By Colin A.J. Murphy

The U11 Arden Diamondbacks boys lacrosse team participated in the Dick’s Sporting Goods Tournament of Champions in Wesley Chapel, FL over New Year’s weekend, representing central Maryland youth lacrosse in fine fashion by finishing as runners-up in the national competition. The tournament drew teams from 20 states and two Canadian provinces and was open only to teams that won a qualifying tournament during the summer. Competing against the best U11 players throughout North America, the Diamondbacks faced a very challenging schedule within their 12-team field, playing the teams that ultimately finished 3rd, 4th, and 5th, as well as twice facing the tournament champion Team 91 of Long Island, NY. After playing for seeding on the tournament’s first day, the Diamondbacks went 3-1 on Saturday, beating Six Nations of Canada, Breakers of MD, and Fellowship of Christian Athletes, before falling to Team 91 in the tournament’s championship game. Head Coach Craig Hammel said of his team’s performance, “The level of competition was better than any tournament we have ever participated in, and the boys stood up to the challenge wonderfully.”

Pictured below, the U11 Arden Diamonbacks are (front row, left to right) Brent McVicker, Cole Hammel, Seth Higgins, Mason Reale; (middle row left to right) Barret Casto, Taylor Hawkins, Lachlan Hertel, Josh Coffman, Chris Greenstein; (back row left to right) Jake Higgins, Jeremy Witzler, Caden Cote, Ryan McDaniel, Hayden Toth, Chase Cope, Sean Morrison. The Diamondbacks are coached by Craig Hammel, Rudy Higgins, and Pat Morrison. Congratulations to the U11 Arden Diamondbacks on their successful winter tournament season and their ongoing accomplishments on the lacrosse field.

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