East v West Showdown Recap
Couldn’t have dialed up better weather for the first East/West Showdown. Props to WBL high school and all who planned/executed this event. 27 games across 4 fields throughout the day. Reports from the day are overwhelmingly positive.
There were some highly anticipated matchups on the slate for this event. I wasn’t able to catch it all but here are some thoughts on the games I did see or was able to get reports from.
Eastridge v Buffalo:
East Ridge is the real deal. I am not sure about where Buffalo is - on paper it looked like a rebuild after some big names graduated, but they dominated in their first game against Monticello. However, East Ridge showed their dominance in this game. They returned nearly their entire team, and, a team that has been playing varsity together for 2 seasons. They just rolled out with the young guns in 2022 and have built for this next 2 year window.
Their offense is efficient and balanced. They have athletes at midfield and scorers at attack. They play team offense, they move the ball, and they hit their shots. I personally saw it in a scrimmage against Farmington and it looked even better yesterday in a real game. They maybe lack a bit of depth at pole, but, an elite goalie and stud FOGO make up for it. That offense will get plenty of possessions to do their thing.
Woodbury v Moorhead:
Woodbury was just the engine that could last season slowly racking up Ws but fell in sections to CDH in that unbelievable playoff run. Moorhead has been the dominant force in section 8 and always draws the monster in the first round. They graduated some great 2023s but I was assured that the next group coming up was just as good if not better. Well, this one was all Woodbury. They are not explosive but they play a winning brand of lacrosse. They make good decisions. Play good defense. Control tempo and fundamentally sound.
I know this type of lacrosse seems like it may be on the way out with all the new innovations and disciplines in the game (especially with the shot clock in college). But, in HS, this brand of lacrosse still leads to success. Woodbury just played within their system and played a clean game. Moorhead was sloppy- maybe trying to press a bit too much once they were down. I don’t think this is panic button for the Spuds, but, probably says a lot more about Woodbury being right back in the mix this year. I look forward to Woodbury v East Ridge next friday
Wayzata v CDH
We talked about Wayzata a bunch on the show about how they were a team to look out for. Another team that got nearly everyone back, I think they only had one senior last year. Top 5 scorers back. Bunch of athletic d-poles and a stud junior goalie. CDH went on a magical run last season riding goalie, Eddie Kielopf’s legendary 3. game stretch in sections and half of state first round (until injury) almost pulling an upset bid against north.
Wayzata looked solid. They have good players at key possessions. They were sharp and seemed a bit more polished. CDH was a bit sloppy but got some looks early, Wayzata’s goalie was up to the task. I was very impressed with the Wayzata D. They are big, long, athletic, and quick. Combine that with a good goalie… scoring on them will be no easy task. I think they could have one of the better team defenses in 2024.
CDH, however, has a scrappy group. I think they lack some depth but I loved #20 Nate Chorlton. He took face offs, plays defense, plays offense. A true 3-way middy that played his butt off. Defensively they have some really good poles as well and some monster athletes at midfield. I think they are a raw group but I wouldn’t be surprised if they start out slow and make a late season run again. They got into penalty trouble and the game got away from them.
Edina v Mahtomedi
Two teams that have high hopes for 2024. Edina was a top 5 team all year before losing to a tough PL team in sections but were definitely a “state caliber” team. Mahtomedi won their section and represented section 4 at the state tourney. Both teams returned a lot and are looking to take the next step in 2024.
The game was back and forth at the beginning. Mahtomedi deployed a 10man ride and their pressure and aggressiveness was giving them opportunities. It was enough to throw Edina off their game and keep the game close. It was 6-6 at Half. In the second half, Edina was able to win face-offs, handle the 10 man, clean the sticks up and it allowed them to pull away.
Minnetonka v Stillwater
I unfortunately didn’t get to see much of this game but reports are saying Stillwater is the real deal and will have one of the best offense’s in the state this year. That adds up, the Ponies took care of business in dominant fashion. Minnetonka was coming off a large margin win over Elk River, so, I am not sure this is the end for the Skippers, but, Stillwater may be looking like a team ready to make a run this season.