Whipsnakes LC: 2022 College Draft Needs
By Joe Keegan
PLL Analyst
Apr 29, 2022
SSDM
Opponents shot 30.4% off the dodge against the Whipsnakes in 2021. They ran by short-stick matchups, which led to more slides than usual and less consistent goalie play.
2020 George Boiardi Hard Hat SSDM of the Championship Series Tyler Warner is back, balancing med school and pro lacrosse. He'll help. The Whips will still look to bring in a rookie alongside him.
The Dhane-Staats-Bucky line was too physical for Chrome. Froccaro-Salcido-Scott too fast for Archers.@_TyWarner5 matched feet and stood up both lines all championship game. pic.twitter.com/3qgm2QAqrC
— Joe (BC WLAX 15-2) Keegan (@joekeegs) August 15, 2020
Dodging midfielder
Athletic, unselfish midfielders willing to hit singles keep this Whipsnakes offense humming. If you can draw a slide and move it to Matt Rambo or Zed Williams at X, you can play on this team.
Whipsnakes midfielders also need to be able to play defense. John Haus' willingness to beat opponents into the hole before substituting prevented transition shots for years.
Connor Kirst and Brad Smith fit that mold. Chris Aslanian will earn more time in 2022, too. Any rookie looking to crack this midfield will be asked to do it all -- and to do it at a high level.
Defensive depth
Several Whipsnakes defenders had offseason surgery following the 2020 Championship Series. When healthy, they’re the most dominant defense in the league; but the Whipsnakes need a plan for when they’re not.
