LVLA Championship Preview: Bishop Gorman vs Palo Verde

Bishop Gorman Gaels vs Palo Verde Panthers   Time and Location: Friday 7:00 PM at The Crossing Park   Both of the semifinal games took place on Tuesday.   Bishop Gorman defeated Faith Lutheran, 9-5. While Palo Verde defeated the Cougars, 9-5.   The Gaels and Panthers have met twice this season so far. The Gaels won the first matchup 10-8, and then the Panthers won the second matchup 10-8.     Comparing Offenses   Panthers - The Panthers offense shows up game in and game out. They have a ton of depth at the attack position and their midfielders consistently produce. If they get going early, they may be tough to slow down.   Players To Watch For: Benn Carvalho (Chapman Commit), Langston Goodwin, Seth Salinas, Slater Salinas, Mason Robinson (Class of 2030), Ricky Jaimes, Parker Nielson     Gaels - The Gaels offense has gone on more than a few impressive runs this year. Including big runs in their last two games. When their confidence is up, everyone wants to get the next one to join in on the party.   Players To Watch For: Diesel Riiber, [player_tooltip player_id='126834' first='Ben' last='Urso'], Colton Segler, [player_tooltip player_id='124923' first='Ryan' last='Cambeiro'], Wesley Austad, Casey Unitas, Charlie Ehlers, Zach Coneh     The Battle At The X   [player_tooltip player_id='124875' first='Xander' last='Iway'] has been a game changer for the Gaels at time this season. When he gets hot at the X he can facilitate a good amount of offense and help the Gaels control the pace.   Asher Starita has been reliable for the Panthers. He can get out cleanly, or get scrappy and physical if needed. The Panthers also have Brandon Freitag to take faceoffs, and LSM, Carter Jost, has taken them as well.     Comparing Defenses   Panthers - The Panthers defensive unit is disruptive. They have multiple guys who are capable of causing turnovers. They are also a discipline unit, and they do a good job of staying in front of their guy.   Players To Watch For: Jace Mims, Carter Jost, Clay Ohlsen, Chris Whitman, Robbie Pruitt, Nic Lahkdari     Gaels - Bishop Gorman has played some quality defense in the back half of games recently. They force their opponents to take tough shots and their D-middies hold their own. I also like how they know to get open during clears.   Players To Watch For: Merek Mastrov, Beau LaVoie, Logan Dufrene, CJ McColl   Goalie Plays   Jojo Aragon has been solid for the Panthers this season. He can make highlight reel saves, and he can stuff guys on the doorstep. Aragon also communicates with his defense and makes sure that slides are ready.   Aden Anderson has shown why he's off to play Division I lacrosse next year. He has some incredible reflexes and uses his entire body to stop shots. Anderson is also aware of where his defenders break out to, and he can drop dimes all game long.     As you can see, both teams are loaded with talent.   This game may have a bunch of runs, and I think faceoffs will be crucial.   Now that this is the third time that they're meeting, there also might be a bit more defense.   In order for the Panthers to grab the win, they'll need to keep the ball hot on offense and not overplay some of Bishop Gorman's craftier offensive players.   If the Gaels want to win, they'll need take smart shots and stay out of the penalty box. They don't give up many goals when it's 6 vs 6.   I won't give a prediction for this one, I'm just hoping to see some high level lacrosse.   Best of luck to all of these guys competing!   And thank you subscribers for tuning in all season.

Bishop Gorman Gaels vs Palo Verde Panthers