Algonquin’s Kraft to Represent New England in National Lacrosse Classic

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Thursday, June 28, 2012

Joe Parello, GoLocalWorcester Contributor

Algonquin junior Davis Kraft

Davis Kraft has emerged as one of Algonquin's most complete players over the past two seasons. Now, the rising senior has the chance to prove he is a name to know nationally.

After impressing at open tryouts, Kraft has earned the opportunity to represent New England at the Brine National Lacrosse Classic. The tournament-style All Star competition brings together the nation's 400 best underclassmen players to play on 16 regional teams.

Kraft is the only player from Central Mass headed to the classic in Boyds, Maryland, and is excited to see how the style of play varies throughout the country.

"I'm just excited to see how everyone plays on the different teams," Kraft said. "There's going to be teams from Tennessee and places like that. It's the biggest showcase in lacrosse, so it will be cool to see all the different players and styles."

Despite bringing together the top coaches and players in the country, teams participating in the Classic will not have much time to get to know each other. Kraft says the New England team is set to practice for only one day before the tournament begins. The Classic is also one of lacrosse's biggest recruiting showcases, with over 100 college coaches expected to be in attendance.

"It's a really big recruiting event," Kraft said. "When you know there's going to be over 100 schools looking at you and watching you play, it's pretty cool."

The 16 regional teams include one from New England, three from New York, four from the Mid to Upper Atlantic regions, four from the Southeast, two from the Midwest, one Central squad and one Western squad. Each team contains 25 players and will be competing for the title of National Champion, along with the chance to represent America in international competition.

"I actually just found out about the international aspect of it," Kraft said. "If we were able to win and get there, obviously that would be huge."

The Brine National Lacrosse Classic gets going this weekend, with action running from June 30th to July 3rd. For more information, click here.