Harbeson, Baptiste, and Rambo are among eight picks in the PLL’s exciting inaugural campaign.
The Premier Lacrosse League season is on break. The first annual All-Star game will be played in Los Angeles on July 21st, and the regular season will resume in Denver on July 27 and 28. That makes it a good time to predict who’s excelling during PLL’s inaugural season.
Here are my picks for this year’s award winners.
Gait Brothers Midfielder of the Year, Patrick Harbeson, Redwoods LC. Harbeson won’t win because of his stats. Harbeson will win because he’s the X-factor in the Redwoods’ success. Harbeson is the ideal midfielder; he plays offense and defense and leads the transition. He always gets the 50-50 plays and flat out plays with hustle, like he has something to prove. Not the biggest name around, Harbeson is simply a difference-maker. Period.
Dave Pietramala Defensive Player of the Year, Blaze Riorden, Chaos LC. The numbers speak volumes. Riorden has the highest save percentage in the league, and he’s the reason why the Chaos are at the top of the league. Riorden is especially adept at making clean saves and launching the transition.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fx3uMyxlqPU
Brodie Merill Long Stick Midfielder of the Year, Scott Ratliff, Archers LC. Scott Ratliff is a gamer. There’s no other way to describe him. He’s third in the league in caused turnovers and has a consistent effect on faceoffs. He’s a vocal team leader, too. I could make an argument for Brodie Merrill getting his own award, but I’ll give the edge to Rat.
Dick Edell Coach of the Year, Andy Towers, Chaos LC. Towers has the best biceps in the league, too, but there’s no award for that. Going into the season, there were questions about how Towers would implement a traditional American offense with a large number of Canadians on the roster. But questions have been answered with results on the field. His Chaos are flying high and should go deep in the postseason.
Trevor Baptiste (photo, Twitter)
Paul Cantabene Face off Athlete of the Year, Trevor Baptiste, Atlas LC. What a no-brainer this was! Baptiste leads the league in faceoff percentage and is fifth in ground balls. He’s not only an All-Star, but he also received the most votes along with the Whipsnakes’ Matt Rambo. What sets Baptiste apart from others? He’s fast and a constant offensive threat.
George Boiardi Hard Hat Award, Mark Glicini, Chaos LC. Several guys qualify for this award, but Glicini is my pick. He’s a defender who gets in the middle of chaos (no pun intended) and helps get the ball to start the transition. What’s more, he puts his body on the line–a trait that can’t be ignored.
Welles Crowther Humanitarian Award, Kyle Harrison, Redwoods LC. Kyle Harrison is a fan’s idol. He’s inspiring, passionate, and puts everything he has into the game. He also excels off-the-field. Whether it’s through his foundation (Charm City Youth Lacrosse), being a leader for the LGBTQ Pride Initiative, or running clinics for Legends Lacrosse, Harrison gives 100% of himself. Harrison is everything you want in a pro lacrosse player…and more.
Jim Brown Most Valuable Player, Matt Rambo, Whipsnakes LC. My pick came down to Rambo and Jules Henneberg. Here’s why I gave Rambo the nod. He leads the league in points and assists and is the Whipsnakes’ focal point. Without Rambo, I don’t think the Whipsnakes would be 5-1 and, certainly, they wouldn’t have the same offense. One reason is field presence. Everybody is better when Rambo is on the turf. He’s having an MVP season, plain and simple.
