The dust has settled from an exciting Week 12 in the National Lacrosse League, and overall it was individual players from the East Division that dominated the stat sheets. Before we look ahead to this weekend’s action, let’s explore the top single game performers from across the NLL.
MOST GOALS
Kyle Buchanan (5) – San Diego Seals
Kyle Buchanan is having himself a nice bounceback season. The 31-year old’s Week 12 leading five goals puts him at 13, which is well on pace to smash his 2018 mark of 19. More importantly the 5’8” forward’s output helped edge Vancouver 13-10 and plant San Diego second in the West.
MOST POINTS
Callum Crawford (12) – New England Black Wolves
A looming suspension didn’t sidetrack Callum Crawford in New England’s 17-11 thrashing of the Mammoth. The four goals, seven assists for 12-points was the most of any player last weekend and keeps Crawford comfortably sitting as the NLL points leader. He’s also tops in goals scored at 34.
BEST SAVE PERCENTAGE %
(Playing at least 30-minutes)
Doug Jamieson (0.817%) – New England Black Wolves
Another Black Wolves member makes the list as Doug Jamieson bested all goaltenders with a 0.817 save %. Stopping 49 of 60-shots allowed New England to come away winners against Colorado and keeps them just two games back of first place in the East.
After an inconsistent start to the season, it seems like Jamieson has solidified his spot as starter in-between the pipes moving forward.
MOST LOOSE BALLS
Jake Withers (15) – Rochester Knighthawks
Well it was another loss Saturday for Rochester, but don’t put any of that on Jake Withers. The sophomore was a loose ball monster in Georgia, nabbing 15, and gave the Knighthawks a chance with possessions as well as success on draws as you’ll see below.
BEST FACEOFF WINNING PERCENTAGE %
(Taking 10 or more faceoffs)
Jake Withers (85.7%) – Rochester Knighthawks
The faceoff circle is Jake Withers’ world, and the rest of us are just living in it…at least it was versus the Swarm. A sensational 85.7% success rate as he won 24 of 28 draws. The 2018 Rookie of the Year did his part by giving Rochester control of the ball, but unfortunately for him the Knighthawks couldn’t convert enough of those possessions into goals.
Andy McNamara has been a play-by-play commentator for the NLL on TSN, NLLTV.com, and world lacrosse tournaments since 2011. He’s also a sport talk host and anchor on TSN 1050 sports radio. Follow Andy on twitter @AndyMc81
