Whipsnakes Lacrosse Club
Despite finishing first in the regular season a year ago, Whipsnakes look more vulnerable on paper than in some time. The roster had a few glaring weaknesses, especially on offense, and the blueprint was there to beat the Snakes when it mattered most.
Head coach Jim Stagnitta went a long way in addressing those issues in this draft. Georgetown’s Tucker Dordevic is an exciting attacking talent that will pique fans’ interest. He’s a dynamic goal scorer and dodger who can also fill in off-ball. Dordevic has mostly played attack the last two seasons, but he’ll likely be a high-end midfielder in the PLL.
Whipsnakes also addressed a need at faceoff in the second round with Virginia’s Petey LaSalla. Star faceoff man Joe Nardella tore his ACL in December, leaving Whipsnakes with a glaring hole at the stripe. LaSalla is one of the most accomplished faceoff men in NCAA history and provides a similar offensive punch to Nardella.
Duke midfielder Garrett Leadmon, selected in the third round, is another talented midfielder who should bolster Whipsnakes attack out of the box. He’s played every midfield role imaginable as a Blue Devil, so he’ll provide additional value as a potential two-way threat.
Albany long pole Elijah Gash is a high-upside flier in the fourth round. While Whipsnakes are set defensively, getting a talented young pole in the room is important for depth and long term development.
There’s not much to critique with Stagnitta’s draft. Whipsnakes never pick near the top, so access to premium talent will always be limited. But this crop should do well in bolstering the league’s best club this summer.
Best Pick: Tucker Dordevic (Midfield), Georgetown (1st Round)
Overall Grade: A+
