Why is Tyler Fiorito #1 in the SI/Takkle Boys Lacrosse Top 100?

In a recent game against highly-touted St. Paul's of Baltimore, McDonough School (Owing Mills, Md.) goalie Tyler Fiorito showed why he is considered the best high school lacrosse player in the country.

With his team clinging to a one-goal lead in the third quarter, a St. Paul's attacker broke free in front of the crease and wound up for what looked like a certain game-tying goal. But Fiorito -- who his coach Scott Corrigan calls "the best goalie he has ever seen at this level" -- raised his stick and his team with an amazing save, preserving the lead for the Tigers, and shifting the momentum. The Eagles went on to win 9-6.

"It's a scary thought to think of where'd we be right now without him," Corrigan said. "There's just no way to measure how much he means to this program."
But Fiorito, a Princeton commit who is the nation's top lacrosse player in the Sports Illustrated/Takkle Top 100 rankings, shies away from individual accolades. Corrigan, who coached current University of Virginia goalie Bud Petit when he was in high school, calls Fiorito's instincts "unmatched," but what has really impressed him is the way he has become a vocal leader for the defense.

"It's to the point where I don't even have to worry about the defense that much anymore because I know Tyler's got it," Corrigan said.
Blue Chip Lacrosse head scout Jake Reed says that Fiorito guided a team that had at best average talent last year through the toughest lacrosse league in the country -- the Maryland Interscholastic Athletic Association A Conference -- and into the playoffs. With last week's win against St. Paul's, the Eagles appear to be on the verge of making the playoffs again.
"Last year, we had a lot of young guys on the team, especially on defense, that really lacked experience, but I think they've improved greatly this season," Fiorito said. "I think that I am as proud of their development as I am of anything I've done this year."
Princeton is next for Fiorito, and Corrigan knows that he is going to leave a void -- and not only on the field.

"I'm definitely going to miss him when he's gone," Corrigan said. "I trust and respect him, so much so that I let him babysit my kids."

Other Top Goalies

Steve Rastivo,Ward Melville (East Setauket, N.Y.) High
The Penn State signee is widely considered to be the second-best goalie in the country. A bit flashier in the cage, Rastivo is quick and constantly in motion. An excellent vocal leader as well, Rastivo has made Ward Melville into a power in New York's Suffolk County's Division I.

A.J. Fiore, Ithaca (N.Y.) High
Fiore, a Cornell commit, seems a little awkward in goal at times, but he is effective. He is not nearly as athletic as Fiorito or Rastivo, but he is fearless and makes all the saves that he should make.

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A look at the top prep prospects for this summer's amateur MLB draft

The Major League Baseball amateur draft is still five weeks away, but many of the best high school seniors in the country are putting the finishing touches on their already impressive resumes.

Here's a rundown of the nation's top high school prospects and where they could land in the draft.

Tim Beckham, SS, Griffin High (Kennesaw, Ga.)

Considered by many to be the top high school player in the country, Beckham is a smooth athlete who has all the tools to be a big-time player at shortstop. He runs well, hits with some power, is already a top-notch fielder and has a smooth stroke that could turn him into a tremendous offensive player. His speed, his defense, and the position he plays has many Major League scouts salivating. Beckham has signed with Southern California, but don't expect him to make it to become a Trojan. He's a little raw, but he's too good to pass up.

Prediction: Top 5 pick

Eric Hosmer, 1B, American Heritage School (Cooper City, Fla.)

Hosmer is the best high school power hitter in the country. At 6-foot-4, the left-handed Hosmer has the potential to become a home run hitter at the next level. Although a little suspect with the glove, his potential for power is great enough to get him into the Top 10. However, he is represented by Scott Boras, who's clients tend to fall in the draft out of fear of rough negotiations.

Prediction: Top 10 pick

Gerritt Cole, RHP, Orange Lutheran High (Santa Ana, Calif.)

Cole has the best pure stuff of any high school pitcher. He can throw 95 mph, has a biting breaking ball that comes in the low 80s and is developing a change-up. He throws a heavy sinking fastball that will break a lot of bats at the next level. Cole's control is sometimes scattershot, but that should improve as his mechanics get better. An aggressive competitor with a three-quarters delivery, there is some question as to whether Cole's future lies as a front of the rotation starter or a back of the bullpen closer.

Prediction: Top 10 pick

Tim Melville, RHP, Holt High (Wentzville, Mo.)

Melville, who has signed with North Carolina, would also be a corner-infield prospect if he didn't throw a 95-mph fastball and a fantastic curve. A prototype starting pitcher with great size (6-5, 205 pounds), a big arm and a low-effort delivery, he pitches more than he throws. Although his stuff is a little weaker than Cole's, the smoothness of his delivery and his front-of-the-rotation potential may make him a safer pick.

Prediction: Top 10 pick

Kyle Skipworth, C, Patriot High (Riverside, Calif.)

Skipworth is a left-handed hitting catcher who is a better hitter than a catcher at this point. Most catchers at this stage of their development are good receivers who have to learn how to be good hitters. His defense is improving, but make no mistake, it is his smooth left-handed power swing that will keep Skipworth in the top half of the first round.

Prediction: Top 15 pick

Kyle Lobstein, LHP, Coconino High (Flagstaff, Ariz.)

Outside of the University of San Diego's Brian Matusz, Lobstein is the best left-handed pitching prospect in the 2008 draft. He has a low-90s fastball, with a solid change and good breaking ball, all of which he can throw consistently for strikes. At 6-3, 180, he already has a major league body. Although his ceiling may not be as high as Cole or Melville's, he is the most complete high school pitcher in the draft.

Prediction: Top 10 pick

Casey Kelly, SS, Sarasota (Fla.) High

Kelly's a quality pitcher, but his future at the next level probably lies in the infield, just like his father, Pat, who played eight years in the majors. Casey has a smooth swing and could develop into a top-notch power hitter. Some scouts say he will eventually shifted from shortstop to third base. Kelly also signed with the University of Tennessee as a quarterback. The lure of SEC football makes him the player most likely on this list to actually attend college and could lead to him falling on some draft boards.

Prediction: Top 20 pick

Anthony Gose, LHP, Bellflower High (Bellflower, Calif.)

With a good fastball and breaking ball, Gose also has potential as an outfielder, but he's extremely raw and could use a little more seasoning. Most likely a bullpen guy at the next level. He has signed with Arizona.

Prediction: Late first round pick

Aaron Hicks, OF, RHP, Wilson High (Long Beach, Calif.)

One of the more intriguing prospects in the draft, Hicks has good speed and above-average power potential, but he also has a 94 mph fastball and a good curveball. He lacks control and his offensive skills are extremely raw. He might end up at USC.

This article can also be found on Sports Illustrated.

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Who's the better midfielder in the Takkle Boys Lax Top 100

Throwdown Posted from Takkle.com

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Who's the better attacker in the HS Lax Top 100

Throwdown Posted from Takkle.com

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TAKKLE Throwdown of the Day 4-9-08 : Who's the better Top 100 Shortstop

Throwdown Posted from Takkle.com

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Tristan Thomspon: Committs early to the Texas Longhorns

Highly-regarded sophomore forward Tristan Thompson ended his recruitment early by committing to Texas, according to the Austin American-Statesman. Thompson, who is originally from California, but plays for St. benedict’s High in Newark, N.J., is considered one of the top players in the entire class of 2010.

"He's a big Kevin Durant fan," Thompson's AAU coach, Ro Russell, told the Statesmen. "And he was impressed by (UT assistant) Rodney Terry and (head coach) Rick Barnes."

- Kudos to Fort Worth’s North Crowley High guard Willie Warren and the Panthers, who advanced to the Class 5A state tournament by trouncing Midland Lee. Warren scored a school-record 47 points in the victory. Former Kansas star Keith Langford previously held the record with a 45 point performance.

"My teammates put me in a position to score. They gave me the opportunity to do this," Warren told the Dallas Morning News. "I had 30 at halftime, and they all could have said, 'Willie's got his, now it's time to get mine.' But we've all been unselfish all year."

This came after Warren led a balanced scoring attack with 17 points in a semifinal win against previously fourth-ranked Duncanville High.

"The only thing that makes this a big deal is the respect we have for Duncanville," North Crowley coach Tommy Brakel told the Fort-Worth Star Telegram after the game.

- In the weekend’s biggest upset, Jordan Hamilton and Compton’s Dominguez High toppled California powerhouse Mater Dei 63-60 in the CIF Southern Section championship game.

Dominguez, which won its 10th CIF-SS boys basketball championship, improved to 28-2. Mater Dei is 31-1. Both teams play in the CIF Southern California Regionals next week.

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Mason Plumlee announces he will be a Duke Blue Devil

Junior big man Mason Plumlee announced this week that he will be headed to Duke. The Class of 2009 power forward went to Durham for an unofficial visit almost two weeks ago and was greeted by the Cameron Crazies, who chanted his name.

“It was just pretty awesome,” Plumlee told the Asheville Citizen (Coach Mike Krzyzewski) told me to expect it, but I still wasn’t sure they would do it. It was a great feeling and one of the highlights of the trip. It was a really good visit.”

Plumlee, who attend the Christ School in Arden, N.C., is the first player to commit to the Blue Devils in the class of 2009. Other Duke targets include American Heritage (FL) guard Kenny Boynton and Washington (Va.) power forward Deshawn Painter. Plumlee, who is originally from Indiana, was accompanied by his parents when announcing the decision.

"Just getting to meet and talk with Coach (Mike Krzyzewski) was the biggest thing for myself and my family," Plumlee said. "The whole staff is great and I love the campus. I'm really looking forward to everything about Duke."

Plumlee’s older brother, Christ School (N.C.) senior forward Miles Plumlee, committed to Stanford in June.

- Campbell Hall (Ca.) senior Jrue Holiday was a beast in his squads playoff win over La Canada High. The UCLA-bound Holiday tallied 24 points, 12 rebounds and five assists for the Vikings.
"Honestly, it's games like the one tonight that separate Jrue from the rest of the top players in the country,'' Campbell Hall Coach Terry Kelly told the Los Angeles Times. "I've never been around a more unselfish player. He makes everyone around him better, always has.''

- Oklahoma-bound senior Willie Warren scored 25 points for Fort Worth’s North Crowley High as the Panthers topped El Paso Americas Tuesday night. The win by the Panthers (34-1) sets up a monster match-up with Duncanville (35-1) in the Texas state semifinals. Duncanville is the number 4 team in the country according SI.com

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Nate Miles - committed, but may never play for UConn?

The saga of former Patterson School shooting gaurd Nate Miles is ongoing, but the NCAA Clearinghouse's decision to not clear Miles to play as of yet could prevent the 6-7 UConn commit from ever playing in Storrs, CT.

Miles was kicked off the team at Patterson in December, a move that coach Chris Chaney said at the time was made so Miles could focus on his academics. Miles' stated goal since the summer was to graduate in time from Patterson to be eligible to play for the Huskies in the winter semester this season. Miles graduated from the Patterson School, the sixth high school for the Toledo, Ohio, native, yesterday, but despite having a qualifying ACT score, the Clearinghouse has not cleared him as of yet.

Norwich Bulletin staff writer Matt Stout wrote in his Huskies blog that although the Clearinghouse has not accepted Miles as of yet, they have not rejected him, either. UConn plans to present more information to the Clearinghouse officials in an attempt to get Miles onto the roster. But, according to Stout, time is of the essence. If the Clearinghouse does not act soon, meaning in the next couple of days, Miles will be ineligible for the second semester, which would greatly diminish his chances of ever playing for the Huskies.

- Meanwhile, back at the Patterson School, the Bulldogs are doing just fine, thank you. In one of the feature games of this weekend's HoopHall tournament in Springfield, Mass., Patterson upended John Riek and the Winchendon School 68-67 on Sunday behind 21 points from Arkansas-bound point guard Courtney Fortson. Riek had a nice game as well, going for 14 points and 11 rebounds. Fortson said earlier in the season that the goal for Patterson this year was to go undefeated, and the Bulldogs ran their record to 23-0 on the season with the win on Saturday. And just to add to Patterson's banner weekend, forward Darius Johnson won the Slam Dunk competition during the skills challenge. Not a bad weekend overall for the Bulldogs.

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The Terrelle Pryor Dispute: back to basketball on Monday

Let’s start with saying this: There is absolutely no shame in being the 16th best high school football player in the country.

Jeannete (Pa.) wunderkind Terrelle Pryor is without question the best unsigned high school football player in the country right now, and his quest to find a school to call home for at least the next three years has lit the sports world ablaze.

He is touted as the best player in the country by several rankings services, and it’s easy to see why. He is a tremendous athlete, who at 6-6, 220 has the prototype size and requisite huge arm to be an impact player at the next level. But in the SI/TAKKLE.com rankings, Pryor is listed as the number 16 player in the country, and Sports Illustrated felt compelled to explain why he is rated so low to its readership. Rarely will scouts explain why one particular player is rated ahead of another, Offense-Defense Football scout Bill Urbanik explained his O-D’s decision to SI’s Andy Staples.

"O-D is not disputing [Pryor's] brilliance," Urbanik said in a story featured on SI.com. "We're not disputing anything about him. What we're looking at is the player he'll be four years from now."
At the end of the day, regardless of whether he is considered to be the best quarterback, best athlete or best overall player in the high school class of 2008, Pryor will soon make a decision. He’s scheduled to take a visit to Michigan this weekend, and next weekend he could be on the road again. But regardless, he will sign with a school soon, and then he will have to go about the process of proving himself all over again.

Video Posted from Terrelle's Gallery on Takkle.com

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The rankings conundrum

Like seemingly most things in high school, high school basketball player rankings appear at times to be both completely arbitrary and vitally important.

But let’s not just take my word for it. Several players in the SI/TAKKLE Top 25 player ratings, um, tackled the question of the importance of rankings.

“Rankings matter somewhat standpoint, but you always have to prove yourself. Everybody has to prove themselves all over again when they get to college. I try not to pay too much attention to them.” – Xavier Henry, shooting guard, Putnam City (Ok.) High School.

“I really don’t care that much about them. A lot of what goes into those rankings is just politics, so you can’t really concern yourself too much with who is ranked ahead of whom. Whether I’m up or down. Those guys won’t get the best of Willie Warren.” –Willie Warren, shooting guard, North Crowley (Fort Worth, Tex.) High School.

“I kept hearing people say that I was lazy, or that I didn’t play hard all the time, and that just made me more determined to prove them wrong. I sort of rededicated myself to basketball after that. People can say what they want about rankings and who’s better than who and all that. I’m just going to keep playing hard. I’m the same player I’ve always been.” – Yancy Gates, power forward, Withrow (Cincinnati, Ohio) High School.

- Speaking of Gates, the 6-9 University of Cincinnati signee threw several bouquets toward AAU teammate B.J. Mullens of Canal Winchester High School in Ohio. “He’s a 7-footer, but he can do a lot of things that other guys that big can’t do. He really runs the floor well and gets up off the floor quickly. He’s just a great player.”

Of course it’s easy to laud another player when you have just outplayed him on the court, as Gates did this month as Withrow topped Canal Winchester 58-57. Gates had 25 points and 12 rebounds, while Mullens finished with 16 points and 19 boards.

Video Posted from Yancy's Gallery on Takkle.com

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Dexter Strickland - Commits to North Carolina Amidst Struggles

St. Patrick’s of Elizabeth guard Dexter Strickland (ranked 13th in the Sports Illustrated/TAKKLE.com player rankings) was a revelation on the summer circuit. The junior guard, who had spent the first two years of his high school career in the shadow of stars Corey Fisher and Jeff Robinson, was dominant at the adidas Phenom 150 camp and came into this season at St. Pat’s with a mountain of hype surrounding him.

But some say Stickland, who gave a verbal commitment to North Carolina Sunday at the Super 6 tournament at Madison Square Garden – an event that Tar Heels coach Roy Williams attended – has struggled this year with the burden of being the Celtics’ top gun.

“I think that he used to benefit from neglect,” High School Basketball Insider editor Tom Konchalski said in a recent interview. “He’s not totally comfortable being ‘the man.’ In the past, he was the designated defender at St. Pat’s, but now he is the primary offensive threat. I really think that he misses Corey Fisher and Jeff Robinson. But he is still a really good player.”

Perhaps committing to North Carolina will relieve some of the pressure.

Other notes from the Super 6:

- Gutty win by Mount Vernon over Patterson Catholic in the first game of the event. West Virginia-commit Kevin Jones was the most impressive player in the entire event with 25 points, 19 rebounds and five steals in the Knights comeback 66-60 win.

- Tough weekend for St. Raymond’s of the Bronx.. After coming into the week undefeated, the Ravens dropped two tough games in two days. On Saturday, Rice High of Manhattan topped the Ravens in overtime 81-74 behind 29 points from UConn-bound guard Kemba Walker. Then on Sunday, St. Patrick’s beat St. Ray’s 64-56 behind 25 points from Kansas-bound forward Quintrell Thomas. “We couldn’t throw the ball in the Hudson River today,” St. Ray’s coach Oliver Antigua said.

- St. Benedict’s forward Samardo Samuels (Ranked 3rd in the Sports Illustratesd/TAKKLE.com player rankings) sat out the first quarter of the Gray Bees highly-anticipated match-up with Rice in the finale at the Super 6 for internal disciplinary reasons, but he made his presence felt at the end, converting a key three-point play to lead St. Benedict’s over Rice 55-52. It was a big win for the Gray Bees, who had lost earlier in the week to Pennsylvania’s Academy of the New Church. "It was a rollercoaster week," St. Benedict's coach Dan Hurley said. "We're not used to losing in our program. We handled it well today."

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High School BBall on Display in NYC - Nike Super Six Tripleheader

Madison Square Garden is the site for this weekend’s annual Nike Super Six tripleheader, and the match-ups should have national ramifications. Four teams ranked in Sports Illustrated High School Basketball Top 25 rankings will be in action, including top-ranked St. Benedict’s Prep (Newark, N.J.) and its standout senior forward Samardo Samuels.


The Gray Bees will take on No 8. Rice High of Manhattan in the final game of the day. Rice, led by UConn-bound senior point guard Kemba Walker, rolled to tournament victories at the Bay Ball Classic in Delaware and Iolani Classic in Honolulu, but were lost last week to city rival and defending CHSAA champion Christ the King of Queens (yes, the King of Queens). St. Benedict’s is undefeated under Coach Danny Hurley and has played one of the toughest schedules in the country. Expect them to stay that way, as Rice will have hard time defending the Louisville-bound Samuels, who is the Number 3 player in the country according to TAKKLE.com/Sports Illustrated player rankings.


Also at Sunday’s Garden party, No. 4 St. Patrick’s of Elizabeth will face surprising St. Raymond’s of the Bronx. St. Pat’s is the defending New Jersey state champs, but St. Raymond’s has gotten off to a surprising 11-0 start behind guard Truck Bryant, and have skyrocketed from unranked to the 11 spot in this week’s rankings. The Ravens will put up a fight, but St. Pat’s and returning all-everything junior guard Dexter Strickland should be too much.


Patterson Catholic will face Mount Vernon in the other game of the day. St. Ray's and Rice are also set to match-up in a Saturday afternoon, regularly scheduled CHSAA game. (CHSAA - Catholic High Schools Athletic Association).

Video Posted from Samardo's Gallery on Takkle.com

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The TAKKLE Squad Welcomes Brandon Lilly!

Check out this article from TAKKLE's Brandon Lilly, featuring Top-25 prospect Xavier Henry, on SI.com. Henry is currently ranked 21st on the Sports Illustrated TAKKLE Top 25 High School Basketball Player Rankings.

Check back here on Friday for Brandon's inaugural post on The Takkle Squad.

Video Posted from Xavier 's Gallery on Takkle.com

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