By Eric S. Smith

This past weekend held some big moments for a few high school lacrosse teams in the Midwest and thus a few big-time players stepped up and led their teams. A senior All-State attackman proved why he received that honor as he helped lead his team to a Texas state championship. An Indiana attacker put up eye-popping numbers as his team advanced to the state semifinals. A goalie in Ohio led his team to the Midwestern Scholastic Lacrosse Coaches Association title with timely saves against very talented opponents.


Kevin Fritts, Sr., Attack, Highland Park Fighting Scots, TX

The Scots captured their fourth Texas High School Lacrosse League title and the second in a row this past weekend. Highland Park shut out Bowie, 14-0, in the semifinals and defeated St. Mark's for the third time this year, 7-5. Fritts scored three goals and had an assist in each of the games to lead his club. Fritts was named to the All-State team earlier in the season and finishes off his high school career in near-perfect fashion.


Brandon Benn, Jr., Attack, Culver Academy Eagles, IN

The Eagles scored a convincing quarterfinal win in the Indiana High School Lacrosse Association playoffs over Park Tudor, 12-2. Culver entered the tournament as the top seed and is holding to form. Benn was a one-man wrecking crew over the weekend as he lit up the Park Tudor defense for eight goals and a pair of assists. Next up for the Eagles is a semifinal date with No. 4 Carmel. Earlier in the season, The Eagles defeated Carmel 14-6, and if that is to happen again, Benn may need another big day.


Kyle Bernlohr, Soph., Goalie, Western Reserve Pioneers, OH

The Pioneers captured the Midwestern Scholastic Lacrosse Coaches Association tournament title over the weekend. They scored a tight victory over Upper Arlington, 8-7, on Friday in the semifinals and then posted a 12-9 win over Worthington Kilbourne in the championship on Saturday. Bernlohr played exceptionally well and kept Western Reserve's talented foes from scoring often. The sophomore made 26 saves over the course of the two games including 14 against Upper Arlington. The Pioneers' season is now complete since they do not compete in the Ohio High School Lacrosse Association tournament.

2009-05-18