By Chris Goldberg, Phillylacrosse.com, Posted 7/3/24
Tim Criddle believes his jets are his greatest asset at the long-stick midfielder position.
“I think my biggest strength is my speed,” said the 2025 LSM/close defender from Apex Friendship (N.C.) and Red Devil United. “When I get the ball or get a groundball I have the speed to get the ball to open space and pass off or push transition. I like to settle the offense and I feel I can be a big factor at the position.”
Criddle’s talents were recognized Friday when he was named the MVP at the Victory Events Liberty National Elite Showcase at the CopperPlex in Edgewood, MD (see the All-Showcase team at bottom).
“I just wanted to put my best foot forward,” Criddle said of the honor. “You’re in a little bit of unfamiliar grounds at a showcase. I want my teammates to look good and I want to focus on team play. This is a team sport.
“One thing that I think set me apart was my (ability to get) groundballs. I didn’t get many not too many opportunities to play 1-on-1 defense, but had quite a few groundballs.”
Criddle enjoys the ability to make big checks at LSM. “Playing LSM is nice for because it allows me to showcase my speed off the lane line at the faceoff X. And it gives me the freedom to throw more creative and risky checks at the top because I have extra room to get back.”
What is Criddle working on this summer as he gears for his senior season at Apex Friendship?
“I’m just trying to perfect my overall knowledge of the game,” he said. “I feel even if I excel in one area and not another I just try to improve in all areas.”
Criddle’s high school squad had and uo-and-down year. Apex Friendship started 9-0, but closed with three defeats.
“Overall, it was a pretty good season; we came out hot and had a lot of steam,” he said. “We had good chemistry, but we had some rough losses toward. Hopefully next year we’ll mke it further in the playoffs.
Criddle will come to Philly in a week when his Carolina National competes in the Mesa Philly Showdown at Maple Zone. Then he will compete in a UNC Camp. For now, he’s looking more closely at college destinations.
“I’m still looking to broaden my horizons with colleges,” he said. “I’m looking forward to seeing what comes my way.”
Victory Events Liberty National Showcase All-Tournament Team
Attack
Johnny Crane 2025 Urbana HS Team Maryland LC
Davis Dolp 2026 Jesuit High School Team Oregon
Hadyn Rogoff 2026 Boyertown Freedom
Daniel Gardill 2026 First Flight High School Carolina Hilltoppers
Landon Rasmus 2025 Jupiter High School True FL
Dylan Brewster 2026 Corning Painted Post Gaffer Elite Lacrosse
Midfield
Halen Ritzer 2026 Bellevue Highschool Seattle Starz
Donovan Carnell 2025 Albert Einstein High School Rebels DMV
Carter Kaven 2026 Monte Vista ADVNC
Pierce Pape 2026 The Overlake School Seattle Starz Elite
Michael Bebie 2027 Rocky River High School Burning River Maroon
Kyler Boyle 2026 Hudson High School Burning River
FOGO
Jack Borgen 2026 Bemidji High School True Minnesota
Liam Craig 2025 Athens Drive Carolina Hilltoppers
DMID / Specialist
Ethan Curry 2025 North Raleigh Christian Academy Carolina Hilltoppers
LSM
Timothy Criddle – MVP 2025 Apex Friendship High School Red Devil United
Defense
Ellis Halpin 2025 Oregon Episcopal School Team Oregon
Parker Middleton 2026 Dublin Jerome True Ohio
Noah Burkhart 2025 Irondale True MN
Jacob Williams 2025 Fallston High School Susquehanna Stripers
Michael Lutton 2026 Corning Gaffer Elite
Jordi Giacobbe 2026 Eastside Catholic Advnc PNW
Goalie
Zachary Switzen 2026 John Jay High School True Westchester
Steve Preston 2025 Mountain View High School True Fredericksburg
