Tewaarton Watch: McIntosh, Noble Lead Race

4-17-14 Tewaaraton Watch 

Ben McIntosh, M, Drexel (32 goals, 10 assists, 42 points, 34 percent)—McIntosh is one of the most underrated players on one of the most underrated teams in the nation. Drexel’s offense features a good mix of weapons that can create their own chances. McIntosh stands out because he is a smooth finisher with great range, quick hands, and will take contact dashing towards the crease. He added two goals in the Dragons 13-9 win over UMass

Jeremy Noble, M, Denver (11 goals, 20 assists, 31 points, 35 groundballs, 14 caused turnovers)—The Pioneers are poised to return to the NCAA Tournament. Part of that comes from the play of Noble on both ends of the field. He leads Denver in assists, but his play off the ball is just as important. The British Columbia native plays on the wings for faceoffs and has no troubles playing in the defensive end.

Brian Feeney, G, Penn (6-3, 9.53 Goals-Against Average, 53 percent)—Feeney has awoken from his winter woes and blossomed with the warming spring weather. Credit the coaching staff for sticking with their goaltender through his early struggles. The Ivy League remains one of the most competitive conferences, but Feeney has shown he is up to the task. His 13-save performance in Penn’s upset of Harvard will be critical to the playoff push.

John Glesener, M, Army (29 goals, 12 assists, 41 points, 126 shots)—While the Black Knights are one of the best teams at keeping the ball out of the cage, they have one of the best players at putting the ball in the back of the net. Glesener is a mobile big man who can gain momentum charging downhill. He loves to shoot whenever he gets open space, almost to a fault that is. If Army hopes to win the Patriot League, Glesener must continue to pressure opposing defenses.

Kevin Rice, A, Syracuse (22 goals, 26 assists, 48 points, 37 percent)—How clutch has Kevin Rice been? He has served as the spear of attack for the potent Orange offense and helped guide them back into the postseason discussion. He averaged 6.5 points in two games (Cornell and North Carolina), include the game tying goal against UNC.

John LoCascio, LSM, Villanova (57 ground balls and 26 caused turnovers, 4 goals, 11 assists, 15 points)—While the Wildcats have had a rollercoaster of a season, LoCascio remains the calming presence. He provides excellent defensive coverage against the oppositions top threat at the midfield while winning groundball battles and sparking transition. He is arguably the best at his position and could guide ‘Nova to a surprise run in the BIG East Tournament.

Wells Stanwick, A, Johns Hopkins (14 goals, 36 assists, 50 points, 36 percent)—Stanwick has emerged as the star of the Blue Jays revamped offense. His playmaking has been incredible to watch from behind the cage. It is fun to watch how he can create passing lanes in difficult situations. Even when he has no passing options, he still has the ability to dodge and score.