Phillylacrosse.com, Posted 9/2/17
From Press Release
On the heels of a successful inaugural Philly’s Elite Invitational this summer, two-time state champion Springfield-Delco head coach Tom Lemieux and Radnor athletic director Mike Friel are excited to announce the fall version of the event that will take place Sunday, Nov. 19 at the MSI Sports Village.
The event, which features 24 of Pennsylvania, Delaware and New Jersey’s best high school boys’ lacrosse teams, is powered by Heritage Lacrosse, whose leadership includes another high-level high school coach in Episcopal Academy’s Chris Bates.
Players in the 2018-2021 graduation classes are permitted to play and the PEI marks the perfect ending to the fall recruiting season. Playing with their high school teams allows players to showcase themselves in a more comfortable environment within their normal systems and roles.
Several spots remain. Interested teams should email phillyeliteinvitational@gmail.com. All teams are guaranteed three games.
“We had a terrific turnout at our first-year summer event at Radnor with great competition all around,” Lemieux said. “We’ve found that most players seem to be play looser and with more confidence when they’re with their high school teams, which allows them to play at a higher level in front of college coaches.”
“You don’t want guys changing their playing styles just to impress a coach, so it’s important that they get to play with their high school teams in competitive events,” Bates added. “The PEI also gives teams a chance to play against different opponents than they’re used to seeing.”
The Cougars, Churchmen and Raiders have already confirmed their place in the fall PEI, as have Friends’ League champion Academy of the New Church, PIAA 3A finalist Conestoga, PIAA state qualifiers Garnet Valley, Strath Haven and Wilson, as well as Archmere Academy (Del.), Downingtown East, Marple Newtown and Pennridge.
Full tournament information can be found at www.phillyselitefall.heritagelacrosse.com