If you are a good lacrosse player in Section Five, you have a good chance to continue playing lacrosse in college, if the 2000 recruiting stats are at all meaningful.

According to data gathered by LaxPower ("Men's College Recruits 2000-2001"), 60 players from Section Five were identified as players moving on to college teams as of the end of November. Section 3 (Syracuse) listed 83 players, while Section 8 (Nassau County, Long Island) added 121 and Section 11 (Suffolk County, Long Island) listed 79.

It is interesting, however, to look at the information, in light on the number of teams playing lacrosse. Section Five has only 14% of the available schools playing lacrosse. (see "Long Island Leads in Lacrosse"), with only 17 of 118 schools playing. By comparison, Section 8 leads the state with 48 of 70 schools sponsoring teams.
   

On an average basis, Syracuse, Binghamton, and the Long Island teams send about 2 and-a-half players to college teams. Buffalo and the St. Lawrence area send about 1 player on average. Section Five sends just over 3 and-a-half players on to college teams.

Obviously, averages do not reflect the absolute reality, as some teams send large numbers of players while other teams send none. In New York State, for example, lacrosse strongholds like Ward Melville (Section 11) have 17 players listed. West Genesee (Section 3) lists 15 players, while Orchard Park (Section 6) and Garden City (Section 11) each added 11 players.

In other parts of the county, well known teams in Maryland sent large proportions of their teams. The Gilman School saw 15 players listed, St. Paul's had 11 players on the list, while St. Mary's saw 10. Connecticut was well represented with Darien sending 11 players and New Canan with 14 players on the college list.

There is not doubt that "Lacrosse is great in New York State!"

Here is the list of Section Five players, sorted by High School team: