By Brett Manney

This year's LaxPower All-Western Region team features many of the players who had very successful 2009 high school lacrosse seasons. The attack unit, although small, plays fearless while the midfielders are big-time athletes. The defense is ferocious and each member has a tremendous resume. In the cage, the lone goalie might be the most heralded recruit ever out of Arizona and the team is led by an outstanding coach who excelled in Colorado this past season.

Attack

Billy Mattimore, senior, St Ignatius Prep Wildcats, CA

With an attack unit which was comprised of all Division I recruits at Saint Ignatius Prep, Mattimore shined the brightest in 2009. Alongside Carlton Fisher (Lehigh) and Will Fredericks (Loyola), Mattimore was the quarterback and led the Wildcats to an impressive 21-1 record in addition to a No. 1 ranking in the state from LaxPower. Mattimore was a jack of all trades, finishing this season with 67 goals and 57 assists for 124 points along with 29 groundballs. One of the team leaders in addition to co-MVP with Fisher, Mattimore was a unanimous selection for All American in California and is heralded as one of the best to ever play in the Golden State. In the fall, Mattimore will attend Bucknell and bring his impressive resume to a surging program.

Eric Law, senior, Arapahoe Warriors, CO

Arapahoe High School emerged as one of the best teams in the Western region, behind their playmaking attackman. The 5-foot-11, 165-pound attackman had a remarkable year even though every team tried everything in the book to stop him. Not only did Law lead the team with 90 points on 61 goals and 29 assists, but he also contributed six game-winning goals for the Warriors. Law was a four-time first team all-state selection and was named an All-American this past year for his outstanding play. The next destination for Law is Salisbury University where he will play for the Seagulls and try to win anational championship for the Division III powerhouse.

Frazier Cavness, senior, Kent Denver Sun Devils, CO

Even though Kent Denver did not repeat as state champions in Colorado, Frazier Cavness did all he could this season to make that possible. The 5-7, 160-pound attackman was a 2009 All-American and leading scorer for the high-scoring Sun Devil offense. Known for his quickness and playmaking, Cavness will be heading to the northeast to play lacrosse at Dartmouth under new head coach Andy Towers in the fall.

Midfield

Peter Baum, senior, Lincoln Cardinals, OR

One of the most heralded talents to ever come out of the Beaver state is Peter Baum. The 6-1 180-pound Baum is an explosive dodger--especially from the midfield--and has been the focus of the Cardinal offense the past few years. Baum was voted the team's Most Valuable Attackman, first team All-Conference, and was the highest vote getter for All-State and All-American. It was a memorable season for Baum as he scored 84 goals and handed out 38 assists for 122 points, while scooping up 73 groundballs. Against Washington powerhouses Mercer Island and Bainbridge Island, Baum had seven- and eight-point games respectively. Colgate University gets a proven winner next year as Baum looks to put Oregon on the lacrosse map.

Landon Carr, senior, Curtis Vikings, WA

It was no surprise to any opposing team that Landon Carr was the focal point of the Viking offense. Despite all the junk defenses thrown his way, Carr still finished his senior year with 37 goals and 28 assists for 65 points in addition to 73 groundballs. Known for his speed and athleticism, Carr initiated the offense for the Vikings and was voted the offensive MVP in addition to All-State and All-American. Washington is a rising hotbed for lacrosse and Carr hopes to elevate his game to the next level at the University ofMaryland in the fall.

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2009-07-01