In the fast-paced world of Premier Lacrosse League the competition is fierce and the stakes are high as the race for the coveted Most Valuable Player (MVP) award is an annual showcase of exceptional athleticism and skill. Among the contenders this season, one name stands out like a beacon of excellence – Tom Schreiber. As a midfielder for the Archers, Schreiber’s exceptional performance has ignited discussions about whether he truly deserves the MVP title. With his unparalleled contributions, history-making statistics, and unwavering impact on the league, the case for Tom Schreiber’s MVP candidacy is compelling.
A Season of Unprecedented Achievement
The 2023 season marks a remarkable chapter in Tom Schreiber’s career. Notably, he is experiencing what can be deemed as his best season in the history of the PLL. The numbers don’t lie: Schreiber boasts an impressive tally of 36 points, achieved through 16 goals, two 2-point goals, and 16 assists. A performance of this magnitude puts him on track to surpass his own stat line of 37 points, established during the league’s inaugural year in 2019.
Comparing his achievements to his peers further solidifies his standing. Schreiber currently holds the fourth position in the league’s points leaderboard, a testament to his consistent excellence on the field. What’s more remarkable is that the next closest midfielder, Dhane Smith, trails far behind at 16th place. This significant gap underscores Schreiber’s dominance in the midfield role.
A Legacy of Excellence
Tom Schreiber’s prowess is not a recent phenomenon; it’s a legacy built on years of hard work, determination, and outstanding achievements. His tenure with the Ohio Machine from 2014 to 2018 epitomized dominance. Selected as the first overall pick in the 2014 Major League Lacrosse draft by the Ohio Machine, Schreiber swiftly emerged as a force to be reckoned with.
He earned league MVP honors in both the 2016 and 2017 seasons, leading the Ohio Machine to consecutive championship game appearances and clinching the title in 2017. Schreiber’s four-time All-Star appearances in the MLL, coupled with his championship victory, showcased his consistent excellence at the highest level.
Even during his college years at Princeton, Schreiber displayed an exceptional skill set. As the all-time leading scorer from the midfield position at Princeton, he amassed an impressive 200 points and secured a place as a four-time USILA All-American. Winning the MacLaughlin Award, an accolade bestowed upon the nation’s most outstanding midfielder, further solidified his position as a true lacrosse virtuoso.
The Compelling Case for MVP
The argument in favor of Tom Schreiber’s MVP candidacy is a compelling one, rooted in his undeniable status as the premier midfielder in the world. His exceptional performance this season, combined with his history of dominance, places him on a pedestal few can reach.
Notably, Schreiber’s Archers have positioned themselves as the clear favorites, with the best odds to secure a championship. The historical trend of awarding MVP to players on the championship-winning team strengthens Schreiber’s claim even further. This aligns well with the previous instances of MVP winners, such as Matt Rambo (2019), Zed Williams (2020), and Blaze Riorden (2021), all hailing from the championship-winning squads.
In terms of competition, Schreiber’s peers pale in comparison. Marcus Holman’s candidacy is overshadowed by Asher Nolting’s superior stats, Ryder Garnsey’s impressive goal count is marred by a lackluster team performance, Trevor Baptiste’s faceoff prowess is undervalued by the evolving nature of the game, and Blaze Riorden’s achievement is eclipsed by his Brett Dobson’s remarkable performance this year.
A Midfielder Redefining the Game
What sets Tom Schreiber apart is his ability to redefine the role of a midfielder. He has managed to elevate his game to the level of an elite attackman, consistently delivering numbers that far exceed traditional midfielder expectations. While other attackmen might boast higher stats, Schreiber’s transformative influence on the field as a midfielder makes him a standout candidate for the MVP award.
The MVP title should reflect the most valuable player in the league, and Schreiber’s impact undoubtedly fulfills this criterion. His role as a midfielder only magnifies the significance of his contributions. Tom Schreiber’s case for MVP is not just strong; it’s a reflection of his extraordinary talent, unwavering dedication, and the mark he has left on the sport.
Conclusion
As the Premier Lacrosse League season unfolds, the question of whether Tom Schreiber deserves the MVP title becomes increasingly pressing. From his unparalleled performance in 2023 to his legacy of dominance in previous years, Schreiber’s candidacy is undeniably compelling. Standing as the pinnacle of midfield excellence and a key figure on the league’s best team, Schreiber’s impact on the sport is truly unmatched. His case for MVP is more than a testament to his skills; it’s a celebration of a player who has redefined the role of a midfielder and proven himself as the epitome of lacrosse greatness.
