Centerstage: Six '29 Midfielders Who Impressed

Hosted in Connecticut on November 1, Centerstage saw more than its fair share of midfield talent. Although many club events are dominated by midfield play, this event in particular had waves of middies who deserved their own novellas. Sadly, that's not possible, but even with some of the top SSDMs covered in the specialists section, there was no shortage of O-mids and two-way guys who deserved more attention. Here are six midfielders from the class of '29 that stood out at Centerstage.    A high-energy O-mid with boundless energy, Nakashian was Tri-State's offensive weapon. In terms of just size, power, and strength, there were few players in this class at this event that could match up with Nakashian - which is why every team threw a pole at him as soon as he crossed the half-line. Although that did little to slow Nakashian down if he got a head of steam. On one play early in the tournament, Nakashian ran through the first layer of the defense, soaked three big checks from a sliding defenseman, and then turned and fired the ball into the top corner. It was all punctuated by a guttural scream that was about as primal as it gets on a lacrosse field.     For my money, he was the best pure '29 offensive midfielder at the event. Danelon is death by a thousand jab steps. It's not until after the ball is up and headed back to the ref that you realize you're being cut open by his zippy passes and feint-heavy dodging. I mean, you probably realize it as it's happening, but there isn't anything you can do to stop it. Danelon isn't a physical dodger; he's so speedy and aware that by the time a pole gets out to him, the ball is already gone. Oh, and if there is a shooting lane to be found, Danelon will locate it and blast a ball through it. I'm pretty excited to see him play for Lawrenceville this spring.     A big-bodied dodger who ran over shorties like they were papier-mâché cutouts, LaMontagne was the most traditionally impressive top-down middie at Centerstage. He already looks like a senior in high school who has been lifting weights with his crazy uncle since he was 12. However, seeing how he puts that physical advantage to use is what sets him apart from the pack. Of course, Lamontagne has the big stationary shot, the crow hop, the hitch, all the things a perimeter scorer can lean on, but he can also take contact and finish the ball on the run. If he keeps progressing upward, Lamontagne is going to find himself with a high ranking in the first '29 rankings next fall.     This '29 2Way team didn't end up needing a ton of initiators; their transition game alone was enough to take down most of the other teams at the event. However, when the offense did need a little jolt, they turned to Bartolotta to fire up the jumper cables. He stands six-foot-three, but his legs alone make up more than half of his height. That shorter torso and longer arms allow him to get insane torque on the ball without as much wind-up as someone who is a little more compact. Barlotta is a precision slasher; he's not an indiscriminate killer - he waits for the best opening before he strikes.     I won't label Gray as an SSDM. I simply will not do it. He's too valuable as a ball carrier to classify him as just a transition guy, either. Time after time, Gray brought the ball down the alley, through traffic, and over the line just in time to beat the 20-second count. It wasn't just hustle; it was an acknowledgement of duty. If there was a lane to the middle, Gray was going to take it, and there was little you could do to stop him once he got past the first man. Also, there were few midfielders at this tournament who did more on both sides of the ball than Gray. He was anywhere and everywhere all at once.     Lovendale is a two-way midfielder in the mold of the most old-school application of that classification. He is the tip of the spear in transition, and the butt end swinging the pendulum back on defense. He will pick you up at the restraining line and make you outrun him to try and get the ball over the midline. He's so dogged in his pursuit of the turnover that most players just pass the ball backward when they see him charging at them. With the ball, he's patient but active, hitting his second dodge with gusto and looking to the inside for the slide. There were more pure O-mids on the field with him, but none of them felt as dangerous as Lovendale when the possession started - or ended.

Hosted in Connecticut on November 1, Centerstage saw more than its fair share of midfield talent. Although many club events are dominated by midfield play, this event in particular had waves of middies who deserved their own novellas. Sadly, that's not possible, but even with some of the top SSDMs covered in the specialists section, there was no shortage of O-mids and two-way guys who deserved more attention. Here are six midfielders from the class of '29 that stood out at Centerstage.