The MIAA Lacrosse Playoffs continue tonight as we inch closer to the championship game. This article summarizes an insightful and thought-provoking conversation between two of the most renowned lacrosse experts in Maryland: Don Zimmerman and Bob Shriver. Shriver, who retired from coaching in 2015 after a storied 36-year career at Boys’ Latin, boasts an impressive record of 507 wins and only 140 defeats. Zimmerman, a National Lacrosse Hall of Fame inductee in 2017, served as the head coach for the UMBC Retrievers at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County for 24 years. With their combined expertise and experience, few minds are better suited to offer valuable insights and analysis on everything MIAA Lacrosse.
No.1 McDonogh vs No.5 Boys’ Latin
Overcoming St. Mary’s in such a commanding manner is no small feat, yet Boys’ Latin faces an imposing challenge in their upcoming encounter against McDonogh. Notably, these two schools have clashed in the playoffs a remarkable 12 times in the past 13 seasons. Under the guidance of Coach Farrell, who has helmed Boys’ Latin for eight years, the team has faced McDonogh in the postseason every year he has been with the Lakers. Highlighting the intense rivalry between these institutions, these two often culminate in season-ending clashes in the MIAA Lacrosse Playoffs.
Home: Navy Stadium
Time: 5:00pm
Tickets: HERE
McDonogh
McDonogh, currently ranked as the second-best team in the nation, maintains an exceptional record with just a solitary setback. The Eagles are the clear frontrunners to secure consecutive championship victories. The return of McCabe Million, who has recovered from a season-long injury, is poised to impact the upcoming MIAA Lacrosse Playoffs significantly. On the defensive front, AJ Marsh has displayed remarkable prowess, serving as a steadfast anchor and ensuring the goalie faces only desired shots. McDonogh cannot underestimate this Boys’ Latin squad regardless of how much success the Eagles have had this season.
Boys’ Latin
During their matchup against St. Mary’s, Boys’ Latin’s goalie, Dylan Cardigan, showcased exceptional shot-stopping abilities in the game’s early stages, contributing to the Lakers’ momentum. Furthermore, their control of the faceoff game granted them a comfortable advantage heading into halftime. Parker Hoffman took charge of this dominant aspect and even recorded a hat-trick. Once Boys’ Latin found its stride, the combined effect of their specialists left no doubt about the game’s outcome. Spencer Ford made a significant impact, netting six goals, with Higgins also recording a hat-trick of his own. Boys’ Latin is red-hot right now, seemingly clicking on all cylinders. Their dominant win over St. Mary’s is a solid confidence builder going into the MIAA Lacrosse Playoffs.
No.2 Calvert Hall vs No.3 Loyola
Following a disappointing conclusion to the regular season, Loyola urgently needed a resounding victory against St. Paul’s. Having faced the Calvert Hall Cardinals just a week ago, suffering a narrow 6-5 defeat, Loyola has an opportunity for redemption. Notably, Calvert Hall has yet to play a game since they triumphed over Loyola on Rivalry Tuesday, adding intrigue to their performance in this upcoming match. Loyola finds itself in a favorable position to confront Calvert Hall if it can replicate the level of play exhibited against St. Paul’s.
Home: Navy Stadium
Time: 7:30pm
Tickets: HERE
Calvert Hall
Throughout the season, Calvert Hall has exhibited unwavering strength and dominance, fielding a consistent lineup that delivers exceptional performances. Notably, Jackson Strickland and Ben Cuomo have displayed remarkable faceoff skills, boasting success rates of 67% and 57%, respectively, making a compelling case for being the top faceoff duo in MIAA Lacrosse. The offensive prowess of Wyatt Hottle and Shuey Kelly must be noticed, with Kelly assuming the Cardinal offense’s quarterback role, consistently finding Hottle to convert scoring opportunities. Defensively, Calvert Hall has exhibited solidity, evident in their low-scoring encounters that reveal their limited vulnerabilities.
Loyola
Loyola’s journey to the semifinal involved a victory against St. Paul’s, a game described by Don Zimmerman as a demonstration of the team’s complete performance this season. Senior attackman Owen Dixon, a committed University of North Carolina player, poses a formidable presence on the field, disrupting even the most meticulously devised defensive strategies. The defensive duo of Peter Laake, currently committed to Maryland, and Thomas Lala, committed to Colgate, ranks among the finest in the MIAA, instilling intimidation in opposing offenses. Goalkeeper Bennett Wright showcased an outstanding performance against St. Paul’s, making multiple exceptional saves against high-quality shots, thereby playing a crucial role in maintaining the team’s competitiveness. Moreover, Loyola’s faceoff specialist Kyle Powell skillfully dictated the game’s pace, effectively neutralizing St. Paul’s faceoff specialist. If Loyola maintains their current winning streak in the MIAA Lacrosse Playoffs, their specialist players could present a considerable challenge for Calvert Hall.
