Joshua Malinowski, Beat Writer Charlotte Hounds
Lacrosse is Awesome
The Hounds struggled last season on nearly every part of the game. This year they look to turn things around. With the help of rookie Hounds Dylan Donahue; Ryan Brown; and Pat Young, the team will look to ignite a flame under an offense that just could not get it done last year.
The rookies won’t be the only ones finding the net this year. The team roster has an impressive amount of offensive talent. The standout names include 2015 Rookie of the Year Joey Sankey, not to mention Garrett Thul; and Mike Sawyer.
Defensively Charlotte added a few poles this year to mix in with their vets. The defense really struggled last year. I expect they will have taken the necessary steps this off-season, to become a force to be reckoned with.
Between the pipes will be Pierce Basset for his third season with the Hounds. Last year Basset had a 14.34 goals against average and a 48.7 save percentage which ended with a 3-9 season. Personally I do not expect to see a better year out of Basset. In the past he has shown some ability to get the job done, but overall I believe he lacks what it takes to be an elite MLL goalie. I would turn my head to former Towson goalie and this year’s 27th overall pick, Tyler White. White finished his 2015 season with a 7.57 save percentage (a Towson record) and was named USILA Second Team All-American Honors.
All-in-all this should be an interesting season. There is no denying the Hounds still have a lot of work to do and a lot to prove. As a fan it should be fun to watch. I truly believe that Charlotte will surprise us this season.
Joshua Malinowski, Beat Writer Charlotte Hounds
Lacrosse is Awesome