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| St. John's senior attackman Jared Ward. |
Central Mass' 2015 lacrosse All Americans have been named,
Here are the five players that stood above the rest in the eyes of the Central Mass Lacrosse Coaches Association and earned All American honors. Players are listed alphabetically, then with their high school and college choice following. Also listed below are those players that earned Academic All American honors.
All Americans
Joe Buduo, Sr. A, Shrewsbury- Lenior-Rhyne
Jake Foster, Sr. M/A, Westboro- Hartford
Kyle Laforge, So. FO/M, Tyngsboro- Uncommitted
Mike Martens, Jr. FO/M, Algonquin- Albany
Jared Ward, Sr. A, St. John's- Western New England
Academic All Americans
Patrick Ducey, Sr. D, Northbridge- Syracuse
Paul Nardone, Sr. D, Algonquin- Bowdoin
Andrew Tichy, Sr. M, Tantasqua- Bowdoin
Buduo followed up a breakout junior campaign with an even better senior year, leading Mid-Wach A with 90 points (56G, 34A), and crossing the 200 career point threshold late in the season. Buduo powered a Colonial attack that actually improved from last year's district-winning team, and made it known that Shrewsbury was far from "just" a defensive team.
Foster came in as one of the best-known commodities in the region, and didn't disappoint, helping Westboro and first-year head coach Kyle Biancardi to another playoff appearance. Even on the balanced Westboro offense, Foster's powerful shot and balance helped him stand out. The versatile attack/middie tied for the team lead with 55 points (42G, 13A) and was nearly always the focus of opposing teams' game plans.
Laforge may have been the breakout star on the breakout team in Central Mass this year. Helping Tyngsboro to an 18-2 season, while dominating the faceoff-X and leading all Mid-Wach leagues in scoring with an absurd 120 points (65G, 55A), Laforge did a little bit of everything for the upstart Tigers.
A speedy scorer who has the ability to distribute as well, look for Laforge to be a major player in Central Mass, and beyond, over the next two years.
While Laforge was excellent on the draw, Martens was the top faceoff specialist in Central Mass, and the Albany commit only improved offensively as the year went on. Not only was he automatic at the X, Martens quickly emerged as Algonquin's most lethal offensive weapon, pacing the T-Hawks with 42 points (25G, 17A).
Martens is also the only player on this list still playing, as Algonquin will go for a Division 2 Central/West championship against Longmeadow tonight.
We round out the list with St. John's goal machine Jared Ward. One of the craftiest attackman in the state, Ward uses superior balance, and a lightning-quick wrist shot to do massive damage around the cage. Ward's 89 points (53G, 36A) was tops on a loaded Pioneer offense, and proved he could carry the scoring load himself, after the graduation of 2014 All American Drew Smiley.
While they may be on here for their achievements in the classroom, each of these three Academic All Americans was outstanding on the field as well in 2015. Patrick Ducey continued to be one of the top poles in the region, helping Northbridge find its way back to the playoffs, while Paul Nardone helped anchor one of the region's best defenses at Algonquin.
Tichy added a scoring punch from the midfield that allowed Tantasqua to break out and grab a share of the Mid-Mass. championship, along with advance to the second round of the district playoffs.
Congrats to all eight players honored.
41 comments :
Not having that Kapuscienski kid from grafton selected worries me, Big time player with some big numbers against strong teams. lead his team To another Division 3 title.
It's a shame that no defensive players were recognized.
I agree.. Jean (SJS) and Kapuscienski (Grafton) both had considerably better years than Foster. All in all good season for the region but like many things some are predetermined to an extent.
It was my understanding that the "team" would not be selected until the first few tournament games were played so that players under consideration could be seen in further action. Kapuscienski again helped his TEAM to the district championship through passing and scoring. 16 points in two playoff games. He is still playing, the Algonquin kid is the only one other than Kapuscienski left. Kapuzinskis numbers are superior to all of the choices except the Tyngsboro kid, who is not playing either. Guess it's all about being in the Mid Wach, and who you know, and how much a coach is willing to advocate for his players!!
Not sure I agree with that statement as there are several coaches known to play to pad the stats and the coach from Grafton in particular has done it for years. Check it. Also check post 5/24 and playoff performances for a bunch of kids and the cream rises. Now you can argue one team plays a stronger schedule, but this isn't college. If that were the case teams that play more higher division teams would get a higher SOS quotient for thier kids. Maybe in the future that should be a way to measure. It is what it is. Enjoy watching the sport grow and the level of play get better too... Still not NY or MD level but getting better.
You can say Rotatori pads stats all you want but how about you check Kapuscienski's stats against the best in CMass. Too bad we can't check LaForge's...he doesn't play any decent teams other than G-D. Also, it's a shame King wasn't selected. He and Martens have carried Gonk.
It's all about the school and the league!!! If Tyngsboro had played Grafton's non-league schedule, the only team they would have beaten was Amherst-Pelham!!. Mid-Wach B and C are no stronger than the Mid Mass League!!. Worcester beat Marlboro twice, and two years ago, Grafton easily beat G-D and Marlboro. It's all about the league when it comes to recognizing the accomplishments of the players, and the reputation of the school and coaches. The argument has raged for years, essentially, why are Saint John's, Shrewsbury, Westboro, and Algonquin seen as Central Mass teams, especially when they play in the Eastern Mass tournament? There is such an impbalance (still). As for Rotatori's teams padding stats, how about you just look at it as it is. They have an outstanding youth program, and they can play.
Laforge averaged 5+ points/game, 70%FO, and played lions share of D mid minutes throughout against GD and in the playoff games.
Also, allfour schools listed at 9:25 play Central/West tournament.
He averaged those points against inferior lesser competition. He gets recognized because he is in the Mid Wach.
No, those are his numbers across 4 games that you have deemed acceptable... GD, GD, Bedford, Weston
The level of play between divisions and certainly between teams in division is so varied that determining who should be in or out is highly subjective at best. If you took all the kids and ran a strength of schedule and a performance against quality opponents and assigned those metrics you would get a consistent view of performance, and I bet some that are elected would not be there. Until then we will have politics and somewhat predetermined outcomes. It is what it is enjoy it while you can.
Btw you contradicted yourself with the Rotatori comment just a bit. If a team plays only a few CMass best teams then by default the other games get padded to make the stats...
All of these guys are legit players. Are there some left off? Yes, but that is the nature of AA selections. King, Kapuscienski,Cotoni and some others were all surely talked about. A lot of things go into picking these players.
Playing in MidWach A is a big boost. Toughest schedules in CMass. All the big boys beating on each other for more than half of their games. Then the usually pick up games against serious out of conference teams; ie St. Johns, Longmeadow, Hingham. Also will play the top teams (if it fits the schedule)from MidWach.
Still, Grafton also isn't afraid to venture out as well to their credit.
It is what it is...Congrats to those who were selected. I am sure those who were not, will continue to be great players and their lives will go on.
" two years ago, Grafton easily beat G-D and Marlboro"
Two years ago? Do we want to select 2015 AAs based on what their team did when they were Sophomores, freshmen or 8th graders?
As I remember 2 years ago Grafton got 2 AAs from that team. That was different team with different players.
Laforge had 131 points/ 7 point game against Weston and didn't lose a face off in the first half of that game.
The Freshman FO kid from GD did as well if not better than the player from Tyngsboro. The only player that the GD kid had trouble with was Martens.
The GD kids did challenge at the FO better than anyone else Tyngsboro saw, but Laforge won FO battle both games. Team lost overall in second game as Laforge missed a bunch of faces while dealing with shoulder injury.
It is great to champion the cause for someone that did not make it but disrespectful to someone that did make it. Especially based on limited knowledge of that player. With only 5 players being chosen apparently all coaches take it very seriously and I doubt one coach persuaded the rest.
Hard to make a case against any of the kids named All Americans. Each had a great year. This year, more than any other I've covered CMass lax, seemed to have a ton of great candidates, and I too was surprised to see Kapuscienski and King left off. I also think you could have made a strong case for Cotoni from G-D, Tim Hally (D) from Shrewsbury and Vachon from St. B's.
My All Star team will be released after the state finals, and let me just say I'm happy I get to include more than five players :)
To those who claim Grafton pads their schedule. How can a CMass D3 team pad their schedule plaything Franklin, Weston, Saint Johns, Shrewsbury, Algonquin, and scrimmage Nashoba? Where's the padding?
Forgot Westboro.
You forgot Wachusett
Wow... I read all this and realize how many try to live through their sons. My son did not get the nod but hey that is life. I can tell you he had a great year and I could not be more proud of him and how his team conducted themselves on and off the field. If you look at quality opponents like one writer suggests. Look at this. Xaverian 5g 2a, Westford 1g 2a, St John's Prep 1g 2a, Westboro 6g, Algonquin 2g, Shrewsbury 5g 1a, Longmeadow 2g. Oh throw in Grafton 2g 3a too. Kid is in the national honor society and will be going to RPI to study Biomedical Engineering and Entrepreneurial business and play lacrosse! So everyone lick thier wounds and get over it.
Best to all
James Jean proud parent of Parker Jean SJS
In my opinion Kapuscienski didn't make it because he cannot play in big games. Mainly puts up points against very weak opponents. He and the entire offense crumbled against one of their only formidable opponents in a 10-0 loss to Saint John's. "16 points in two playoff games" is nothing to be proud of when you play Northbridge and Lee...
If your going to openly criticize. Put your name in
To the person who has nothing better to do at 7:41 a.m. Kapuscienski played terrible against Saint John's, and I am sure if you asked him, he would tell you the same. His numbers against Algonquin 1-2-3, Weston 5-0-5, Amherst 3-1-4, Shrewsbury 2-1-3, Westboro 1-6-7,
Wachusett 1-1-2. Now, let's all lay off all of the kids mentioned in the last twenty something comments, and commend them all on fine seasons. These kids are in high school, they all had fine seasons, and leave it that! They represent Central Mass, not just sorry parent's or frustrated opponents who feel the need to sign on and criticize high school kids playing a game that they love.
Agree wholeheartedly with the last comment. As for the St. John's game, I think every Grafton player will tell you that was just a bad day. They were down a few players, in the rain, against a talented and motivated team. Sometimes a game just gets away from you. Grafton's shown they can play with anybody in CMass on any given day, and I'm curious to see how they do today in the D3 DW final against Mt. Greylock.
Joe: Can't agree more! Kapuscienski on attack, Obrien on mid and Bartosiewicz on defense better show today! A tough opponent that will be ready to play!! Should be a good rematch.
Well it looks like Grafton showed up today! 12-8 and a first ever district championship against a very talented
Mt. Greylock team. Btw - you guys know that the majority of these posts are put up by the kids, most of whom know
and like each other and are just fooling around. I have this on pretty good authority.
I am troubled by the comments here. Some of you are calling out kids by name and commenting on how good/bad they are. Saying they "can't play in big games". Really? These are kids! It's easy to take anonymous pot shots from the safety of your couch or desk while seated behind a computer. Have any of you actually played at the high level that Chase or Laforge play at? Have you ever coached? "Rotatori pads his stats" are you an idiot? That could be the stupidest comment yet! Have you looked at their schedule? Besides the fact that Grafton has multiple league titles, plays one of the toughest schedules in Mass and consistenly turns out high level college players, yeah you know what you're talking about. Listen, I sat in those meetings for the All-Americans, you try narrowing down to six a list of kids who are all deserving in their own right before you rip the players, coaches, process. You have no idea who played hurt, who had family illness or tragedy, or anything else that affected play. To say a kid like Laforge was only successful because of a light schedule is discounting all tge hard work this kid has put in. Plus as someone who works in a high school and sees the affect these comments have on kids you should be ashamed. What purpose does it serve any of you to talk bad about a kid. Is that gonna make you feel better? At least attach your names if you wanna play that game instead of hanging in the cheap seats behind your keyboards like cowards. Next time you wanna mention a kid by name think about how you would feel if it was you or your kid and remember it's for kids about kids.
Sorry for the rant,
John Pedace
Head Coach
Tantasqua Varsity Boys Lacrosse
Aleke: Sorry not buying it!! John is correct! These rants are mostly parents writing here because they only see their kids as all americans when they are not! Good luck to Grafton on Monday!
Good points Coach from Tantasqua - and few others 1. Remember when your mother taught you "if you don't have anything good to say about someone then don't say anything at all". And 2. Nietzsche once wrote "Mine enemies are those who wish to destroy without first creating their own selves."
Wise words Aleke and thank you. I just have problems calling out kids by name and raising questions about whether they deserve it or not. Say what you want about adults (still a punk move remaining anonymous) but leave the kids out. You'd have to be an idiot to think the kids don't see that. I am sure Alan foesn't need me to defend him but that padding the stats comment obviously came from someone who does not know the game. Nobody is going to pad anything against St John's, Gonk, Weston, Franklin, Wboro and the like. i just found absurd and to be quite frank, stupid.
2015 season is over for most of us. Lets move on...
We were fortunate to see some really talented boys all play great games. Almost every team had a great win and a great loss. Hopefully the boys will try to keep their sticks in their hands on and off until captains practices start up next season. Time to move on...
Now who do you think is better, Top Gun Fighting Clams 2016AA or
Laxachusetts 2016AA?
Might as well take all the complaining into a new direction
Hope you all have a great summer!!
Remember, its all about the boys having fun, lighten up!!
One thing coach Pedace you dont mention is how some coaches wont allow their players to run up the points against weaker competition. So in all fairness you will never see a level playing field when it comes to stats. Just cant happen. Some coaches believe in playing fair while others dont mind running up a score, we all have seen it. And the other part is, for some of these players, lacrosse isnt even their "sport".
I look at my son for who he has become with the help of sports and how he handles himself and the excitement of his future. Lax has helped him secure his college education and that is better than a league championship.
So lets just celebrate the season and the fun times and great memories our kids gave us watching them play and enjoy a game they love.
Will there be an All American Game? And, if so, when and where?
You are correct and I am one of those coaches. I have never believed in piling on, in fact I try to make wholesale changes when I feel we have a secure lead. In some ways it is to the detriment of my own players because they don't get to ring up some of the same numbers but if that is what you are about as a player then you are in it for the wrong reason. You're absolutely correct, if your son has used lacrosse to secure a college education that is the perfect end game.
All American game is June 23rd at Harvard solider field at 7pm
How come eastern mass has so many allamericans and cmass only has 5? Does that mean that there are only 5 kids who are worthy?
I have never seen this explained by anyone
The number of All American Coincides with the number of overall teams. Its something like 1 AA slot for every 5 or 6 teams. C Mass has about 30 teams thus as of now, 5 AA Slots
E MASS has 160 + teams so probably 25-30 AA Slots... right?
Next Year I believe Auburn is going varsity. Anyone know of any other new programs?
Yep, Auburn is going varsity next year after playing club this season, and I believe Millbury is as well.
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