Press Release Provided by Matt Hogan
Naptown National Challenge set for June 26-28 in Annapolis, Maryland
There are many reasons why the Naptown National Challenge has established itself as arguably the top boys’ lacrosse club tournament in the United States. It starts with the caliber of competition, which is as good as it gets at every age group. Expert organization provided by HoganLax ensures that all aspects of the event will run smoothly. For the high school-aged teams, the opportunity to play championship games at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium that are televised brings an element not found at any other major tournament.
The seventh annual Naptown National Challenge will be held June 26-28 at various sites around Maryland. This year’s event, which has drawn 202 teams from 17 states and Canada, will be the largest ever held. A well-earned reputation for overall excellence is the reason the Naptown National Challenge has grown significantly after debuting in 2016 with 48 teams. “We did a good job the first couple of years of getting the right teams here, so it was an extremely competitive tournament from the outset,” said Matt Hogan, founder of HoganLax.
“Top teams like to play in tournaments in which they will be challenged by the best. Naptown National Challenge is an event teams gear up for each year. It’s a real feather in the cap for any club lacrosse program to win this tournament.”
The 2023 edition of the Naptown National Challenge, which is operated by HoganLax, will
feature competition for seven age brackets from 2024 through 2030. Each team is guaranteed
to play five games with Annapolis High, Maryland Soccerplex in Boyds, Blandair Regional Park in Columbia, Bell Branch Park in Gambrills and Liberty Sports Park in Upper Marlboro serving as tournament sites. Middle school championship games will be held at Annapolis High on Wednesday morning. High school championship games will be held on Wednesday afternoon at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium.
The 2027 (noon), 2026 (2 p.m.), 2027 (4 p.m.) and 2028 (6 p.m.) championships will be
broadcast on ESPN with Drew Carter doing play-by-play and Sheehan Stanwick serving as
analyst.
“Holding championship games in Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium and having them
televised is very unique,” Hogan said. “I think that opportunity is very attractive to participating
teams.”
Among the notable organizations set to compete at this year’s Naptown National Challenge
are Thunder from Atlanta, ADVANC from California, Project Midwest; Prime Time from New York, MadLax from northern Virginia, Next Level from Bethesda, Express from Long Island, Legacy from Long Island, BBL National from New Jersey and Sweetlax that draws nationally. Five of the six champions from 2023 are returning this year to defend their titles. Nick Daniello has been bringing his three Prime Time high school teams to the Naptown National Challenge for five years. Prime Time 2023 won the tournament two years ago, while Prime Time 2025 is one of the favorites in that age group this year.
“Our kids have always enjoyed the Naptown National Challenge, which is definitely one of the
top tournaments on the club scene,” said Daniello, whose program is based in West Chester
and Fairfield counties in New York. “HoganLax does a great job of organizing everything and the
ability to play a championship game at the Navy stadium is special because it’s such a great
environment.”
The host Annapolis Hawks will field teams in all seven divisions and Hogan believes each
has a chance to compete for the championship. Former University of Maryland All-American
attackman Mike Mollott is coaching the Hawks 2026 and 2029 teams, former of which lost in the
championship game last summer.
“It’s very exciting for our kids to have one of the biggest summer tournaments held right here
in our hometown of Annapolis,” Mollott said. “There is no question the combination of playing in
Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium on television is a tremendous opportunity for these kids. I
know my 2026 team has been motivated to get back to the championship ever since coming up
just short last year.”
This is one of the premier recruiting events in the country and 285 college coaches were in
attendance to scout players last year. The two recruitable divisions (2024, 2025) will play all
games at one site to make for one-stop shopping for the college coaches.
“I would say the Naptown National Challenge is one of the best club tournaments out there
and certainly one of the highlights of the summer circuit,” Navy head coach Joe Amplo said. “I
think a key factor is that teams are playing to a champion, which is important. As a college
evaluator, you get to see kids playing for their teams and therefore can get a very good gauge
on them as competitors.”
