By Chris Goldberg
Phillylacrosse.com, Posted 10/28/18
NORTH EAST, Md. – Ben Melgaard says playing LSM gives him freedom to showcase his skills on every part of the lacrosse field.
“I get to play all over the field,” said Melgaard, a 2020 from Booton High (N.J.) and Jersey Thunder. “There is no set spot. I get to know multiple offensive and defensive plays. It’s about getting out there and playing. It’s so much fun.”
Melgaard used his all-around game to earn MVP honors Saturday at the Victory Showcase Camp at Calvert Regional Park. The event featured instruction from college coaches and showcase games, followed by a Face Off Championship and an All-Star Game. Over 100 players competed despite poor weather conditions; 44 college coaches attended.
“I wanted to get more exposure to college coaches and see new competition,” Melgaard said. “The thing I learned it definitely to follow the offensive sticks when coming out and when breaking down making sure you stay square so you follow their sticks and cause turnovers more easily.
“This event will help me get ready for the November season.”
The other nominees for MVP:
Matthew Fermo, 2019 FO (FO tourney champion), James Caldwell, NJ/Jersey Thunder Elite
On winning the Face- Off title and the event overall: “It’s about never giving up and going for groundballs. Even if you lose the ball they have to get that ball in the restraining box and you still have that time to get it for your team. Before game 1 Villanova coach gave some advice, saying I was sitting up real high and to get lower and get my butt in the air and my back down. That helped me put more hip and arm strength into the ball and drive into the ball. I think going against all different guys with different techniques helped me tremendously.”
Chris Haines, 2020 ATT, Avon Grove, PA/Rising Sons
On his goals and what he learned: “I really tried to separate myself from the group and compete against elite athletes. It was really good to see I fared against other kids at the same level. I learned a lot about the recruiting process and how to compete against the top athletes.”
Jonathan Singer, 2020 goalie, Don Bosco Prep, NJ/The Swarm
On how he performed: “There was great competition, with good shots from every player. I felt like I had to be ready for every type of shot. I learned I have to be humble and play to my ability. The rain affected the bounce shots; it made them go up faster so you had to get down faster to meet the bounce. It also helped me to learn how my defensemen play and to learn their names.”
Ryan Carroll, 2019 ATT, Central Bucks East, PA/ Duke’s LC
On his goals: “I just wanted to compete and have fun. I think we got some really good tips from coaches; like getting to the top side and coming over the top hand (on shots). The competition was really good; especially in the All-Star Game. I feel ready and warmed up for November.”
Chris Pucciarelli, 2021 ATT, Monroe Township, NJ/Team Turnpike
On his goals and how he overcomes larger defenseman: “My goals were to compete against the highest level I can and get college exposure. I always fight and never give up and use my moves to get past guys. From the clinic I learned to take a bounce out.”
Gavin Held, 2020 ATT, Susquehannock, PA/TEAM Lacrosse
On his goals and the day’s highlights: “I wanted to get more college exposure, meet some coaches, play with a great group of guys and I think our attack team for Team 6 jelled today. It was good to get coaching from college coaches.”
Liam Murphy, 2022 goalie, St. Edward’s School, FL/Duke’s Florida/Team Maverick
On why he came up from Florida and what he learned: “I wanted better competition; the weather wasn’t better but the competition was a lot better than in Florida. I just played my game and played it as well as I could. My goal was to make the All-Star game; I did well on outlet passes and communication. I still need to be louder. We had some good coaches helping us out; the biggest areas was on some of the pipe work, it helped me move faster.”