Lax Classic Features Aces From Maryland

By Tyler Alfriend

The 2008 Under Armour All-America Lacrosse Classic will take place July 12 at Towson University’s Johnny Unitas Stadium. The teams feature 88 high school players from all over the U.S. who are selected annually by Inside Lacrosse. The rosters include 25 players from Maryland who will compete on the South teams..The boys game will be nationally televised live on ESPNU at 8 p.m.

As always, there is strong Baltimore representation on both the South teams. This year’s classic will feature eight key players from Gilman, Loyola Blakefield, McDonogh, Boys’ Latin and Roland Park Country School.

Joey Ehrmann, Defense
Ehrmann has spent three years on Gilman’s varsity team, anchoring a defensive unit known for its aggressive play. This year Ehrmann stepped up for the Greyhounds and led them to a 19-1 record and to the No. 1 spot in numerous national polls. Ehrmann will take his prowess to Wake Forest, where he will compete on the football team.

Steele Stanwick, Attack
Despite playing with a broken thumb, Stanwick was able to cap an outstanding career at Loyola with a second straight victory in the 2008 Maryland Interscholastic Athletic Association championship game. Throughout the season, he was the quintessential balanced attack man, accumulating 26 goals and 22 assists. Stanwick, who has been regarded as one of the nation’s top young players since he entered high school in 2004, will play next season for coach Dom Starsia at Virginia.

Joe Cummings, Attack
As a major contributor and leader for the Loyola Dons throughout his time in high school, Cummings demonstrated his talent in this year’s MIAA championship game, notching three goals and one assist in the victory. He contributed in every game, accumulating 21 goals and 10 assists. He will continue his career as the newest member of a young and talented Maryland team.

Tyler Fiorito, Goalkeeper
Often referred to as the premier high school goalie in the country, McDonogh’s Fiorito demonstrated his immense talent game in and game out last season. In their loss to Gilman in the MIAA semifinals, Fiorito did all he could for the Eagles, stopping 21 shots and holding the explosive Greyhounds to only six goals. He closed out the year with 132 saves. Next season, he will continue to don the black and orange, stepping into the crease for Princeton.

Charlie McComas, Defense
A three-sport standout, McComas has held down the defense for the Boys’ Latin Lakers with his athleticism and leadership. After losing former Under Armour All-American teammates Alex Lyons and Travis Reed from the 2007 roster, McComas stepped up to lead the Lakers to a record of 13-7 for the 2008 season. This fall, McComas will head south to the University of North Carolina.

Courtney Kirk, Attack
As a senior leader on her Roland Park Country School team, Kirk accelerated the offense with her balanced attack, scoring 32 goals while accumulating 12 assists. She will take her dominating play to Vanderbilt this fall.

Liz Hamilton, Defense
Throughout this past season, Hamilton’s overpowering defense anchored a Roland Park Country School squad that is usually known for its offensive aptitude. Her play was not constricted to just her half of the field, however, as she recorded 10 goals and three assists. Hamilton will play under coach Cathy Reese at Maryland next season.

Rachel Serio, Midfield
Serio, a four-year starter at McDonagh, led the Eagles to an undefeated year in 2007 and to a 20-4 record this past season. In 2006 and 2007, Serio’s outstanding play was recognized as she was selected to the All-Galaxy first team. Next season, she will stay local and play for Johns Hopkins.

Issue 3.27: July 3, 2008