Speaking of High School Lacrosse...

Jeff Nelson has given us a preview of the Spalding at St. Mary's-Annapolis game on Thursday in Annapolis.

Players are not the only ones who matriculate from junior varsity to varsity. Consider first-year Spalding coach Zack Burke. The Cavaliers (4-0) are ranked No. 10 entering a game against No. 1 St. Mary's-Annapolis (9-0) on Thursday night.

Burke was the junior varsity coach last year. In his only season there, Burke took a group that went winless in the MIAA-A the year before and led them to an 8-5 league record.

At the same time, the varsity was busy going 1-9 in the league. This season, Burke has implemented a slew of strategic on-field changes and emphasized fundamentals and discipline, essentially the same things he did a year ago.

He also inherited some talent, including junior MF Kevin Cooper (verbal commitment to Maryland), senior MF Rich May (UMBC) and sophomore MF Brian Cooper, Kevin's younger brother.

"I think we've made strides," Burke said. "I really believe that. Whether we see it on Friday or not is still to be determined, but we're pretty confident in our ability."

The Saints went undefeated in their non-conference schedule. That included victories over defending IAC co-champion St. Albans, defending WCAC champion St. Mary's Ryken and traditionally strong Landon and DeMatha.

By Christian Swezey |  April 2, 2008; 5:15 PM ET  | Category:  High Schools
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