Navy Insider Checks In
Former DeMatha coach Dick Long was a member of the Navy team that won the national title in 1967. He recently was inducted into the Potomac Chapter of U.S. Lacrosse's Hall of Fame and sent dozens of players to play in college, including two Division I all-American midfielders last year (Navy's Billy Looney and Johns Hopkins's Paul Rabil).
Navy played one of its best games of the year. Coach Richie Meade and his staff had an excellent game plan and are to be congratulated. Navy was ready and it showed.
The Midshipmen were aggressive, intense and their defense continues to be one of the best in the country. Junior G Tommy Phelan makes the big stops and Navy's close-in defense, longpole as well as two short stick middies are athletic and just exceptional.
North Carolina was taken out of its game flow and not until the end of each half did it get the sense of urgency it needed. It was a question of time and the Tar Heels couldn't finish when they needed it.
Navy scored half of their goals in loose ball or transition situations. This isn't luck but because Navy hustled and was opportunistic when it counted. Tim Paul is coming into his own as he is carrying the ball very well and is always looking to attack.
I haven't seen the shot totals but Navy was as aggressive as I have seen them this year in taking quality shots. I believe opposing teams are all being "slow to go" on off-ball slides as they believe they can play Navy man-to-man w/o slides.
Navy is now stepping up and the quality and quantity of shots against Zimmerman were 10 times better than against Hopkins.
This is important because the score could have been greater if Navy had finished a few more of their shots. They had their hands free and good angles... just with Zimmerman you need to shoot for corners. Good news is they were beating their men out top and getting good looks. That will make future opponents a little more wary of not sliding. If slides come then Navy can go back to hitting in-tight assisted goals.
Navy's midfielders are playing with more confidence and it made a difference. Shane Durkin on the 2nd midfield makes defenses look slow as his quickness and speed are something Navy needs to capitalize on. I still get nervous on their slow down offense especially when opposing teams press out.
Navy may want to look for dedicated ball carriers in these situations as some of the guys just aren't fast or deceptive enough to take time off the clock.
Navy is in a good bracket to make it to Foxborough. Play to win and with the heart and character of this team they may surprise a lot of people.
By Christian Swezey |
May 12, 2008; 12:59 PM ET
| Category:
Navy
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Posted by: Mike | May 12, 2008 1:20 PM
Christian -- Thank you for the Dick Long post. I listened to the Navy-UNC game on the radio Saturday night and was looking forward to Sunday's sports section. Perhaps, "Navy Holds on to Upend Tarheels in Thriller." But all I saw was a a big article on Maryland, and a little-bitty, teensy-weensy blip on Navy buried at the end. Can't wait til Saturday. Break the Curse. Beat Hopkins!
Posted by: NavyLaxFan | May 12, 2008 2:12 PM
Hey Christian - I like the blog and I know there's a D1 slant but how about a mention for Coach Berkman at Salisbury - now the all-time winningest coach in Lacrosse history with 327 who just past ex Army coach Jack Emmers?
Posted by: Across the Bay Bridge | May 12, 2008 3:15 PM
NavyLaxFan:
I was disappointed not to have been sent to Chapel Hill, N.C. If Navy were our only team in the tournament it would have been one thing. But with UMd and Hopkins playing locally, my editors thought it more prudent to stay closer to home.
Also, one reason why I am more grateful than usual to Dick Long is that his writing for the blog makes up for our lack of coverage of Navy's win in the daily paper.
Thanks for the feedback and for reading the paper and the blog...
CS
Posted by: Christian | May 12, 2008 4:13 PM
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Fantastic post, and I agree with everything. The offense looked much better for 3 quarters. Actually getting free in front of the crease instead of just firing desperation heaves from too far away. Can't wait for Hopkins.