Good morning. Here's the latest from the lacrosse world:
1. We continued our lead up to #BestofLax2022 by reliving a comeback for the ages.
In a fantastic oral history compiled by Beth Ann Mayer, players and coaches from the historic North Carolina comeback against Northwestern in May’s NCAA semifinals recount the big moments and how their teams dealt with adversity.
2. Connor Shellenberger is the top player in the men’s game, according to Inside Lacrosse.
Wrapping up its ranking of the top 50 men’s players headed into 2023, IL named the Virginia attackman No. 1, largely because he’ll be the clear top option for the Cavaliers this spring.
3. Cornell’s schedule dropped, and it’s missing a key rival.
For the first time since 1978 — not counting the COVID-altered schedules of 2020 and 2021 — Cornell will not play Syracuse. In dropping Cornell, Syracuse has added Princeton.
More on Cornell’s schedule here.
4. The NLL begins this weekend, but another box league is nearing its start, too.
The Professional Box Lacrosse Association (PBLA), a fledgling indoor league, begins its inaugural campaign on Thursday, Dec. 29. You can see the league’s full schedule here.
WHAT WE’RE READING
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ESPN went all-in on lacrosse in 2022, becoming a must-have subscription for both the casual and diehard fan of the sport.
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Maverik Lacrosse’s “max” protection line has been updated to account for both comfort and maneuverability while still providing the same top-tier protection.
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Inside Lacrosse’s indoor team has ranked the top 30 defenders and transition players heading into the 2022-23 season.
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Lacrosse Bucket’s Tanner Demling identified five under-the-radar men’s teams to watch for this spring.
WHAT WE’RE WATCHING
Premier Lacrosse League co-founder Paul Rabil appeared on “The Joe Pomp Show,” a podcast at the intersection of sports and business.
New episode with @PaulRabil is live!
— Joe Pompliano (@JoePompliano) November 30, 2022
Paul was the 1st pick in the 2008 Major League Lacrosse draft, but his rookie wage was just $6,000.
So Paul and his brother Mike are building a new league (@PremierLacrosse).
The craziest part? It's working.
WATCH: https://t.co/cutGcAnRnl pic.twitter.com/kgXVIpqEYr
WHAT’S ON TAP
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Our preseason NLL Power Rankings with a West Coast team occupying the top spot.
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Justin Feil spoke with the Long siblings — Alyssa and Kyle — on how their upbringing helped them contribute to undefeated national champions in May.