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Lacrosse gains ground in Georgia
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
They settled the boys high school lacrosse championship Saturday, and it was a big deal for more than participants Lovett and Lassiter. It marked an arrival for the sport.
There was a football-sized capacity crowd at Lovett’s stadium, a throng as loud and energetic as you’d find on Friday nights in the fall. And for a game still unfamiliar to many, that was pretty cool.
Lacrosse actually is considered North America’s first team sport, established by Native American tribes in the 18th century, according to elacrosse.com, an online Web site dedicated to the game.
Saturday’s championship was the second sanctioned by the GHSA, although the game had been mostly played by private schools in the area for the past 10 years or so.
One of the first public schools to pick up the sport, Lassiter opened the title match with vim, vigor and vengeance and finished that way, too.
The Trojans reversed a seven-goal defeat to Lovett by capturing the state championship with relative ease, 17-8.It was an inspired effort by both schools, with Lassiter being the more efficient and resilient. As he had all season, Tyler Bradshaw was significant to the outcome, notching two goals and four assists.
“A great lacrosse player,” Lassiter coach Pete Manderano said.
What is lacrosse, you say?
It’s basketball on grass. It’s hockey in cleats. It’s water polo without the water. It’s jai-alai on steroids. It’s football run amok. It’s fun.
If you like action and physicality and scoring, this is the game for you.
“You’ve got to be an athlete to play lacrosse,” Manderano said. “The days of just playing it to play are over.”
The days of lacrosse existing as this unknown, strange sport are close to an end, too. Kids get scholarships to major colleges.
To wit: Lovett’s Neal Hicks is a two-time all-American who has a full ride to Notre Dame. Chris Palmer, the Lions’ offensive MVP in football, signed with Bucknell to play lacrosse.
And the fact that it takes so much to play the game -- toughness, speed, hand-eye coordination -- will appeal to more and more youths as the game grows.The size of the crowd at Lovett on Saturday spoke to the magnitude and increasing popularity of the game. So large was the crowd that school officials were forced to make available additional restrooms.
Nothing will overtake football in Georgia — or anywhere in the South, for that matter — but because of the high athletic nature of the game, lacrosse has a real chance to blossom into a prominent spring sport.
Significantly, Milton, a public school, won the girls title last year. Now Lassiter has done it in boys. In the pre-GHSA days, it was a sport dominated by private schools, particularly Lovett, Westminster and Pace.
“Right now, it’s the No. 1 growing game in high schools in the country,” Lovett coach Jim Buczek said. “It’s blown up in Ohio … and Texas, and we’re seeing great growth here in Georgia.”
Right now, Lassiter is atop the boys high school lacrosse world in Georgia. That could hold even more significance in time.Permalink | Comments (24) | Post your comment | Categories: Curtis Bunn
Comments
By Domino
May 7, 2006 11:45 AM | Link to this
The Trojans just defeated a heavily favored Lovett team with two All-Americans… not defeated, destroyed! They showed who truly was the better lacrosse team in the state by completely shutting down the overrated Lions. Lassiter has created a dynasty in lacrosse that won’t be easy to catch up to for most teams. That’s one hell of an accomplishment! The boys deserved this championship more than anyone, and it was obvious who was going to win right from the start with their enthusiasm and a tremendous Lassiter crowd to cheer them on. Congrats!
By Tom
May 7, 2006 12:19 PM | Link to this
Sincerely appreicate your article this morning (Sunday 5/7) … Lacrosse is a great game and as a former high school football player I had the opportunity to play at UGA and part of their first lacrosse club in 1975 … last Spring we were honored and introduced at Harrison High tourney at half time of the UGA-TECH game … the high school games prior (both boys and girls)to that has shown that there is a great. I am writing you from south Georgia where ther are several clubs in the Savannah area. Again I appreciate your support and interest in the game … thanks Tom
By Tom
May 7, 2006 12:20 PM | Link to this
Sincerely appreicate your article this morning (Sunday 5/7) … Lacrosse is a great game and as a former high school football player I had the opportunity to play at UGA and part of their first lacrosse club in 1975 … last Spring we were honored and introduced at Harrison High tourney at half time of the UGA-TECH game … the high school games prior (both boys and girls)to that has shown that there is a growing interest. I am writing you from south Georgia where there are several clubs in the Savannah area. Again I appreciate your support and interest in the game … thanks again
By Pete
May 7, 2006 03:11 PM | Link to this
First of all, thank you Mr. Bunn for the article. Lacrosse is growing rapidly in Georgia and any public exposure for it is always appreciated and will benefit the game. However, in resonse to Domino’s comments, yes Lassiter beat Lovett and was the better team Saturday. But before you go talking about dynasties, you should look at history. In the past seven years, Lovett has won 5 the State Titles. Lassiter (including a split title with Lovett in 2004) has won 2. Not to take anything away from Lassiter, they deserved to win, but to imply that Lassiter is a dynasty above all other schools is ridiculous. As for Lovett being overrated, also ridiculous. Lovett was undefeated with the exception of a loss at the hands of #15 Nationally Ranked powerhouse Gilman. Lovett beat the 2005 State champs from Kentucky and Tennessee this year as well. On Saturday, Lassiter was arguably the better team. However, before you start talking about dynasties and teams being overrated, check the past and know what you’re talking about before acting like a credible source. Congrats to Lassiter and it looks like this rivalry will get only be getting bigger and bigger every year.
By ryan
May 7, 2006 05:24 PM | Link to this
First of all, I’d like to say that I graduated from Harrison High School last year and played for Harrison lacrosse for 3 years. I went to the championship game Saturday and was blown away. The skills both of the teams had was incredible and we have a lot of gifted lacrosse players here in Georgia. Honestly, I came to the game expecting Lovett to kill Lassiter, when actually it was the other way around. It’s good to see a public school come out on top, and it shows how much smaller the gap between private and public schools is getting concerning lacrosse. The first thing I noticed after the first quarter was the incredible vigor coming from the Lassiter fans and players. It also seemed that while Lovett relied mainly on Hicks and Palmer to lead the way, Lassiter had 7 or 8 different scorers. You put any one of Lassiter’s attack players in front of the goal and they could score. I was a little disappointed in the way Lovett played and, later, accepted their second place finish. But all in all, it was a great game of lacrosse! Congrat to the Trojans!
By L.L.
May 7, 2006 07:29 PM | Link to this
Amazing job TROJANS!!!!!!!It was an exciting game!! You deserved it Lassiter!!Go LASSITER!!!!!
By Kevin
May 8, 2006 10:11 AM | Link to this
When is the girls gamE?
By Dick
May 8, 2006 12:21 PM | Link to this
Lassiter is the best boys high school lacrosse team in the state for 1 reason, and only 1 reason, their youth program that was started in 2001 by Bill Crawford.
Bill, if you read this, you have a lot to be proud of. Congratulations!!
Dick Jones
By Howard
May 8, 2006 03:12 PM | Link to this
In response to Pete’s comments about comparing Lovett’s Lacrose Team history to Lassiter’s Lacrosse Team history he also needs to get his facts straight. Lassiter’s first year of CLUB TEAM Lacrosse was in 2001, when only a small handful of young players had even heard of the sport. Bill Crawford had the foresight to get the program started in the Public Schools at a grassroot level. Lassiter’s first year of VARSITY TEAM Lacrosse was in 2002. In just two short years the team TIED Lovett for the STATE CHAMPIONSHIP TITLE in 2004. Lovett beat Lassiter in 2005 and then Lassiter responded this weekend with a distinctive overpowering and outplaying performance for the STATE CHAMPIONSHIP TITLE in 2006 by the “entire” team. Lassiter’s players showed true sportmanship and respect for their sport and their school with their game and their win. Mr. Bunn, I challenge you to investigate a rumor that one of Lovett’s All-American Players disrespected his game and sport when he promptly tossed Lovett’s Runner-Up Trophy into the river that runs along their beautiful Lacrosse field. It would be of interest if the trophy is still available.
By laxman
May 8, 2006 03:44 PM | Link to this
“It also seemed that while Lovett relied mainly on Hicks and Palmer to lead the way, Lassiter had 7 or 8 different scorers. You put any one of Lassiter’s attack players in front of the goal and they could score.”
Thank you Ryan! Well said! Lassiter is an overall amazing team while Lovett only had 2 main scorers. Lassiter’s defense was able to shut them down, which in turn shut down their entire offense! That made all the difference in the championship game, and that’s the reason Lassiter came out on top! The Trojans have come so far in such a short amount of time. Just by looking at how their JV team is doing (defeating Lovett’s JV the past two years), I predict many more state championships in Lassiter’s future!
By LHSfan
May 8, 2006 03:47 PM | Link to this
I heard about the trophy being thrown in the river as well… who does that??? Those private school boys are some sore losers. I expected more from them.
By Gretchen
May 9, 2006 10:52 AM | Link to this
In the lacrosse world we are seeing a dramatic increase in interest. You no longer have to be from Maryland or Long Island to be good at lacrosse. Across the nation, boys as well as girls, outside of ‘traditional lacrosse areas’ are picking up sticks and never looking back. Atlanta is drawing national attention to our lacrosse potential. This summer, the TOP women’s lacrosse players and coaches are holding a clinic June 16-18 for High School and Middle School players at Woodward Academy. So come learn, laugh and LOVE LAX with the most talented players in the nation. See what all the fuss is about. Trust me, it’ll be worth it! www.bouncentertainment.com
By LHSdad
May 9, 2006 06:38 PM | Link to this
In response to Pete about the Lovett dynasty. It’s over! Your competition was limited during this stretch. Now that the public schools are getting heavily involved, it’s going to be even tougher for Lovett to make the finals, much less win state. In addition to Lassiter, there’s Harrison, Milton, Walton, and the Gwinett schools.
Lassiter played the entire game as a team. Once they shut down Hicks and Palmer, it was over. Eight different players scored for Lassiter. Very unselfish and very focused. Coach Mandarano, Ferraro, and Dophit deserve alot of credit for bringing these guys together and winning as a team.
What’s this rumor about Hicks and some others throwing the 2nd place trophy into the river? If true, it’s a very poor showing of sportsmanship. Money still can’t buy class.
By LHSplayer
May 9, 2006 09:16 PM | Link to this
first of all, the number one team in state is still lovett. everyone who actually keeps up with lacrosse would know that lovett played very poorly on saturday. if that game were to be played 10 times, lassiter would win 5 and lovett would win 5. lassiter came to play and lovett didnt. plain and simple. as for the trophy incident, it was their trophy they can do as they please. “money cant buy class” typical public school comment. public school kids dont know class. private school kids look down upon the class of public school kids, theres no comparison. but besides that, congrats to lassiter on a great game. next year should be interesting.
By Marv
May 9, 2006 10:12 PM | Link to this
Congratulations to Lassiter for a great game on Saturday! However, I don’t think I would post an obituary for Lovett’s Lacrosse program just yet.
To say that Lovett’s competion was limited shows you haven’t looked at the facts. According to LaxPower’s Regional Ratings, Lovett played the 8th hardest schedule of any of the 320 lacrosse teams in the South Region (Texas to the Carolinas). Lassiter’s schedule is ranked 18th.
Lovett’s Varsity graduated 15 players in 2005. The majority of their team this season had never played at the varsity level before.
I know a great many of the private school lacrosse players. I have never heard any of them, their families or their coaches disparage public schools or public school students. In fact, most of those players have great respect for the Lassiter lacrosse team
By Marv
May 9, 2006 10:13 PM | Link to this
Congratulations to Lassiter for a great game on Saturday! However, I don’t think I would post an obituary for Lovett’s Lacrosse program just yet.
To say that Lovett’s competion was limited shows you haven’t looked at the facts. According to LaxPower’s Regional Ratings, Lovett played the 8th hardest schedule of any of the 320 lacrosse teams in the South Region (Texas to the Carolinas). Lassiter’s schedule is ranked 18th.
Lovett’s Varsity graduated 15 players in 2005. The majority of their team this season had never played at the varsity level before.
I know a great many of the private school lacrosse players. I have never heard any of them, their families or their coaches disparage public schools or public school students. In fact, most of those players have great respect for the Lassiter lacrosse team
By LHSfan
May 9, 2006 10:21 PM | Link to this
Wow. I’m pretty sure on the rankings Lassiter is at the top as number one in the state, not Lovett. Lovett did play very poorly on Saturday, and Lassiter came to play—better and harder than Lovett. The trophy incident clearly shows the poor sportsmanship on Lovett’s part. Yeah, it’s their trophy and they can do what they want… but really, throwing it into a river?? Did Lassiter throw there’s onto the side of the road last year when they lost? No, because unlike Lovett, Lassiter has class. It’s very sad if private school kids actually look down upon public schools… just a reflection of the parents who raised them I guess. And next year will be interesting no doubt about that. The championship should go to a school with skill, teamwork, class and respect for the ghsa and sport of lacrosse. That honor is looking a lot like Lassiter’s style. Can’t wait for next year!
Oh and Lovett—what will you do without your two main scorers??
By chris
May 9, 2006 10:32 PM | Link to this
If Lovett and Lassiter combined their players, that would be one hell of a team! I enjoyed watching the game Saturday, it was exciting and full of action… I almost like it better than football! I sincerely hope private schools don’t think like that. But both Lassiter and Lovett have built up great lacrosse programs. If only Lassiter had played with as much determination and team work in the beginning of the season as they did towards the end… I think they would have gone undefeated then! Oh and I found out Lassiter’s Varsity graduated 14 players in 2005, including two All-Americans… so Lassiter was in the same boat this year as Lovett, if not in a more difficult position. Congrats to the Trojans, I miss watching lacrosse all ready!
By Marv
May 9, 2006 10:48 PM | Link to this
LHSfan you are correct that Lassiter is ranked #1 in GA. My comment was in response to LHSDad’s comment and had to do with “Strength of Schedule” which is LaxPowers analysis of the toughness of a teams schedule (weighted for home vs away vs neutral). Sorry if I confused you.
I have heard rumors of the trophy incident. I don’t know if it happened or not. If it is that is a matter between a player and his coach. I wouldn’t tar an entire team even it is true.
I also heard rumors that a Lassiter player was punching a Lovett player while he had him on the ground and an official watched and did nothing. I don’t know if that is true or not. If it is, it only reflects on that Lassiter player and on that official.
It would be sad if private school students to think and speak ill of public school students because they go to a public school. I don’t know of any who do. It would be equally sad for public school students to think and speak ill of private school students and would reflect poorly on their families as well.
By Marv
May 9, 2006 10:48 PM | Link to this
LHSfan you are correct that Lassiter is ranked #1 in GA. My comment was in response to LHSDad’s comment and had to do with “Strength of Schedule” which is LaxPowers analysis of the toughness of a teams schedule (weighted for home vs away vs neutral). Sorry if I confused you.
I have heard rumors of the trophy incident. I don’t know if it happened or not. If it is that is a matter between a player and his coach. I wouldn’t tar an entire team even it is true.
I also heard rumors that a Lassiter player was punching a Lovett player while he had him on the ground and an official watched and did nothing. I don’t know if that is true or not. If it is, it only reflects on that Lassiter player and on that official.
It would be sad if private school students were to think and speak ill of public school students because they go to a public school. I don’t know of any who do. It would be equally sad for public school students to think and speak ill of private school students and would reflect poorly on their families as well.
By LHSdad
May 10, 2006 09:50 AM | Link to this
In response to LHSplayer and Marv.
First to the LHSplayer. Thank you for confirming that money still can’t buy class. Private school kids look down on public school kids. That’s a lack of class. Lovett played poorly because the Lassiter players saw to it. If you can’t get up for a state championship game, then what does it take?
Marv, no argument about strength of schedule this year, but that’s not what I was referring to. Lovett’s run of championships (except for the win over Lassiter last year) was the result of playing within a small pool of private schools. Yes, that’s no fault of their own, but the public schools at that time were not a factor. Lovett is an excellent team and will continue to be but a dynasty for any team is going to be difficult because of the level of competition.
I agree that the entire Lovett team and school should not be held accountable for the lack of sportsmanship shown by a few if the trophy story in the river is accurate. However, I would be disappointed if the Lovett coaches knew and still allowed it to happen. The Lovett sport web site focuses on sportsmanship and this was a lack of if true. It’s easy to talk the talk but it’s difficult to walk the walk when the situation is not in your favor.
By Marv
May 10, 2006 10:22 AM | Link to this
LHSdad ….. Private schools kids do not look down on public school kids. I had one child in private school and one in public school. Stereotyping any group of people is never classy. There are classy & classless people in both camps.
If you go back and look at the history of GA Lacrosse you’ll see that in 2000 there were 10 High School teams in the State. Half were public and half were private. Some of these teams have built great programs and some have floundered in mediocrity. I’m not really sure that any one school has or has ever had claim to a dynasty. What the last few years has shown is that schools who work to develop strong programs and develop their players are the ones who are consistently at the top of the rankings. It doesn’t seem to really matter if they are public or private, large or small, in town or the suburbs.
No one seems to know the truth about this alledged trophy incident but I doubt that Buczek would have approved or condoned that behaviour. Likewise I doubt Manderano would approve or condone his players punching an opponent or trying to steal an opponents equipment after a game. Both of these coaches are extremely classy guys and run good programs. Whatever may or may not have happened they will both deal with it in an apporpriate manner.
By LHSdad
May 10, 2006 11:04 AM | Link to this
Hi Marv. My comments are in response to the various postings over the last couple of days.
LHSplayer stated that private school kids look down on the class of public school kids. You’re right, it’s not classy for anyone to look down at another but I haven’t seen a posting from a public school student saying they look down on private school kids. You confirm my point regarding the level of competition. Only 10 schools fielded teams in 2000. There are more than that now just in Cobb county. It’s logical to predict the level of competition reaching a higher level as more schools take up lacrosse and make it an official varsity sport. I’m sure the coach for Lovett is a fine person and probably wouldn’t condone the behavior in question. Coach Manderano is also a fine coach and person and I know the Lassiter players would not show this kind of disrespect toward him. They wouldn’t want to embarrass him. I can’t comment on the punching and stolen equipment incidents because I haven’t heard about it from anyone else. The Lovett players were doing quite a bit of slashing and when they realized it wasn’t going to be called it increased in frequency. If one of the Lassiter players really tried to steal equipment from one of the Lovett kids, they should be severely dealt with. No excuse for this kind of action. Have a good day Marv.
By Nick
May 11, 2006 11:24 AM | Link to this
Looks like we are going to have quite a rivalry between Lassiter & Lovett in the future, which isn’t going to die soon. Great job over the past three years to both of these fine schools.