The Point Guards of Lacrosse: New York Attackmen To Watch

The first word that comes to mind when you think about an attacker is scoring; however, that's not the case. The position of attack is unique. An attackman needs to have a vision, precise timing, and explosive movements at the forefront of their mind at all times. In short, attackmen are the heartbeat of the offense.   Looking past the typical stats, attackmen tend to take the most hits out of any other player on the field. The need to be ambidextrous is highly recommended as well for these athletes since most defensive players force them to their weak side; eliminating a weak side in the first place elevates their game to the next level.   This coming season, keep an eye on these attackmen; they know what it means to be a dual threat on the field.    Plunkett initially took his raw athleticism to the midfield position, not making the switch to attack until his freshman year of high school. However, his playing style highly reflects that, with the ability to execute long dodges, cover ground quickly, and fill in the gaps missing from his teammates. Plunkett has a fierce, competitive edge with a relentless drive to improve. The lefty has made rapid growth in recent years and looks to continue making an impact for his team.     Mooney practically owns the left-handed wing when he steps on the turf. He has a snappy release, smooth low-to-high strikes, and refined shooting mechanics. In short, he's a constant threat to the opposing team.   Mooney has pinpoint feeds, making quick give-and-gos through tight lanes a breeze. Along with that, his agility may be his best attribute. He plays smart and hard and can impact the game in seconds. With a technical prowess, a polished game beyond his years, phenomenal ball control, and a playing style most closely resembling that of Ethan Walker, Mooney's creativity is through the roof.     Spallina isn't flashy; rather, he plays with a purpose. He knows when to dodge, dish, or draw a slide. He's electric, cerebral, and mature. As a lefty, he creates sharp angles from his side of the field and has a knack for setting up his teammates for a goal. He makes smart passes, timely cuts, and quick and clean releases. You're going to want this coach's kid on your roster.     Standing tall, Martini uses his size to his advantage; shielding defense, creating space, and holding possession through checks when some wouldn't be able to. Martini also stands out since he's comfortable dodging from behind X and/or from the wings. He finishes a shot with power or finesse, a handy skill to have. He's confident, crisp, and composed. I also love that he anticipates slides and finds the open man when he isn't able to get a shot off himself. A team-first player, he makes the call that'll most benefit the team, not himself.     Smith is a tactical weapon. Nine times out of 10, you'll find him on the elbow; however, he'll mix up his shot angles to keep the defense on their toes. He's known to throw in subtle fakes, absorb contact, and finish in tight windows. He makes smart off-ball movements and can silently take over a game. He's a triple threat on the field with dodges, shots, and feeds that are next to perfect. Smith brings a physical presence sure to intimidate onlookers.

The first word that comes to mind when you think about an attacker is scoring; however, that's not the case. The position of attack is unique. An attackman needs to have a vision, precise timing, and explosive movements at the forefront of their mind at all times. In short, attackmen are the heartbeat of the offense.