Big Shots: Sam McDaniel, Loyola-Shreveport (La.)

by Jeff Seidel | Special to Lacrosse Magazine Online
Following a 45-goal, 27-assist junior campaign, Loyola-Shreveport (La.) attackman Sam McDaniel helped spark the Flyers to a win over rival Captain Shreve. He will play at Division II Pfeiffer in the fall.

WHO HE IS: Sam McDaniel, a senior attackman and midfielder playing for Loyola College Prep in Shreveport (La.), is a four-year starter who has played lacrosse since elementary school. McDaniel often honed his skills at the team’s practices while growing up, since there weren’t many recreational programs around. McDaniel will play for Division II Pfeiffer University (N.C.) next year. He would like to major in something involving business or medicine.
 
WHAT HE DID: McDaniel had a big game in Loyola’s 13-1 rout of Captain Shreve. He had four goals and an assist in the victory for the Flyers, who got another win after that to improve to 7-1. McDaniel sparked the offense. But as good as this game was for him, McDaniel has actually done better -- he scored seven goals once last season.
 
WHY WE NOTICED: McDaniel’s good work came at the right time. It was Loyola’s first-ever victory over Captain Shreve. The Flyers used this game as a measuring point and had little trouble, jumping out to 3-0 lead in the first quarter and stretching it to 7-0 by halftime. They cruised from there, as Shreve did not score until the fourth quarter. The Flyers have been perfect since losing their season opener. McDaniel had 45 goals and 27 assists last year and helped Loyola to a berth in the state championship game. Lacrosse is growing in Louisiana, with 18 teams in the state.
 
WHAT HE SAID: “We’ve always wanted to beat them. I think it really boosts our confidence. It was big for us. Everybody was clicking and everyone was passing and catching really well. We’re 7-1 now, and we’re hoping to win the state this year. If we can keep going like this, I think we can have a shot at the state. It felt really good, and I think [most of] our whole starting lineup scored. I think we all just clicked really well that night. Hopefully, we don’t get too cocky and can just do the same thing, because I’d like to beat them again.”
 
WHAT’S NEXT: McDaniel will get that chance, as the Flyers hit the road to meet Captain Shreve again tonight at 7 p.m.
 

LMO's new "Big Shots" series recognizes the feats on and off the field of high school players nationwide. Check back each Thursday for new standouts. Got a candidate in mind? Fill out the brief form below.

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