As we look forward to next season, we say goodbye to the elite of 2013 and hello to the greatness that 2014 holds. Here’s a look at four players who are ready to make the jump to elite status.
Lyle Thompson – JR Attack University of Albany
While some may already consider him an elite player, Lyle Thompson will show the doubters why he will be one of the best in the game next season.
After setting school records in assists and points, Thompson has his sights set on the NCAA record for points, which he fell two shy of in 2013.
Despite missing the NCAA record, Thompson still lead the nation in points per game (6.65) and was second in the nation in assists (3.71).
A 2013 All-American and the America East Player of the Year, Thompson is poised to have another excellent season as he tries to carry the University of Albany further into the NCAA tournament in 2014.
Kieran McArdle – SR Attack St. John’s
Like Thompson, McArdle was a points and assists machine as he led St. John’s to their second highest win total in program history.
In 2014, McArdle will be looking to rewrite the St. John’s record books, even though most of the offensive records already belong to him.
McArdle led the Big East in goals, assists, and total points which allowed him to capture Big East Attack Player of the Year and a second team All-American nod in 2013, feats that he would be more than happy to repeat in 2014.
Brendan Fowler- SR Mid Duke University
Fowler was a vital part of Duke’s national championship run as he finished the regular season third in the nation in faceoff percentage and second in ground balls. These stats led Fowler to be named ACC Defensive Player of the Year in 2013.
2013 was Fowler’s first season as Duke’s faceoff man and he was entrusted to take 89% of the faceoffs for the Blue Devils. If his success was any indication, Fowler can look for that number to increase in 2014.
Fowler set Duke’s single season ground ball record in 2013 and was second in the nation in ground balls, scooping up almost 10 per game. He will look to add to this number and make sure his name stays in the Blue Devils record books.
Kevin Massa- SO Mid Bryant University
Massa did it all for the Bryant Bulldogs in 2013, winning faceoffs, picking up ground balls, handing out assists, and even adding a couple goals to his already impressive résumé.
Taking a 402 out of a possible 411 faceoffs throughout the season for Bryant, Massa was able to achieve the third highest winning percentage in the nation at .639. Massa was also able to lead his team to an NCAA tournament berth by picking up 137 grounds balls, good for second in Bryant history.
While assists and goals weren’t a common theme for Massa in 2013, he always has to be considered a danger when he crosses into the offensive side of the field.
With three years left at Bryant, the sky is the limit for Massa. There is no doubt that he will shine, but it seems he will shine sooner rather than after for the Bulldogs.
