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. 

Posted by Brett Hughes, Senior Editor

Geoff Shannon of Inside Lacrosse brings some good news for five schools in his latest recruiting roundup.

I think the big winner this week is Ohio State, with recent news of Luke Treece from Upper Arlington, Ohio, and now another in-state Blue Chip player Kyle Bernlohr have helped the Buckeyes' class.

Treece, who I have seen multiple times because he is a star from my alma mater will bring not only good skills, but he has the potential to grow in college and become a solid Division 1 player.

Brenlohr might be one of the best goalies in the class. I think where Ohio State wins with these two players is the idea of protecting its boarders. Ohio may not have the number of Blue Chip players that Maryland or New York, but they do have enough to field a pretty strong team if they can keep kids like Treece and Bernlohr in state. Coach Myers will continue to grow the Buckeyes and we will be hearing more and more form them, when they find out how to keep all these guys along with a Will Campbell and others we may see the "Bucks" deep in the playoffs.

Check out the other recruits and where you will be seeing them in years to come on the recruiting roundup. 

Posted By Brett Hughes

Our friends at Inside Lacrosse have reported that Mike Daniello, a top 10 recruit, has gone back on his verbal committment to Joe Breschi and the UNC Tar Heels, on Sept. 28th. Daniello has now decided to join former high school teammate and friend, Jamison Pickel, on the Johns Hopkins Blue Jays roster. 

Read more about Mike Daniello and his decision here. 

By Brett Hughes
 
Penfield (Rochester, N.Y.) High School senior Tucker Nelson recently decided to play for the Marist Red Foxes over schools like Johns Hopkins, Fairfield, UMBC, and more. The recruiting process was pretty simple and unlike most of the roads we have covered in the past. It happened while watching his dad coach, because Coach Nelson is the head man at Marist.
 
The 5-foot-10, senior attackman was Penfield's leader in points last season. He posted crazy balanced numbers going 35, 35. He also helped the Western Empire team and added his balanced game to an already talented Nike Rochester club team. Now, its all about family as Tucker Nelson will suit up for his father next year.
  
Name: Tucker Nelson
Position: Attack
High School: Penfield
Club: Nike Rochester
Grade: 12
 
ESPN RISE: So you decided to play for your father at Marist, to some that may make all the sense in the world… others maybe not. Why did you decide?
Tucker Nelson: I decided to play for my dad because it's always been a life long dream of mine to be coached by him, and he's got a very proven track record.
 
ER: So having a father as a coach, I can't imagine you didn't have a stick in your hand from the beginning?
TN: Yes, I was pretty much born with a lacrosse stick, not a day goes by where my father and I do not discuss some aspect of lacrosse.

ER: I assume you know your father pretty well, what is going to be an upside to playing for him?
TN: Knowing what he expects from me at all times is definitely a bonus.
 
ER: And what about a negative?
TN: I guess knowing the fact that I will be treated like every other player, and that I don't get special treatment, just for being a coach's son. Which isn't a real negative anyway.
 
ER: Well before you settled on Marist did you look around or entertain ideas to other schools? Even any other schools you liked?
TN: Yes, but not very in depth… UMBC, Ohio State, Johns Hopkins, Fairfield.
 
ER: Not a bad list, so I assume your father knows a couple things he would like to see his son/future attackman work on before you get to the Red Foxes locker room. What do you think some of those may be?
TN: There are a few aspects, number one has to be the weight room. As attackmen most of us don't love it in there and just keep brining a great attitude to everything everyday.
 
ER: Are you close with the team? Do you have some friends who are already on the squad?
TN: Yes, my best friend is a freshman for the Foxes. Connor Rice, the kid is sick.
 
ER: What are your feelings on the mascot?
TN: I love the Red Fox.
 
ER: Well that's the Fox's name?
TN: To be honest I have no idea. I've heard it does, but I can't recall a name.
 
ER: It's Shooter my man, you are going to need to know these things!
TN: Yeah, next time I'll do my homework.
 
ER: So sell me on Marist for a second. It's not a school on the biggest stage always. What would a recruit want to know about Marist?
TN: Marist has a beautiful campus and a top 20 ranked library. We also have a great stadium for lacrosse that is going to be amazing playing in.

ER: Any other Nelson boys coming up that your dad is going to have his eye on?
TN: Yes, my two younger bro's, both are going to be very talented. The first Nelson midfielder of all time is in 7th grade right now (Jake) and my other brother is a grade below him and is another attackman. It's fun to watch them because they play so well together.
 
ER: Be honest with us… if you decided to play somewhere else your dad would have grounded you or something right?
TN: (Laughs) I think he would have taken my cell phone away for a few months. It would have definitely affected our tight relationship; I honestly couldn't imagine what it would be like to play anywhere else.
 
ER: Okay, I noticed your birthday was on New Years Eve. Awesome or not so much?
TN: I love being born on New Year's Ever. It's an awesome feeling to have all those gifts in such a short period of time (Laughing). I would have to say it's a great thing.
 
Coach Nelson is continuing to bring in talented players every year and Marist remains a team on the climb and looks to improve on where they ended last year with a 10-9 loss to Manhattan. But this is about to become a family affair and we hope to see good things from Tucker Nelson this fall for Penfield as he prepares to make the college jump.

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By Brett Hughes

Haverford's Matt Walters gave his verbal commitmment to defending NCAA Champion Syracuse University, this coming just a week after teammate Carl Walrath verbally agreed to play midfield for the Virginia Cavaliers.

Both middies bring athleticism. Walrath took the No. 20 young gun recruit title from Inside Lacrosse, and Waleters showed his multi-demnsional athleticism this past summer at the Under Armour Underclass Showcase for the Philadelphia team.

Check out more from our friends at Lax Power on Matt Walters and Carl Walrath.

By Brett Hughes

Posted By Brett Hughes

More and more of the top players are finding homes in the early fall. Three Juniors in Eric Chadderdon (Ohio State), Tyler German (Virginia), and Junior Jordan (Johns Hopkins) have all made decisons.

Virginia lands a monster in Tyler German who can score and create from he midfield. The Queen Anne's junior will team up with the Haley brothers (Quinn and Jake) for a dangerous coast to coast team.

Check out Geoff Shannon's "Recruiting Roundup"

By Brett Hughes

Sometimes you hear news in sports and it just ends up being a quick buzz and then done. This summer the buzz was Tyler Galvin leading up to the end of the year summer events. In one week I had three phone calls about the rising senior faceoff man from Holly Springs, N.C. It ended with one of his friends and teammates reaching out and saying "yeah this kid is legit."  after seeing Galvin face-off and outwork most of the people on any field it is easy to see that the buzz was simply the start. Here is a moment with the rising senior.

By Brett Hughes

Peter Rossetti of the Collegiate School in Richmond Virginia has verbally committed to Dave Urick and the Georgetown Hoyas. After a big summer for the imposing 6'4" 215lb junior defenseman, the blue chipper decided that Washington D.C. would be his next stop for more than just lacrosse. "In the end it just came down to the fact that Georgetown offers so much academically and athletically... the coaches and players were all great and it felt good on every level," Rossetti said about his choice.

Rossetti's coach Andrew Stanley knows Georgetown has a talented player coming their way becuase he has watched Rossetti from the time he was in little league. Stanley commented, "I am very proud of Peter for earning the oppurtunity to represent such a great school... And while his size is an obvious advantage, it's his attention to detail and relentless work ethic that will allow him to do great things at the next level."

For now Rossetti is focused on a great football season and preparing for a strong spring. As he works toward being a Hoya we will follow him closely as he is always sure to impress. 

Posted By Brett Hughes

November 21st, 2009 the Episcopal Academy in Newton Square PA. will host one of the up and coming high school events in the lacrosse world. The Philly Lacrosse Showcase is a compact recruiting day where teams are fitted with no more than 20 players for maximum exposure and playing time. 

The showcase was under a different title last year and welcomed over 50 college coaches and helped a number of area kids get quality looks. Lax Power will also be covering it on Nov. 21st and our partners will bring more attention in weeks to come. This recruiting event should be a good one for players and coaches both and we look forward to coverage and stories from the event and its players.

By Brett Hughes

From the sounds of it, one of the biggest and most well known lacrosse tournaments will be back on in 2010. The New York State Empire Games are expected back and set to be held in Buffalo New York July 21st-25th. This is great for the lacrosse community and New York sports as a whole. Fred Smith tells the Buffalo News "I have no reason to doubt it, I have no reason to do anything but move full speed ahead."

Although it is not set in stone, i believe everyone from coaches, players, even fans, and officials, are pulling for this event that has hosted 32 tournaments to be resurrected to bring the "high school Olympics" back to New York.

By Brett Hughes

Bryant has landed Bruce Pirie of Indian Hills High School who is an amazing player but also cut from the football mold and comes ready to work. Bruce has been a 2x MVP at Nike Elite Lacrosse Camps and brings an enthusiasm and work ethic that is very rarely matched. His recruiting path has been longer than most and while peers were signing and committing to top colleges, he remained in the weight room and on the field waiting for a college to take a "chance” on the kid from Indian Hills. Finally, not long ago Coach Pressler or Bryant in Providence gave the call that Bruce had been waiting for.

Bruce is on the gridiron as I write this and no doubt going full speed, we look forward to what hearing more about Bruce and his season in this years RISE UP BOYS.

Name: Bruce Pirie
High School: Indian Hills High School
Position: F/O Mid/Def Mid
Grade: Senior

ESPN RISE: How long have you been playing Lacrosse?
Bruce Pirie: I've been playing lacrosse for 7 years now.

ER: Who first introduced you to the game?
BP: My big cousin Mike Burns who is a Senior Midfielder for UNC.

ER: What's been your best memory so far in lacrosse?
BP: This past high school season we won our last game of the year, the League Championship, in OT 11-10. Best part was we had lost to that team (Mahwah High School) earlier in the season by with .6 seconds left in regulation by the same score, 11-10.

ER: Do you Play any other sports? If so what and what position...
BP: I am a captain on my football team. Running Back and Safety

ER: Favorite type of music and best concert you've been to?
BP: I like all music to be totally honest. I listen to Hip-Hop mostly but I'll throw on some Jack Johnson, Dave Mathews, or some heavy rock every once in a while. It all depends on what mood I'm in and what I'm about to do. John Mayer doesn't get me pumped of a Lax Game ya know!
 
ER: Who is your favorite Lacrosse player of all time?
BP: John Glynn from Cornell. I love the way he works.

 By Brett Hughes

Goalies are always fun to get to know, our MVP of the NELC in Virginia checks in with us providing some humor from the start but the rising Junior from Collegiate school in Richmond is all buisness when the whistle blows. He will be leading a strong defense with Peter Rossetti and these two are one of the better tandems in the country. Noftsinger is a big fan of former Virginia Goalie of the Year Tillman Johnson so it makes sense that his ability to make the big save is something he witnessed first hand and from seeing him practice and compete his effort is similar to the 2003 Final Four MVP.

Name: David Noftsinger

Position: Goalie
HS:  Collegiate School
Grade: Rising Junior


ESPN RISE: Why did you decide to play Goalie?
David Noftsinger: Because I HATE running, and its just a great experience to control the defense while getting lacrosse balls hurled at you.

ER: Who is your favorite Lacrosse Goalie of all time? Why?
DN: Tillman Johnson. Because as a kid watching  him making ridiculous saves was one of the reasons why I started playing goalie.

ER: How did Collegiate do this past season?
DN: I think we were 13-7. Ended up losing in the state semifinals to St. Annes Belfield...

ER:Outlook for this season?
DN: Even though we lost a lot of seniors this past year our rising junior class is very talented and should lead the way to a possible state championship. So far for this upcoming season I think were already playing Gilman, St. Marys Annapolis, and Georgetown prep. That should be a great experience for our young team.

ER: How do you get ready for a game?
DN:Before every lacrosse game I would listen to my I-Pod, stretch with the team, and then get warmed up. After that I just do my best to clear my mind and get ready for the game.

ER: What summer team did you play for?
DN: This summer I played for Virginia Elite 2 and our school team (Collegiate).

ER: What were a couple of your favorite events from the summer?
DN: Going to Blue Chip lacrosse camp was probably one of my favorite events because I met some very talented lacrosse players from all over the country, and its always fun to keep in touch with them throughout the summer. I also enjoyed the NELC camp at UVA, it had great instructors and I had a chance to get some good work in with great competition. I haven't been able to go to the beach much because we have had so much lacrosse, but ive enjoyed playing with all my friends so this summers been pretty awesome.

ER: Favorite subject in school? Why?
DN: History because I learn something new every day.

ER: What is your favorite College Program:
DN: Living in Richmond UVA has definitely always been my favorite school. But Im really still just looking around to see which schools are right for me.

Posted by Brett Hughes

Inside Lacrosse has released a schedule of some important November recruiting events that should be covered well. IL also provided some recruiting news with a number of the top 50 players already committing to top schools the next crop of "futures" are falling off the board. Check it out. 

Posted by ESPN RISE Staff

Denver, CO – Before the routine spring afternoon thunderstorm, the Nike Elite Lacrosse Camps rained down on Denver Colorado in mid June.  In their 2nd season, the NELCs (Nike Elite Lacrosse Camps) are a chance for elite high school lacrosse players to improve all facets of their game, from sports performance development to full field play.  Dick's Sports Complex in Denver would be the first stop on a tour that is planned to bring the best sports performance and lacrosse coaches to select West and East Coast cities.

This Nike project brings together two very familiar organizations – ESPN Rise and ZoneReady to provide a four hour event that brings out the best in high school lacrosse.  ESPN Rise, who consistently sets the standard for high school sports combines and educational/competition camps; is aided by ZoneReady's unique approach to integrate sports performance training with specific sport skills and competition.  Add in half a dozen of the best players at various positions from the Major Lacrosse League (MLL) and the participants are in store for a lacrosse experience like no other.

ESPN Rise member and MLL Denver Outlaws defenseman Brett Hughes is the impetus behind NELC's growing popularity.  "Our intention is to provide an educational experience for the college bound lacrosse player,” admits Mr. Hughes.  "Players come to this camp to get the best instruction on sports performance training and lacrosse skill and strategy.  This is 'Priority One' – it's what differentiates us from other camps that are purely for playing experience or recruiting status.”

Brett's sentiments are echoed in the voice of his instructors.  Outlaws midfielder, Lou Braun couldn't say it any clearer.  "This is an elite camp!” he proclaims as passing drills proceed amidst his watchful eye.  No time for being a babysitter, a referee, or spectator – the NELC's coaches are entrenched in their work to provide high level instruction at every turn.  Top effort, positive attitude, and a high level of lacrosse aptitude are prerequisites for every athlete's invite and entry.  No time for crawling today – the NELC asks that its athletes fly high.

With a high level of lacrosse skills being the operating standard, how do these laxers adapt to the high performance demands of sports performance specialists from ZoneReady.  Coach Doug Gizzi from the cutting edge sports performance company comments:  "If we get 100% effort and a positive attitude, the athlete will improve.  For the NELC; we've created safe, impactful, and fun drills to improve general athleticism and lacrosse specific movements.  Sports performance training is new for lacrosse; we want to show them how easily it can fit into all the other training they must engage in to improve their game.”

When the four hour long Nike Elite Lacrosse Camp is done, there is no question that the full gambit of everything it takes to be a successful collegiate lacrosse player is covered.  Athletes are overwhelmed by the wealth of knowledge they were exposed to in a short period of time.  They enjoy a unique "lax-perience” where education is the focus and they are coached from current stars like Kyle Harrison, Sean McCarthy, and Max Seibald just to name a few.  The future of lacrosse camps is here and it is doing more every time out to catapult America's fastest growing sport to another level.

Stay tuned for more on the NELC tour. with four stops remanning in the 2009 tour season.  

By Brett Hughes

15-11 coming your way. These kids are all increidbly talented and midway through the season have impressed. Last week RISE watched as Gilman Middie Greg McBride help will his team back to beat Niko Amato for La Salle. Both players living up to the hype. Harvard jumps on our list with Alex White, who will help usher in a good group of players coming to Cambridge next fall. Stay tuned for the Top 10 as we talk to the boys a little and pose the tough question of what comes with you to college.

11. Greg McBride, Gilman (Baltimore, Md.), Midfielder, North Carolina

12. Chase Winter, Mountain Lakes (Mountain Lakes, N.J.), Midfielder, Johns Hopkins

13. Alex White, Delbarton (Morristown, N.J.), Midfielder, Harvard

14. Niko Amato, La Salle (Wyndmoor, Pa.), Goalie, Maryland

15. Ian Braddish, West Islip (West Islip, N.Y.), Midfielder, North Carolina

By Brett Hughes

Numbers 20-16 on our countdown to the number 1 high school senior have a pair of Georgetown commits. We also see another non traditional area represented with Maryland commit Landan Carr, from Washington State.  A big strong midfielder that has the potential to really make a difference at maryland in years to come. Stay tuned for the next on our way to the top. 

16. Jake Tripucka, Mountain Lakes (Mountain Lakes, N.J.), Midfielder, Duke

17. Zac Guy, Tully (Tully, N.Y.), Attack, Georgetown

18. Harry Prevas, Gilman (Baltimore, Md.), Long-stick Midfielder, Virginia

19. Landon Carr, Curtis (University Place, Wash.), Midfielder, Maryland

20. Brian Casey, Georgetown Prep (North Bethesda, Md.), Attack, Georgetown

Posted By Brett Hughes

I had a chance to stop by Inside Lacrosse yesterday to preview the Gilman vs LaSalle game that ESPN RISE will be covering from Baltimore MD. tonight.

Terry Foy of Inside Lacrosse and I discuss the big match-up between Jack Doyle and Tyler Knarr as well as the entire scope of high school lacrosse as it pertains to this match-up. We expect it to be a good one so check out this pod-cast to get ready for a big game, and tune in later this week for more on how the game played out. 

By Brett Hughes

I wanted to start the ESPN RISE Top 25 Senior list today with 25-21. RISE will have a chance to see #21 Marcus Holman of Gilman tomorrow vs LaSalle (Penn.). A player you may have never heard of is Cody Solaja out of Dallas, Texas. If you ask around the NCAA everyone will tell you that coach Tierney at Hofstra landed a kid with incredible potential and can be a difference maker on Long Island.

25. Patrick Fanshaw, Calvert Hall (Baltimore, Md.), Attack, Loyola (Md.)

24. Howie Long Jr., St. Anne's-Belfield (Charlottesville, Va.), Defender, Virginia

23. Cody Solaja, Episcopal (Dallas, Texas), Defender, Hofstra

22. Patrick Murray, Kent Denver (Englewood, Colo.), Midfielder, Georgetown

21. Marcus Holman, Gilman (Baltimore, Md.), Attack, North Carolina

Posted By Brett Hughes

Chris "Shocker" LaPierre has been a player we follow closely as he continues to break records and impress on his way to UVA in the fall of 2009. Finally he hits lacrosse season, the sport everyone wants to see him excel in, however, RISE had to get one last article out of him about his choice. Find out more about LaPierre and his decision. 

By Brett Hughes

Craig Goodermote of Sachem East High School on Long Island has verbally committed to the Marist Red Foxes. Goodermote is a standout Goalie with a ton of potential just came off a stellar Hockey season where he had the game winning assist in the Suffolk County Finals where they won 4-2. 

Goodermote had a strong summer and looks to continue his consistency between the pipes in the spring. Hear more from Goodermote in the ON THE RISE blog. 

Posted by ESPNRISE.com

Inside Lacrosse, recently, reported some junior verbal commitments to UNC, Cornell, Syracuse, and Fairfield.

Syracuse landed Scot Loy a player from Ohio. Coming from a non-traditional pipeline school like Upper Arlington, Western Reserve, Worthing Kilbourne...etc instead coming from a private school in Columbus, Saint Francis De Sales. Loy, is listed at 6'3" and 195 lbs, will have a lot to prove at a high powered school like Syracuse. I personally would love to see another Ohio high school start sending kids out to D1 powers.

Alex Cramer is another Baltimore Crabs player to sign to a division one program. The Sevren attackman will continue play at Fairfield.

Cornell received word that Sten Jernudd of Lakeside, Washington will bring his 6'5" frame back East to help the Big Red at midfield.

UNC added another, to the already stacked junior verbal list, with Frankie Kelly of Calvert Hall.

For more on Frankie and the rest of the newest additions check out Inside Lacrosse Recruiting Round-Up. 

By Brett Hughes

I read an article in the Baltimore Sun by Mike Preston. He is on the money for the most part, as I do agree that recruiting is happening at a dangerously young age. Kids are committing as soon as they realize a big program wants them and possibly rock the shorts or shirts of that lacrosse team around town.

Working on both sides of the recruiting process closely (kids and coaches) I have actually started to feel for the coaches in this situation. Most people see coaches like Dom Starsia, Dave Pietramala, and now we here Joe Breschi as the coaches that prey on the young. I see them as coaches making a harder desion than the kids themselves.

Imagine being a coach with a slightly under developed sophomore but, he holds an amazing amount of potential and is enjoying a great season. If that player wants to commit how does a Pietramala, Starsia, or Breschi say no to that player knowing another NCAA coach is waiting right behind him in line. Once Joe Sophomore committs UVA, 'Cuse, Hopkins, Duke...etc has to hold up to their end of the bargin, but Joe is welcome to de-commit whenever he wants with no punishment other than a question mark in his charecter box.

I am not sure there is a simple solution. The NCAA can not tell a coach to evaluate a player, they also cannot say coaches are not allowed to accept a verbal commitment. These will become off the record commitments in no time pushing lacrosse further away from what the kids and coaches need.

How do you solve the problem, empower the kids to take time and emphasize the opportunity of taking official visits? And how important is looking at a school and a team off the field?

My recruiting trips personally led me right to where I thought I always wanted to be. 

Mike Preston discusses such a hot topic and keeps brining light to the situation that needs open discussion and acknolwedgement. D1 coaches would love an extra weekend to be with family and not be checking out a hot new prospect's game film. Recruiting camps are every weekend and young kids are working on getting recruited when they should be working on improving, but that's another subject for another blog.

So even if I do not completley agree with Mike, he is right on point with the topic and the more he brings it up, the better the situation gets for everyone.

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

Brine Shootout: The Brine Shootout brings some of the top teams all over the country to a convenient and structured recruiting event hosted by the University of Maryland Baltimore County (UMBC). With the fields set up well and in close proximity, coaches and players alike can navigate the tournament with ease. Growing every year, 2009 should be another chance to receive maximum exposure.

UVA Team Camp: University of Virginia Rising Junior Team Camp is quickly becoming a must-stop for the best teams as well as coaches from all over the D1 landscape. The camp provides a high quality experience for a select group of club teams. Last year's camp had eight teams including: the Baltimore Crabs, Long Island Express, Madlax, and Tristate. The camp takes place around the last week of July and is a perfect last stop for a more intimate recruiting event on your all important junior summer tour. Limited availability so spots fill up fast.

Rutgers Team Camp: Coach Jim Stagnitta of Rutgers has run lacrosse camps for over 18 years and this may be his best. Centrally located to most lacrosse hotbeds, Rutgers Campus is home to over 50 coaches in attendance for the tournament. They do the right amount of homework to not just get a good number of teams, but a good number of the right teams. This helps to make the quality of lacrosse and competition of the games as good as you will find in the larger team camps.

Empire Games: Yeah I know they are going under, but hopefully it is not forever because the kids deserve a chance at what could easily be called the New York Olympics. This event is a perfect mix of recruiting and fun. Everything from tryouts to the championship game is considered top-notch recruiting opportunity, but the kids play for more than exposure which usually makes the lacrosse even that much better in a place that is easily considered a hot bed of lacrosse. Lets all cross our fingers that this event will return.

Denver Team Tournament: The tournament hosted at Dicks Sporting Goods Park outside of Denver, Colo. The tournament will host 40-50 teams nationally with just as many colleges coaches present representing Divisions I, II, & III. A unique addition to this is an all star game played in INVESCO Field. (Home of the Denver Broncos and Denver Outlaws lacrosse team) This camp will bring teams from all corners of the nation and is as good a team camp as you will find west of Ohio.

By Brett Hughes

Junior Midfielder Bobby Hill of Malvern Prep high school in Pennsylvania had given his verbal commitment to Dom Starsia and the Cavaliers. Hill brings the Wahoos a lot of potential and the Friars star knows how to put up points, something that is always part of UVa and the up and down pace they play at.

By Brett Hughes

Recently we reported that Gabe Mendola has given his verbal commitment to Harvard University. We caught up with Gabe to ask him a few questions about his decision and what the Ithaca high school team has in store for the upcoming season. 

Gabe Mendola of Ithaca high school in upstate N.Y. checkd back in with us after his recent commitment to Harvard

ESPN RISE: So why Harvard?

Gabe Menolda: Well, Harvard is a really special place where everyone there has something unique to offer. Also There I'll receive one of the best educations in the world and I'll also be playing lacrosse. Coach Tillman also is a swell guy. He is starting a revolution for Harvard lax and it will be great to be a part of it.

ER: Any other schools?

GM: Yes, Cornell was also one of my top choices. In the end though I wanted to explore a new city out of Ithaca.

ER: Future of Harvard Lax?

GM: Coach Tillman is doing big things starting with recruiting. I'm pumped.

ER: Good Will Hunting... Have you seen it? 

GM: I have to say that I haven't seen this movie. It looks pretty sweet though.

ER: So tell me a bit about Ithaca lacrosse… will you guys be good this year? You have some serious talent this team...

GM: Ithaca will be really good this year. We have AJ Fiore in goal and Torin Varn as our leading attack man. We also have a lot of talent with long-pole middy Tyler St. Denis (junior) and midfielder Riley Lasda (sophomore).

By Brett Hughes

John Glesener: (West Genesee, N.Y.) has verbally committed to Navy to give a huge boost to the Midshipmen in 2010. Glesener is two way midfielder who posseses good skills and has the ability to get to the cage often.  He is a top tier midfielder and may bring back visions of Graham Gill (Navy 2005) with his offensive ability. The West Genesee product should be an immediate impact player and was high on most of the colleges wish list.

We will try to catch up with John this week to see what made him head to the Military Academy, and what he thinks about the spring for one of the most storied programs in the high school ranks in West Genesee.

By ESPN RISE STAFF

Inside Lacrosse has reported that Matty Collins is headed to Notre Dame he will join teammate Pat Cotter (2009). The Georgetown Prep standouts will be great additions to the 2009 and 2010 class.

Hofstra will add another Empire team member to the Pride roster in Torin Varn. The Ithaca Junior was a Blue Chip recruit last summer and will bring his offensive ability to Long Island to help Coach Seth Tierney continue to grow that program into a National contender.

Johns Hopkins has also recieved a verbal commitment from Blue Chip recruit Eric Schneider. The Massapequa Goalie will be tending the cage on Homewood fighting for the spot that current Goalie Andrew Gvozden will be leaving open after graduation.

Inside Lacrosse recruiting expert Geoff Shannon has more here. 

By Brett Hughes

Gabe Mendola of Ithaca high school in Ithaca, N.Y. has verbally committed to Harvard University. Mendola possesses as much athleticisim as anyone in the class. With a 30 inch vertical and a sub 4.8 electric timed 40 yard dash he is at the top of the ranks for overall athleticism.

Mendola will bring his Face-Off ability and athleticism to Cambridge and that should help the likes of up and coming players like Jack Doyle and Pete Berg, who can absolutely play and handle a good chunk of the offense. If a player like Mendola keeps getting the ball back for the Crimson we may see Harvard in the mix more and more. One thing is for sure having a personality on and off the field like Mendola can only be good for Harvard and the future of the lacrosse program.

We will be speaking with Mendola this week and hearing what made his decison final and whether or not he is a big fan of "Good Will Hunting."