It’s the busiest time of year for major D-I commitments in the nation’s No. 1 hotspot for lacrosse, the NY/NJ/CT tristate region. Get caught up right here, right now.
If you’ve been following along on our Lacrosse Insider premium coverage section, you know that the College of Holy Cross has been making a sudden impact on the tristate lacrosse recruiting scene under newly named head coach Judd Lattimore.
The Crusaders’ latest verbal from the nation’s No. 1 hotspot for lacrosse, the New York/New Jersey/Connecticut region, comes from Long Island.
Smithtown native Brad Baker, who now plays at St. Dominic High School in Oyster Bay, verbally committed to the admissions process at Holy Cross, a decision first reported by Joe Lombardi on Lacrosse Insider.
The 5-foot-9, 145-pounder from the Class of 2017 can play attack or midfield and is strong with either hand.
Now, here’s a Q&A with Brad on his commitment.
What were the main factors in your decision?
Academics and school reputation were the most important factors. Holy Cross is recognized as one of the best academic schools in the country.
I also know that they have a strong alumni network that helps with career placement and internships. Having a winning coaching staff of (Holy Cross Head) Coach (Judd) Lattimore, (Assistant) Coach (Ryan) Klipstein and (Assistant) Coach (Jordan) Nies made it a very comfortable decision for me.
What other schools were you considering and what schools did you visit?
I was considering Siena, Fairfield, Towson, Binghamton and West Point. I visited Siena, Fairfield, Towson, Binghamton and Michigan.
What are your strengths as a player and how would you describe your style of play?
My strengths are that I play both middie and attack and have a strong right and left hand.
I am a two-way middie who can also invert or be X attackman. I have very good field vision and ride hard.
What area of your game do you need to work on?
I know that now the really hard work begins. I need to continue to get stronger and always work on shooting and dodging.
How did you get introduced to lacrosse and what other sports have you played?
I started playing lacrosse in kindergarten in town league. I started playing travel in second grade. I also play basketball, soccer and I am ranked nationally in 600-meter winter indoor track.
What travel team do you play on what showcase events did you participate in?
I played four years with Tenacious Turtles, one year with Team 91 and two years with Smithtown West varsity summer travel. This summer, I did Adrenaline Black Card and Moonlight Showcase and also played in Battle of the Hotbeds, National HS Lacrosse Showcase, LI Lax Fest and Lehigh LaxFest.
Any final thoughts?
I would like to thank my dad, mom, sister, grandparents, family and friends. They have supported me through all these years of lacrosse and throughout the recruiting process. I also want to thank all the Turtle 91 and Smithtown coaches who have given me the skills I have today.
Have a recruiting commitment to report? Send an email to info@laxlessons.com, contact Joe Lombardi directly at joe@laxlessons.com or send a Tweet to @Joe_Lombardi or @LaxLessons.
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* Updated tristate recruiting commitment rundown for Class of 2014
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Posted In: CHSAA lacrosse, Long Island lacrosse, Recruiting Rundown
