The Los Angeles Lakers and the number two ranked Archbishop Spalding (13-4, 9-2) have both received byes for the first round and will advance to Tuesday’s semi-finals (5pm and 7:30pm) at the Navy Marine Corps Memorial Stadium in Annapolis. The championship game will take place at 7:30pm on May 17 at the same location.No. 2 seed Archbishop Spalding
The Loyola Blakefield team (9-7 overall, 6-4 in league play) will play against McDonogh team (12-3 overall, 8-2 in league play) on Friday at 4:15 p.m.
First-round byes
Boys’ Latin, ranking at no. 1 with a record of 13-2 overall and 9-1 in conference games, showed remarkable consistency throughout the regular season of the Maryland Interscholastic Athletic Association A Conference. As a result, they have secured the top seed in the upcoming six-team playoffs, which are scheduled to begin on Friday.
Take a closer look at the top two ranked teams and the quarterfinal games scheduled for Friday.
Outlook: In their regular-season game April 23, the Cardinals won in overtime, 7-6, at Gilman with Cody Collier providing the deciding goal. Expect another close game with attention to detail magnified in all phases. The faceoff battle — Calvert Hall’s Ben Cuomo goes up against Gilman’s Joe Kim — and goalie play — featuring Calvert Hall’s Alex Swartz and Gilman’s Zach Parks — are vital starting points. Gilman’s attack banks on Jay Wilkerson, Mike Maloney, Jay Rodgers and Clayton Baddley, while the Cardinals rely on Owen Scott, Jackson Mitchell and strong all-around play from Sisto Averno.
—
Notes on the MIAA A Conference Lacrosse: Playoff field of 6 teams finalized, but seeding still undetermined —
First seed Boys’ Latin
Quarterfinals
The team with the most momentum heading into playoffs is not the top-ranked Boys’ Latin or the defending champion McDonogh. Surprisingly, it is Spalding, who has dominated the league with seven consecutive conference wins and earned a bye in the first round after defeating Mount Saint Joseph 14-4 on Tuesday. Despite having a young roster, the Cavaliers are a cohesive and confident team. Attackers Brady Mollot and Joey Matassa lead a well-balanced offensive line. Faceoff specialist Ryan Criswell has performed well in the circle, while long pole player Robby Hooper dominates the field and goalie Jacob Neuman is an exceptional shot-stopper. Spalding will face either McDonogh or Loyola Blakefield in the next round, having already beaten both teams during the regular season.
On Friday at 4 pm, No. 5 Gilman (11-6, 6-4) will play against No. 4 Calvert Hall (10-6, 7-3).
Reword: The Eagles, who have won the championship for two consecutive years, are seeded third and closed out the regular season with five consecutive victories. Their winning streak began with a dominant 16-6 win over the Dons on April 18, followed by a 12-10 victory against the top-ranked Boys’ Latin. Luke Miller led the offensive efforts with four goals and one assist in the game against the Dons, while faceoff specialist Ciaran Sweeney dominated in the circle and Max Allen provided strong defense. Loyola, the sixth seed, finished the season with three consecutive wins and features impressive players such as Mason Cook on attack and Peter Laake and Brady Nicholas on defense.
The Lakers possess all the necessary elements to have a successful year. Despite coming up short in the previous two seasons against eventual champion McDonogh with close one-goal defeats in the semifinals, they are driven by determined senior leaders and have strong talent in crucial positions. Spencer Ford and Matt Higgins are the driving force on offense; Parker Hoffman is the best faceoff specialist in the area and Liam White is a key player in the midfield; and goalie Will Ohnmacht has been outstanding in goal. Boys’ Latin will face the winner of Friday’s quarterfinal match between Calvert Hall and Gilman, having already beaten both teams in the regular season.
