NLL Insider

Earlier I dropped a list of the Top 15 NLL Rookies to watch in the playoffs. That post wasn’t a ranking of players’ talent levels, rather a listing of players who could be difference makers when it matters most. In similar fashion, here is a look at the Top 15 NLL Sophomores to make note of in your game-day programs.

Boston and San Jose dominated the rookie watch-list. Going up against the league’s most experienced team in Buffalo, the Blazers also have a ton of sophomores to keep an eye out for. San Jose’s first-round opponent is young, too, with a number of second year players who jumped to the pro ranks early.

Paul Dawson, brother to Dan Dawson, is not listed below but deserves mention for Boston. The former goaltender turned defender has really improved his game in ‘09 and will log a lot of minutes this weekend.

Another sophomore who’s really stepped his game up and looked great this season is Portland’s Cory Conway. One year younger than rookie scoring leader Rhys Duch, Conway put up a solid 57 points this season. That’s 36 more points than he registered last year (in four extra games).

Portland’s Peter Jacobs will also be key to watch. The youngest player in NLL league history when he made his rookie debut as an 18-year-old last year, Jacobs had a relatively quiet season but he is not afraid to take the big shot and could be one of the biggest impact players this post-season.

Top 10 NLL Sophomores to Watch

1. Craig Point, Rochester F – Point hit a slump after capturing ROY last season, but he has picked up his game since signing with Rochester, including a three goal, four point performance in the Knighthawks’ last must-win. He also registered five points the last time Rochester faced New York.

2. Jordan Hall, New York T – A strong contender for Transition Player of the Year, the ‘07 first overall pick does it all for the Titans.

3. Cory Conway, Portland F – Second in team points, Conway will be relied on to score for the ‘Jax – something he did not do in three games last post-season.

4. Dane Dobbie, Calgary F – Finished fourth overall in league goal scoring.

5. Tyler Codron, Portland D – Arguably a Top 5 NLL defender going up against a potentially explosive offense in the SJ Stealth.

6. Jamie Rooney, Rochester F – Another ‘08 NLL All-Rookie Team selection, Rooney has a knack for scoring in the clutch.

7. Matt Lyons, Boston F – Having a fantastic campaign, Lyons will be asked to capitalize when DDD and DV deservedly grab the extra attention.

8. Peter Jacobs, Portland F – A bright young talent with scoring touch, Jacobs’ .20 shooting percentage is comparable to Dobbie’s .21.

9. Bobby McBride, Rochester T – Easily one of the league’s fastest players, McBride creates scoring opportunities.

10. Kyle Ross, Boston D – One of the league’s most aggressive defenders.

11-15

11. Mike Carnegie, Calgary D
12. Mitch Belisle, Boston D
13. Rory Smith, New York D
14. Kyle Schmelzle, Buffalo D
15. Tom Johnson, San Jose F

Links

The ‘09 NLL Playoffs kick off on May 1 with San Jose at Portland and New York hosting Rochester. For more in-depth coverage stay dialed to the NLL Insider and check out some of these recent articles:

- Chavez: Playoff Preview
- Tutka: West and East Preview.
- Shanny’s Take
- Jenner’s Guess-O-Matic
- Dowling: Special Teams

An All-America at Simon Fraser and a decorated Jr. A player for Coquitlam, Kojima began covering lacrosse in 2003 and started working for Inside Lacrosse in 2007. Email him at steve.kojima@nllinsider.com or go to www.laxfuj.com.

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