Bear Lax Trax Fax for 2014 already!!!

One of the best lacrosse writers, Christian Swezey, if not THE best (WaPo and Inside Lacrosse), has been asked to prognosticate the 2014 top 20 teams (http://insidelacrosse.com/news/2013/06/04/swezey-way-ahead-2014-top-20) and in his lineup of next year’s talent, he spots two Bears (we know that there are more!)

20. CORNELL (14-4 in 2013, reached NCAA Semifinals)

The post-Rob Pannell era begins. Will it resemble the eras of the two other great attackmen in recent memory? Princeton has not made championship weekend since Ryan Boyle left in 2004. A year after Michael Powell left, Syracuse’s 22-year Final Four run ended. There is talent — more than a few opposing coaches mentioned junior midfielder Connor Buczek (35G, 18A) into the tape recorder during post-Big Red autopsies. Also back is junior Matt Donovan (27G) and senior face-off specialist Doug Tesoriero. Best-case scenario: There are hidden gems on the sideline who waited their turn behind a large just-graduated class. With that in mind, keep an eye on senior Joe Paoletta, junior Chris Cook and sophomore Sean Doyle.

3. PRINCETON (9-6, missed NCAA Tournament)

West Indies cricket legend Garfield Sobers was once eulogized in a calypso as “the greatest cricketer on Earth or Mars.” For cricketer, insert “college lacrosse player” and you have senior Tom Schreiber (28G, 32A). Schreiber is a true do-everything midfielder who may not leave the field much in 2014. Also back on offense are junior Mike MacDonald (43G), sophomore Jake Frocarro (24G) and two senior middies who missed this past season with injuries. On defense, sophomore Mark Strabo had a star turn in the Ivy League Tournament; also keep an eye on freshman Will Reynolds (Delbarton, N.J.). There is enough defensive talent that senior Nick Fernandez will go back to playing short-stick d-middie. The Tigers are loaded.

THOSE ARE BEARS!!!

more in 2014