By Bradley Schlegel
Phillylacrosse.com, Posted 11/2/16
THE MATCH PLAYERS WHO SHINED – From left, Jake Suesserman (Blind Brook, N.Y), Ryan Flanegan (Lansdale Catholic, PA), Max DiFonzo (Springfield-Delco, PA), Jackson Miller (Saint Johns Catholic, MD).
Jake Suesserman – as one of the few players from New York – came to “The Match” Division III Showcase Sunday with something to prove.
“I just wanted to get an overall better feel for what the competition was and to represent my area and myself,” said Suesserman, a 2018 midfielder from Blind Brook, N.Y. and Top Side Snipers.
“Not a lot of people were from New York. And it was cool asking them where they were from. I played well, I played hard and I had fun.”
Nearly 80 players participated in the Heritage Lacrosse showcase event for more than 30 Division III coaches at the MSI Sports Village in Aston, Delaware County. The event featuired skills clinics from college coaches, 7v7 games and full field showcase games. Below are interviews with seven that shined. Click here for the All-Match team released Monday.
“I was dodging with my head up; I wasn’t afraid to attack the ball,” said Suesserman. “I was able to get to my left hand with ease. I was just focused on making the right play.”
Suesserman enjoyed the 7v7 format: “The 7-on-7 was awesome. I have never been to a clinic or showcase that had that before. It helped me get used to playing in space.”
Ryan Flanegan, 2019 ATT, Lansdale Catholic, PA / HEADstrong Quakers
What were your goals coming in and did you feel like you achieved them?
Flanegan: “Coming into today I just wanted to get a better feel for the recruiting process. The coaches here were very nice.”
What went well for you today?
Flanegan: “I worked on time and rim shooting. I am a side arm guy, but I really want to get better at overhand shooting. The seven on (seven drill) was awesome.”
What did you learn through the games or skill clinics that will help you moving forward?
Flanegan: “I learned to be a better person, become more well rounded, and focus on my academics and to work on other club things, like student council.”
Max DiFonzo, 2018 ATT, Springfield-Delco, PA
What were your goals coming in and did you feel like you achieved them?
DiFonzo: “I came in thinking that I have to move the ball, shoot (well), be a team player and stand out to college coaches. I think I did that.”
What went well for you today?
DiFonzo: “Passing the ball, moving my feet, getting more people involved rather than being a selfish player.”
What did you learn through the games or skill clinics that will help you moving forward?
DiFonzo: “That you can’t run the offense by yourself. You have to get other people involved.”
Jackson Miller, 2018 LSM, Saint John’s Catholic Prep, MD
What were your goals coming in and did you feel like you achieved them?
Miller: “My goal was to play well and make an impression on the coaches. I played in the Match last year so I knew the format and what to expect. I broke my back last February and missed the entire season. This was my first time playing an organized event in 10 months. I was excited to be here and I was extremely pleased with my play and conditioning.”
What went well for you today?
Miller: “A whole lot went well. I put a ton of pressure on the offense. I had a good transition game pushing the ball up and that’s something I wanted to improve and did.”
From left, Axell Beskar (Souderton, PA), Joey Dantonio (Garnet Valley, PA), Liam McKeever (Pennsbury, PA)
What did you learn through the games or skill clinics that will help you moving forward?
Miller: “Tucker Durkin showed us several defensive tips during the skills clinic that I will take forward. He’s my idol so to be taught by him and for him to watch me play was amazing.”
Axell Beskar, 2019 G, Souderton, PA/ Fusion Lacrosse
What were your goals coming in and did you feel like you achieved them?
Beskar: “My goals were to get more college expose and to improve my techniques and work on fundamental skills.”
What went well for you today?
Beskar: “I made a lot of good saves, and I think I got noticed. I made it a point to communicate with my teammates.”
What did you learn through the games or skill clinics that will help you moving forward?
Beskar: “I learned a new technique for stepping to the ball to make a save. I also learned about the college recruiting process and how to maximize my views by college coaches.”
Joey Dantonio, 2017 DEF, Garnet Valley, PA/ Jags Lax
What were your goals coming in and did you feel like you achieved them?
Dantonio: “I wanted to work real hard for the coaches, but some extra effort in. I think I got noticed.”
What went well for you today?
Dantonio: “Defense in general. I talked a lot. I’ve been working on my communication skills.”
What did you learn through the games or skill clinics that will help you moving forward?
Dantonio: “I learned a lot about footwork and how important it is.”
Liam McKeever, 2018 FO, Pennsbury, PA/ Arrowhead
What were your goals coming in and did you feel like you accomplished them?
McKeever: “My goal was to have fun and get exposure. I think I did both of them.”
What went well for you today?
McKeever: “I feel like I really played well. Also, by team went undefeated. It was a great experience.”
What did you learn through the games or skill clinics that will help you moving forward?
McKeever:“Communication is one of the biggest things in lacrosse. Moving the ball quickly is also a good thing.”