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PROSPECT WATCH
2015-06-07
The 2016 ECJLL Draft is loaded with talent. Here's a list of some notables that have been making an impact for their respective Midget clubs so far in 2015.
Prospect Watch
East Coast Junior Lacrosse League
June 7, 2015
Colin Beiswanger
With few game-ready draft eligible rookies in 2015, it is no surprise only a handful have been able to make legitimate impacts in their rookie seasons.
Connor Aquanno is the stand-alone leader of this group, keeping up with other rookies such as Bryson Knockwood and Alex Pace on the scoresheet. Mitch Batiste has shown some promise with his size and hands, but has only registered 1 G 2 A in six games so far this season. Both have benefitted from a young Wolves group looking to compete in 2016 and beyond.
Aside from these two, only four other players taken in the ECJLL Draft have logged minutes in the ECJLL as true rookies: Jacob Boudreau, Bret Himmelman, Tannger Morgan, and Alex Mitchell. It is worth noting that only players from organizations without a Junior level club are eligible for the ECJLL Draft.
Tanner Morgan has played in seven games for the Mi’kmaq Warriors and Alex Mitchell came on strong in relief to get a win for the Marley Lions after starter Brandon Deveau left with a neck injury.
That being said, the 2016 crop of eligible draftees has looked promising so far in 2015. The St. Margaret’s Bay Storm have put together a nice run so far in the Metro Minor Lacrosse League’s Midget Select division. Luckily for the ECJLL, all of these players are draft eligible. This past Saturday, the St. Margaret’s Bay Storm and Sackville Wolves squared off in Sackville, showcasing much of the talent that will load the first round of the ECJLL draft next March. With that, here are some of the players that have stood out over the course of this year in the MMLL:
Mitchell Broussard: With 20 points (13G 7A) in nine games played so far in 2015, Mitchell Broussard is a topic of hot discussion among ECJLL coaching staff. His athleticism may be unparalleled at the Midget level, and his stick-work is top level. He needs to work on relying less on his athleticism and more on creating opportunities for those around him. Once opportunities are created for others, his opportunities should increase as well. He could very well be taken in the first two picks next year.
Ryan MacDonald: Potentially the only goalie that will enter the 2016 draft, Ryan may also be the best goalie to make the leap overall. His provincial team pedigree doesn’t hurt, and he has good insticts. Look for a goalie-needy team to nab him somewhere in the Top 10, if not Top 5.
Matt Wilson: Matt has 25 points (17G 8A) in 10 games coming into Saturday’s contest. Arguably the best pick-and-roll player at the Midget level, Matt will be taken early in next year’s draft. His stats totals have been improving ever year, and his frame has been filling out. He could be a rookie that makes an immediate impact year one due to his smart play and knack for being in the right place at the right time and getting his teammates open shots.
Michael Anthony: Michael is known to have one of the best outside shots in the league, something that the Dartmouth Bandits have learned can be a difference so far in 2015. He has 22 points (13G 9A), and many of those goals and assists have come off plays involving Matt Wilson. Their chemistry is apparent, and the St. Margaret’s Bay Storm will be sad to see these two go.
Mark Seward: Seward is probably the best defensive commodity that will enter the 2016 ECJLL Draft, and his styled of play is similar to Marley Lions player Riley Ambrose. He is smart with the ball, and can push it up the floor in transition quickly. He has 24 points (10g 14 A), and will add to that total steadily playing with the Sackville Wolves.
Connor Dennis: Connor is a true wild card, his statistics suggest a mid-round grade, but his potential could put him in the Top 5 selections. After playing only two years, Connor won the hardest shot competition as a 14 year old in the Bantam skills competition at Box Lacrosse Nationals a couple years ago. It’s evident he always has his stick in his hand away from the rink, which can be hard to do when kids are caught up in many activities. If the season ended today and standings showed draft order, either the Sackville Wolves or Mi’kmaq Warriors very well could take Connor in the top two picks.
Honourable mentions:
Aidan Walsh has loads of potential on the left side, look for him to be taken in the top two rounds. Chris Duplisea has good instincts and a left shot, both valued in the ECJLL. Sean McNutt may be the fastest player in the draft, but injury concerns may push him down draft boards. Finally, Matt Beamish has good size and has played well for the SMB Storm so far this season.
East Coast Junior Lacrosse League
June 7, 2015
Colin Beiswanger
With few game-ready draft eligible rookies in 2015, it is no surprise only a handful have been able to make legitimate impacts in their rookie seasons.
Connor Aquanno is the stand-alone leader of this group, keeping up with other rookies such as Bryson Knockwood and Alex Pace on the scoresheet. Mitch Batiste has shown some promise with his size and hands, but has only registered 1 G 2 A in six games so far this season. Both have benefitted from a young Wolves group looking to compete in 2016 and beyond.
Aside from these two, only four other players taken in the ECJLL Draft have logged minutes in the ECJLL as true rookies: Jacob Boudreau, Bret Himmelman, Tannger Morgan, and Alex Mitchell. It is worth noting that only players from organizations without a Junior level club are eligible for the ECJLL Draft.
Tanner Morgan has played in seven games for the Mi’kmaq Warriors and Alex Mitchell came on strong in relief to get a win for the Marley Lions after starter Brandon Deveau left with a neck injury.
That being said, the 2016 crop of eligible draftees has looked promising so far in 2015. The St. Margaret’s Bay Storm have put together a nice run so far in the Metro Minor Lacrosse League’s Midget Select division. Luckily for the ECJLL, all of these players are draft eligible. This past Saturday, the St. Margaret’s Bay Storm and Sackville Wolves squared off in Sackville, showcasing much of the talent that will load the first round of the ECJLL draft next March. With that, here are some of the players that have stood out over the course of this year in the MMLL:
Mitchell Broussard: With 20 points (13G 7A) in nine games played so far in 2015, Mitchell Broussard is a topic of hot discussion among ECJLL coaching staff. His athleticism may be unparalleled at the Midget level, and his stick-work is top level. He needs to work on relying less on his athleticism and more on creating opportunities for those around him. Once opportunities are created for others, his opportunities should increase as well. He could very well be taken in the first two picks next year.
Ryan MacDonald: Potentially the only goalie that will enter the 2016 draft, Ryan may also be the best goalie to make the leap overall. His provincial team pedigree doesn’t hurt, and he has good insticts. Look for a goalie-needy team to nab him somewhere in the Top 10, if not Top 5.
Matt Wilson: Matt has 25 points (17G 8A) in 10 games coming into Saturday’s contest. Arguably the best pick-and-roll player at the Midget level, Matt will be taken early in next year’s draft. His stats totals have been improving ever year, and his frame has been filling out. He could be a rookie that makes an immediate impact year one due to his smart play and knack for being in the right place at the right time and getting his teammates open shots.
Michael Anthony: Michael is known to have one of the best outside shots in the league, something that the Dartmouth Bandits have learned can be a difference so far in 2015. He has 22 points (13G 9A), and many of those goals and assists have come off plays involving Matt Wilson. Their chemistry is apparent, and the St. Margaret’s Bay Storm will be sad to see these two go.
Mark Seward: Seward is probably the best defensive commodity that will enter the 2016 ECJLL Draft, and his styled of play is similar to Marley Lions player Riley Ambrose. He is smart with the ball, and can push it up the floor in transition quickly. He has 24 points (10g 14 A), and will add to that total steadily playing with the Sackville Wolves.
Connor Dennis: Connor is a true wild card, his statistics suggest a mid-round grade, but his potential could put him in the Top 5 selections. After playing only two years, Connor won the hardest shot competition as a 14 year old in the Bantam skills competition at Box Lacrosse Nationals a couple years ago. It’s evident he always has his stick in his hand away from the rink, which can be hard to do when kids are caught up in many activities. If the season ended today and standings showed draft order, either the Sackville Wolves or Mi’kmaq Warriors very well could take Connor in the top two picks.
Honourable mentions:
Aidan Walsh has loads of potential on the left side, look for him to be taken in the top two rounds. Chris Duplisea has good instincts and a left shot, both valued in the ECJLL. Sean McNutt may be the fastest player in the draft, but injury concerns may push him down draft boards. Finally, Matt Beamish has good size and has played well for the SMB Storm so far this season.