Well folks, it’s playoff time. A new season begins and as they say, everyone has a chance. It all starts for Memorial tomorrow as they start their playoff run against EC North at 4:00 at home. It is always tough to beat a team three times in the same season, but that is exactly what Memorial will need to do against North (and maybe a few others) to advance to the Regional Finals. Two games and two shutouts so far against North….4-0 at home and 5-0 away. North has some weapons, some speed and improved over the course of the year. Memorial can’t take them lightly. Add in the cross town rivalry element and everyone should expect a good battle. If form holds, Memorial should be in good shape.
Memorials Playoff Odds
Currently still ranked #2 in Division 1 and a #1 Seed in Sectional 1, Memorial has a good chance to go deep into the tournament. Let’s take a look at what it takes if you want to be a contender and how Memorial stacks up in each of these areas.
Top Notch GK
History tells me you may need to win a game 1-0 to advance. History tells me you may need to win PK shootout to advance. That means a high quality GK is critical. Memorial is in good shape with Tyler Hanson. Cat quick, a good read of the game, plays on his toes and is ready to become sweeper keeper as needed to clear balls out of danger. A Goals per Game of approx. .5 is excellent. 13 Shutouts is awesome. You always feel you are in the game with Hanson. He will be called on to make some big saves and to date, he has been up to the task. Memorial can check that box on a solid GK.
Strong-Physical Defense
The playoffs mean the games get more intense. Referees sometimes let players play more and forget about their whistles. You need a strong, fast, physical defense. Center backs Burlingame and Larson fill the bill. Tall, physical, winning a lot of aerial duels, winning a lot of 50/50 balls and clearing balls out of danger. Fullbacks Jolley and Free are aggressive pushing into the offensive zone. Jolley is the team leader in assists and knows when to make a bold overlapping runs to penetrate a defense. Free is tough as nails and brings a physical presence. Limiting shots will be critical going forward. Memorial can check the box on a solid back four.
Versatile Defensive Midfield
You need a midfield that can control counter attacks, win possession, maintain possession and transition to offense. Memorial can boss the midfield area with strong physical play from Lyons and Orser. You need a midfield that can start counterattacks, deliver dangerous balls into the forwards, provide assists and also a few goals. Sounds like Will Orser, 7 goals and a bunch of assists and the ability to really control a game with his passing. Throw in Lyons’ 3 goals and Alex Sulzer’s speed and technical ability to defend and push forward and Memorial is in good shape.
Attacking Midfield and Wing Play
You need to score goals. You need to provide options to your forward. You need speed out wide and wingers who provide width. Memorials wing play has improved thru the season. Luke Rosenberger is starting to score goals. Very Important. Zach Haig is starting to score goals. Very important. Matt Martinez has started to score goals. Very Important. Mitch Brenner has continued to score goals. You guessed it…very important. 16 goals from the wingers this year….and improving late in the season. Longville was 55% of the Abes offense the first 10 games (too much for a good team). Longville has been 38% of the Abes offense the last 10 games. (just about right). Teams may try to take away Longville. We need players to step up and fill that gap. Based on the last few weeks, Memorials wingers are ready.
Dynamic Forward Play
This one is easy to check off. Likely the conference player of the year, Jack Longville is a dynamic scoring forward who can literally take over a game. His 34 goals lead the conference, even with taking off a few games late to rest. Jacob Peloquin’s energy and aggressive play provide a good option when Longville is out and his 4 goals add a scoring threat up top as well.. Longville has a nose for goals, he scores with both feet and with pinpoint headers. He is relentless. You want him on your team and especially during playoffs. Here is what I know. There will be a game decided by just one goal, and we will need a special player who can find a little moment of magic and deliver that critical goal. If you need just one goal, I am not sure there is anyone better in the state than Longville. It just feels like maybe he is going to go on a scoring tear and with all our other weapons, it could be a fun ride. He started the year hot and it is about time for him to get hot again. Playoffs need dynamic goal scorers. Memorial has got that covered!
The pieces are there. What else…well in talking to a coach (Kit Schiefelbein) who took a few girls teams to state in her coaching career at Memorial…you also need to stay healthy, have some good team chemistry and maybe most important….when things get tight….have a little luck on your side.
Can’t wait till Thursday. It should be a fun. A little anxious if I am honest, but hey, it’s playoff time.
