this summer as the quarterback and one of the leaders of the team.  It was great to see a kid who understands the importance of hard work, leadership and most importantly being a part of a TEAM.

    The crazy thing about Rob is I haven't seen him play a minute of competitive lacrosse and I KNOW that he's going to be a great one. What I learned about him was far more important than his shot on the run or his split dodge. He's a hard working kid who handles himself the right way, and I'm certain will have four successful years at UVA and put Bay Area high school lacrosse on the map. Being an East Coast guy, it pains me to say it, but Rob Emery is proof that West Coast high school lacrosse is about to make a HUGE impact on the NCAA in the VERY near future.
 

By Brett Hughes

In my experience, the best way to grow a sport is to show a community what it "should" look like. San Francisco has jumped on that idea and is set to bring a top tier college lacrosse game right to the heart of the Northern California Lacrosse scene.

Braden Edwards is responsible for bringing two top Division I teams, University of North Carolina and Brown University, to Nor Cal for the first ever match-up in the San Francisco area. There will also be free youth clinics for 4th-8th graders lead by top college players around the event. 

In my humble opinion, the best learning experience for high school athletes will be during the game. The best way to learn is to watch and mimic the best players in the game. So watch Billy Bitters (UNC), Thomas Muldoon (Brown), and others to improve your game!

For more information on the game and events surrounding it check out this article.  

Posted by Brett Hughes

Incase you have not seen the NELC site check it out. We will update it throughout the summer with pictures and video as well as hear from players, coaches, and staff on each camp as we tour the country in year two.

There is a link on the page to email us with any questions you have on the Nike Elite Lacrosse Camps. 

By Brett Hughes

St Igantius High School (San Francicso, Calif.) is set to send its first player to the University of Virginia. Rob Emery decided on UVa earlier this week becoming a huge addition to the 2010 recruiting class.

Emery is known as an exceptional athlete with good skills and the ability to play both ends of the field. Two way middies have always done well for coach Dom Starsia and the tempo of the Cavaliers' game. Emery posted a huge summer and was thought to have the best week of any midfielder at the Blue Chip Camp.

By Brett Hughes

With commitments by some of our boys the new addition of the Big Board is back. Now this is not a Mel Kiper Jr. "Best available" board because unlike a draft the kids choose the school not the other way around. Some of the nation's best take a bit more time to decide. With that our Top 5 and some honorable mentions...

1. Rob Emery: (Midfielder, St. Ignatius, Calif.) His athleticism is at the top of the class, he is used to handling the ball and leading a team, which is a big factor in what he can bring to a college team.

2. Luke Duprey: (Defense, Andover, Mass.) Big and fast is what more and more colleges are shifting toward, but Duprey can handle the ball well in transition and has the feet to be a great two way midfielder.

3. Tom Schreiber: (Midfield, St. Anthony's, N.Y.) Being the only junior to travel on the LI Empire team, He also starts at QB for St. Anthony's and is used to having control of the game. Schreiber has top tier skills and athleticism to match.

4. Will Himler: (Attack, Chaminade N.Y.) Monster potential that needs to sharpen up, but could be one of the best recruits in this class with time.

5. Jordan Wolf: (Attack, Haverford Penn.) A slick attackman in Pennsylvania, he has an eye for Duke and a few other schools. Wolf has a college feel to his game and has been coached up by some great players like John Christmas to get him ready for the next level.

John Rose (Long Pole, Deerfield Academy, Mass.) Only sophomore to make 1st team all western New England.   

Honorable Mention: John Urbank, Defense (Chaminade, N.Y.) Mike Earnhardt, Defense (Chaminade, N.Y.) Craig Goodermote (Sachem East, N.Y.)

Written by Kevin Huntley; special to ESPNRISE.com

For those of you who have been asking for drills, I wanted to put this story up again.  

Great Shooting in lacrosse brings up a few names right off the bat, Jake Byrne, Jesse Hubbard, Joe Walters, and Scott Urick. However, arguably at the top of that list is Kevin Huntley an 08' grad from Johns Hopkins, and the MLL Rookie of the Year for the LA Riptide. His success comes from his ability to get himself open and play perfect team offense, and at the end he is as good as anyone in the game at making the most of his chances with his amazing shooting ability. After talking to him and hearing the way he explains shooting I had to have him write a bit of a tutorial for coaches, and players who stop in. Please do yourself a service and after reading this grab your stick a bag of balls and get out and practice what Huntley preaches, I guarantee Kevin's words are right on the money, hopefully like your shot will be. He and former Blue Jay Jake Byrne will be hosting shooting academies in Baltimore this winter.

	Johns Hopkins Media Relations
	Kevin Huntley helps you improve your game.

There are many different parts of the body that must work together in order to produce an effective shot.  Similar to a golf or baseball swing everything from your footwork to your mind is important.  When looking to add velocity to your shot the easy answer would be to just tighten your shooting strings putting some extra whip in your stick, allowing you to just wind back and throw the ball as hard as you can at the net.  That obviously is not the best solution if you need to be able to throw a pass which most of us do.  I would say on my shot 70% of my power comes from my arms and wrist snap, and the added 30% comes from my legs and hip turn.  With that in mind your wrist snap is probably the most important part to an effective shot.  It gives you power when your legs and hips are occupied (whether its because you are shooting on the run, inside, or catching the ball off a cut or pop and you just can't get your legs/hips into the shot the way you can when you are able to wind up for a room and time shot).  Your wrists also give you accuracy/control/deception. 

A way to practice this wrist motion would be to stand near the top of the crease facing the goal.  Staying flat-footed gets your hands high and away from your body, with your stick and hands aligned, so they run parallel to the ground.  Using just your hands and wrists as much as possible (understanding you'll have to use your arms to an extent) snap the ball down to the lower corner.  Once you get the hang of that, continue to raise your bottom hand above your top more and more as if the ball could roll out of the top.  If you were to picture parallel as 9 or 3 o'clock depending if you are a righty or lefty, you want to move the head of your stick around on that axis down to 6 o'clock before starting your shot and rotating as quickly as possible back towards 12 o'clock and your release point.  This will develop control and a good wrist motion that you can apply to a shot from in tight, a room and time shot, or a shot on the run.  Keep in mind that trying to get the head of your stick down so it is almost vertical would not be a smart way to shoot, it is just creating an extreme scenario and if you are able to control a shot where your stick is going from your feet all the way around the axis to above your head you will certainly have no problem controlling your shot and you will have created a good wrist snap.

The most important aspect of any shot though is getting open to take it.  You can do that with the ball in your stick but that entails a whole dodging tutorial, which I'm sure Kyle Harrison, Chazz Woodson, or Jeff Sonke could do a better job with.  The other option is to work off ball and with other teammates to get open.  Guys like Kyle and Chazz who are explosive athletes are fun to watch, not just for the fans but for me, too.  That is why it is important for me to not get caught standing watching them while they dodge.  Thinking one pass ahead, following the slide if your man doubles, moving into skip lanes and creating a chemistry with your teammates are all important to being successful off ball.  Knowing how to work off of and use picks is helpful too. 

Posted by Brett Hughes

Coach Brian Eisenberg is looking forward to Tesoro lacrosse season and a pair of two sport stars are set to make a splash in So Cal lacrosse scene.

I am all for trying to find a few diamonds in the rough and these two have the tools and work ethic to make the jump.

"Hidden gems that would be an asset for any college team" is how they are viewed by Coach Esienberg.

Preston King who has been making a name for himself on the gridiron will be ready for this spring. He played in 8^th grade and put down the stick for two years only to come back as a junior and impress his coach. Eisenberg sums his player up&

"Preston King never steps off the field for football as a wide receiver, corner back, punt / kick returner, kick / punt special teams and even holds the ball for the kicker! He was also the Tesoro lacrosse leading goal scorer last season as a Midi... even though he did not get his first goal until mid-way through the season. This late start was due to picking up a stick for the first time in 2 years (played in 8th grade, but not again until his junior year, spring 2008) and an early season wrist injury. He is one of the best athletes in the country."

Tesoro Lacrosse (10 - 0, 2008 South Coast League Champs). Also has another talent in Scott Graves. Cut from the same athletic cloth as teammate King, he looks to shut down everyone he faces.

"Scott Graves also rarely steps off the football field as a linebacker, kicking and receiving special teams and guest appearances as a fullback. Scott picked up a lacrosse stick for the first time his freshman year. He has been starting on Defense for the varsity lacrosse team since he was a sophomore. His on ball defense is one of a kind. In addition, as his knowledge of the game has increased he has taken a leadership role (vocal and by example) to the rest of the team. With his football background, he loves to slide hard and early (Mitch Belisle like). His stick skills have also increased year by year making him a transition threat as well. At 5' 11", 215 lbs he is a promising athlete."

Two non-recruited players, for now playing on a team that is looking to keep making waves in the So Cal. Lacrosse scene. There is nothing better than a young player who enjoys being coached, and when you are full of potential the sky is the limit. Spring 09 is a promising one for Tesoro High.

Maurice Edu was a California phenom before moving on to the University of Maryland. From there he played for Team USA and now the Glasgow Rangers FC. Check out this stars his thoughts on lacrosse and advice for kids. Then go to his website out for more news, photos, and stories on Mo Edu's life in Scotland with his new club.

	Kirby Lee/Image of Sport/US Presswire
	Beijing,CHINA; United States midfielder Maurice Edu (6)

ER: Do you ever watch the sport or have you ever played?

ME: I saw it played sometimes when I was in college but I've never played it.

ER: What position would you want to play and why?

ME: I'd play midfield because that's what I play in soccer.  I like being able to go forward and attack as well as coming back to defend.

ER: How are our sports similar...

ME: I think the sports are similar in that they have similar positions as well as the fact that the game is continuous for the most part with little time to rest.

ER: Is their anything you see in lacrosse that you really

enjoy, any certain aspect?

ME: I like that it is similar to many other sports yet still different and it's own unique sport.  

ER: Any advice as an athlete you would give to young players playing lacrosse as well as other sports.

ME: I'd say play with passion, work hard, and always enjoy the game. 

Posted by Brett Hughes 

To switch things up for my readers, I wanted to bring something different that has always helped me in training and preparing for lacrosse season. I love to watch and learn from other sports and other players in those sports. Other than basketball players, I learn a lot from soccer players. One of my close friends whom I always bounce ideas and thoughts on how to compete, train, and what mindset is best for situations is Alecko Eskandarian, who plays for Chivas USA in Los Angeles. Check his bio out to see some of his goals and learn more about this MLS star.

Outside of his crazy goals and ability to always be in the right spot, Alecko or "eskee" as many call him, has battled through injuries including sports hernias and a bad head injury that he has worked hard to return from.

	Photo by Juan Miranda/MLS via Getty Images
	Alecko Eskandarian #7 of Chivas USA.

You can hear things a thousand times, but sometimes, someone says it in a way that makes sense. I hope that Alecko and some of the other MLS stars that check in may help get you to the top of your game. 

Alecko Eskandarian Bio

ESPN RISE: Do you ever watch the sport or have you ever played?

Alecko Eskandarian: I had never really watched lacrosse closely until I got to UVA. I had heard about what a powerhouse the UVA lax program was so I figured I would see what they were all about. From the minute I watched the UVA men's team play I was hooked. It made me regret not playing lax as a youngster because I think I would have been pretty good at it. 

ER: What position would you want to play and why?

AE: From a fans standpoint, I love watching the middies play because they can go from one zone to the other and I feel like they are way more involved in the game. But, as far as my strengths go, I would definitely have to play in the attack. I think it would come natural to me to try to get myself in good spots around the goal to get my shot off into the net.

ER: How are our sports similar? 

AE:I think they are very similar. Team shape is important, everyone has a role on the team, good ball movement creates chances, and everyone needs to be moving off the ball to help their teammates. I could go on and on. That's why I love watching lacrosse because even though I have never played, I feel like I have a good understanding of the game based on my experiences playing soccer.

ER: Is their anything you see in lacrosse that you really like, any certain aspect?

AE: Yes. Easy. You get to hit people with a stick, I love that. The other thing I love most is the 1 on 1 battle. I love watching guys get isolated 1v1 and seeing who will come out on top. Its great to see each team's best attackmen go up against the other team's best defender and have that match-up all game long. I wish there could be more of that in soccer.

ER: Any advice as an athlete you would give to young players playing lacrosse as well as other sports.

AE: Have fun. Enjoy the opportunity, and try to make the most of your talents. Way too many kids take it for granted that sports can open up a plethora of life experiences. Soccer has taken me to many places around the world, to a great school like UVA, introduced me to some great people, and now it is what I get paid to do. And if nothing else, it helped keep me out of trouble and fit and healthy. 

Check out an MLS game sometime, there is always something to be learned or taken from athletes at the top of their game, and these soccer players are exactly that. Watching the way they move off the ball, run to space, and play for and with each other on defense is something I have grown to admire and learn from, maybe it can do the same for you and your game as a coach or player. Check back in as we hear from more of the best soccer players in the MLS.

Posted by Brett Hughes

We hear it tagged to just about every major lacrosse Televised game, Camp/clinic, or editorial written these days, but once again we have numbers to prove it. On a wide scale its great to see sports growing every year. (19 is what the article states)

Lacrosse is not on the lists of the most played sports, yet, but if we continue to hit the fastest growing sport we will be soon enough. With more publicity, TV spots, and major companies getting on board, this sport will undoubtedly cater to the masses with it's unique blend of technical skill and raw athleticism. Anyone can play is what we keep hearing about lacrosse, and according to the article by Education Weekend are listening.

Posted by Brett Hughes

The summer just ended and as Fall sports like football, tennis, soccer, and more heat up as the weather cools off.  Geoff Shannon of Inside Lacrosse gives an idea of the names we will see headlining next summer.  According to Shannon, it seems like this upcoming class should be strong, but even more so in attack and defense. 

It's a good opportunity to see if kids take that next step and become the player they are capable of being, we will be hearing from these kids through the year, keeping tabs on them and many more as they go through other sports and being preparing for the main stage of recruiting.