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By Chris Goldberg
Phillylacrosse.com, Posted 6/29/22Seamus Breslin wants to be known as an all-around attackman. Showing that to college coaches was one of his major goals heading into Friday’s Victory Events Gold Standard Showcase at Calvert Regional Park in North East, MD.
“I wanted to display in all the drills, and as the day opened I was trying to get guys around me involved through passing while also working hard on my rides,” said the 2023 from Blak Widow and Wilson High. “I want to be seen as not just an offensive player, but that I can work on the defensive side.”
The college coaches took notice of Breslin’s versatility by voting him as the Showcase MVP (see the All-Showcase team at bottom).
What did he show the coaches?
“I think my dodging ability behind X is coming along; it’s something I have been working on in the off-season,” said Breslin, who had 27 goals and 19 assists this spring for a Wilson team that won its 10th straight Berks League championship. “I knew there were some plays I didn’t make in the season that I could have made, so I specifically wanted to improve there.
“I think I displayed my quickness around defenders. I also am working on shot placement; rather than focusing on how hard the shot is. I want it to be more accurate.”
Breslin said his showcase team Friday was strong in all areas.
“My team was really well organized with a good defense, a good goalie and a good FOGO and it made it a little bit easier for us on offense to play our game,” he said. “We got to see what our strengths were.”
Breslin is gearing for the Victory Events Liberty National Elite Showcase on July 15 at Kirkwood Sports Club, near Wilmington. Then he’ll focus on zeroing in on a college destination.
“For me the decision starts with academics; there’s a life after lacrosse and it’s extremely important that I find a school that fits my academics,” he said. “I am interested in marketing, then I want a lacrosse program that has a history of success and is a proven championship contender.
“I want to know what the coaching staff has to offer. As far as location, I am willing to branch out. And divisions don’t matter; I understand how competitive each division is. There are a lot of teams that are interchangeable and can compete with anybody.”
Breslin said two of his biggest attributes are his energy and leadership.
“I think one thing you can undeniably hear is that when the going got tough, I always brought energy,” he said. “I am an energy guy and I try to show the young guys the standards they have to play up to for the level of success we expect at Wilson.
“It’s not just given (that we win). We do have to work for it.”
Others who excelled at the Gold Standard:
Johnny Soi, 2023 MF, NY Reign/Rondout Valley High School, NY
“I was able to use my speed to make things happen in transition and my teammates were able to get me the ball coming out of the box with a full head of steam. I learned how important it is to play at high speed – not just when trying to score – but breaking for outlet passes, racing your guy to box, and picking up 1st time GBs. I saw how all those little things can make or break a game.”
Ben Lisi, 2024 LSM, SouthShore/St. Augustine Prep, NJ
“I felt like I brought the energy and focus I needed to perform at the best of my abilities. I felt learned to adapt and learn on the fly with the coaches and teammates on my team. Having that ability will help me in the future.”
Gold Standard All-Showcase
MVP: Seamus Breslin, ATT ATTACK Xander Monarrez 2024 HEADstrong SJ Solanco High School, PA Seamus Breslin 2023 Blak Widow Wilson High School, PA Jacob Spiritoso 2024 HEADstrong SJ Sterling High School, NJ MIDFIELD Johnny Soi 2023 NY Reign Rondout Valley High School, NY Vincent Reaver 2024 Team Maryland Catoctin High School, MD Benjamin McGrath 2023 Unity Cortland High School, NY DEFENSE Johnny Mink 2023 Dukes Young Guns Haddonfield High School, NJ Ethan Moore 2023 Burning River Hudson High School, NY Jackson Ryan 2024 Gonzo Southwestern High School, MD FOGO James Stanton 2024 Upstate Salt Kings CBA Syracuse, NY LSM Ben Lisi 2024 SouthShore St. Augustine Prep, NJ David Turnbull 2024 Team Maryland Linganore High School, MD GOALIE Jack Rawleigh 2025 3D Upstate McQuaid Jesuit, NY Will Entner 2023 Bearcats LC Bel Air High School, MD
