Players to Watch in Texas, 2008 Version

[Mr. Jefferson]

Joe Costello - M - St. Thomas - after tranfering back from UMBC - he's been a nightmare for defenders

[Dan Wishengrad]

he's Mark Plonkey without the attitude

Real classy. You call it attitude, I call it playing with emotion. You would have him on your team in a second.

Absolutely correct. Plonkey was a terrific player, and I would love to have him on my team. Whether I am un-classy or not the truth is (as you noted) that the guy ran on emotion (and Red Bull) and seemed to play better when getting booed or taunted. He was quite the trash-talker himself, and seemed to feed-off being the center of attention. Plonkey always seemed to be "the show" while Manning just quietly goes about his business... and is just as good.

[onpoint]

I've never seen Manning, but Plonkey spearheaded 2 national championships and 4 national title appearances during his tenure and was arguably the best player on all 4 of those teams. It's a little premature to call Manning the best LSM ever in the MCLA. Plonkey was the best, most dominating player I've ever taken the field with and I would put him in the top 2 or 3 to ever play any position at this level.

[Dan Wishengrad]

Fair enough about the resume, Alex, and I'd expect nothing less than you sticking up for your homey. I'll be interested to hear your impressions of Manning after Dallas and whether you still think my comparison is un-warranted.

[A.J. Stevens]

Manning is a very good player. I have seen him play six times this season. (3 live & 3 film) He is not an all-time great at LSM in the MCLA. I am not anyones homey just someone calling it how I see it. No disrespect intended he is a very good player but all-time great.....no. In my opinion, I have seen better at LSM this year in the MCLA. But then again I am often wrong.

[AndyP]

I haven't seen enough teams in the MCLA or been around long enough to make any claims about Manning being the best LSM ever.

But I can say that he's the best I've ever seen at that position in the the PNCLL. Manning controls the pace of a game on a weekly basis; his quiet demeanor probably doesn't do him any favors in the national spotlight however. Hopefully he can prove himself at the tournament this year.

In the PNCLL no one else has really ever come close to the caliber of play he's displayed...except maybe Dick Martin who played for Fraser back in the day and played for Team Canada. But he was close D.

[anklebreaker]

I agree with Alex. Plonkey was the best player I have ever seen at this level. Between him, Jared Katz (Rabbit) and Alex, they carried that team to the 2003 National Championship. Plonkey did things on the field that no one saw coming except for his teammates.

[Hi-Line Lax]

I don't agree that Manning is the best LSM ever in this league, but he is really really good. I think what might be impressing Dan more though is his unselfish style... making a move to LSM because that's what your team needs when you were a 1st teamer at attack and midfield already is a classy move... but I'm just speculating.

We've known about him about here in the PNCLL for a while and I was really impressed about how he can quietly (if that's the word) lead on the field this year, especially with a long pole in his hands. So yea, not the best ever, but certainly a player to watch in Texas.

If you're at the tourney you've gotta check the team from Canada anyway, eh. They all play with one hand, their coaches love the slick hair look, and a ton of their shorties are the same size... it's awesome!

[Laxer19]

I am interested in checking out these two attackmen from Grand Valley, Chris Idema and Cameron Holding. They're putting up a ton of points this year. Should be interesting to see how they do against some of the nations best.

[Maple Leaf]

If you're at the tourney you've gotta check the team from Canada anyway, eh. They all play with one hand, their coaches love the slick hair look, and a ton of their shorties are the same size... it's awesome!

You are supposed to play with both hands????

Also, the Barry Melrose look is always in style

[NoFlow]

From Chapman, Chris Smalls can dominate at the face-off X. Also, their entire attack is extremely dangerous w/ athe ball and on the ride.

[DG]

From Chapman, Chris Smalls can dominate at the face-off X. Also, their entire attack is extremely dangerous w/ athe ball and on the ride.

I only saw him play once, but Smalls was very impressive.

If I were there, I'd also want to see Corsault from Lindenwood

Adding to the BYU list, I would also put defenseman Britt Cone.

DG

[westcoastlax]

I agree with Alex. Plonkey was the best player I have ever seen at this level. Between him, Jared Katz (Rabbit) and Alex, they carried that team to the 2002 National Championship. Plonkey did things on the field that no one saw coming except for his teammates.

2002 National Champs are Sonoma State

[DG]

I agree with Alex. Plonkey was the best player I have ever seen at this level. Between him, Jared Katz (Rabbit) and Alex, they carried that team to the 2002 National Championship. Plonkey did things on the field that no one saw coming except for his teammates.

2002 National Champs are Sonoma State

That was a good team...

[StickSideHigh]

Does anyone know of any impact players who are not going to the tourney?