By Eric S. Smith

High school lacrosse continues to improve across the Midwest, and this season there were plenty of talented players from the varying parts of the Heartland. The attack was incredibly deep in 2009 and plenty of All-Americans vied for spots on LaxPower's All-Region team. The midfield was stacked with multi-talented players and the defense had physical players who are all heading to top Division I programs. There was also no shortage of talent between the pipes.

Attack

Stew Kerr, senior, Lake Forest Scouts, IL

Kerr has a quick first step that allows him to get by defenders and keep opposing coaches up all night game-planning against him. His numbers actually went down in his senior campaign as defenses keyed in on him and the Scouts' offense improved and spread the ball around more effectively. The two-time All-American helped lead Lake Forest to the state semifinals. His point totals were still impressive as he finished with 62 goals and 43 assists. Next season the attackman will play for Middlebury, where he is almost assured to shine.

Ross Gillum, senior, Plano Wildcats, TX

Gillum has the wheels and stick skills to give defenders anywhere in the country nightmares, and the Lone Star State certainly has its fair share of top-notch defenders. Plano struggled at times and Gillum was the main offensive option for them, but it meant that defenses were more than willing to double- and triple-team him. Even with all the extra attention shown to him, Gillum still managed to score 53 goals and add 13 assists and was named an All-American for the second straight season. Gillum also scooped up an impressive 77 groundballs. Next season, Gillum will play at Cornell as the Big Red attempts to return to the national title game.

Thomas Ott, senior, Culver Academy Eagles, IN

Ott is a bit undersized, but has a rifle shot and can work well from behind the net with superb vision. Ott helped lead his club to its third consecutive state championship. He was named the Indiana High School Lacrosse Association Player of the Year and made the All-American team. Ott scored 37 goals, but showed off his wonderful vision as he dished out 54 assists and led the team with 73 groundballs. Next season, Ott will play for Army.

Midfield

Andrew Boyd, senior, Parkway West Longhorns, MO

Boyd was the only 2009 graduate to sign a lacrosse scholarship in Division I from the Show-Me State. The two-time All-American will play for Army at the next level. Boyd has the speed and athleticism to allow him to break double and triple teams, which he often received. Nonetheless, he scored 51 goals and handed out 32 assists in just 16 games. He also picked up 71 groundballs. Without question, Boyd was the finest player in Missouri.

Austin Wright, senior, Worthington Kilbourne Wolves, OH

The epitome of what kind of player Wright is could be found early in the Wolves' season. The senior played the first six games of the season with a broken hand. While he didn't take face-offs during that stint he still played the midfield. As the All-American helped lead Kilbourne to its first-ever state title, he was also honored as the Ohio Midfielder of the Year. Wright won 52.3 percent of his face-offs, scored 36 goals, dished out 15 assists and played solidly on the defensive end. Wright will head to Hofstra next season to continue his lacrosse career.

Joe Glendening, Senior, East Grand Rapids Pioneers, MI

1 2 3    Next  »

2009-07-01