July 16, 2007
by Matt DaSilva, Lacrosse Magazine Online Staff
Everything they've achieved in lacrosse, they've achieved together - until now.
After a grueling four-day tryout at UMBC, only one of the Virginia-bound Bratton brothers - Shamel Bratton - was selected for the U.S. under-19 national team that will play for the ILF World Championship in 2008.
Rhamel Bratton did not make the final cut.
"It sucks that they're twins sometimes, because it counts against them," said Vernon Manuel, the Brattons' older brother, who has handled their recruiting and lacrosse affairs. "Rhamel is clearly capable and deserves to be on that team, but they only picked two middies from Long Island. That's how it goes."
West Islip's Justin Turri was the only other Long Islander among the nine midfielders selected.
"I'll book [Rhamel] plane ticket with me, and we'll both go up to Canada and watch Shamel play," Manuel said.
During the player selection process, which stressed in-person performance over preceding reputation, it seemed the 24-person committee stumbled most when it came to "No. 34 and No. 35," Rhamel Bratton and Shamel Bratton, respectively. As two of the nation's highest-profile recruits who led Huntington (N.Y.) High School to back-to-back state championships in 2005 and 2006, they brought a lot of hype to the U-19 tryouts.
It was hard to ignore.
Both brothers were subject to additional scrutiny - if not from the committee, then from the other players trying out. Every long pole wanted to make his mark on the Brattons.
"It's awesome," said Penn-bound Kevin Nolan of St. Anthony's (N.Y.), in response to a general inquiry on the talent at U-19 tryouts. He then offered, "I get to guard the Brattons. I've never been able to do that before."
Against stiff competition - a total of 120 players nationwide were whittled down to 23 - the Brattons were sometimes brash and impatient. Like when Shamel took an ill-advised shot from way out on the wing Thursday, or when Rhamel slammed his stick to the ground in frustration after getting triple-teamed Friday.
Earlier in the process, the selection committee made it a point to stress that it was noting the players' demeanor as well as their skills. US Lacrosse Men's Division Director Jody Martin reminded them of that during a pre-tryout meeting Thursday.
"We're looking for 23 great athletes, but also top-quality character guys," he said. "There's no exception. We want class acts. Behavior counts."
As the weekend wore on and both Brattons became more comfortable, however, their confidence grew. Shamel's ability to break down defenders and his ability to shoot off a split dodge was what ultimately stood out.
"I think I did alright. I don't think I played awesome, but I didn't play bad. I played a little above average for myself. I think I held my own," Shamel said Sunday. "I think [Rhamel] did the same. We haven't played really since we lost in the state semis. Being that we were rusty, I think we played pretty well."
Rhamel and Shamel Bratton, who have already reported for summer classes in Charlottesville, Va., did not return calls Monday. But big brother insists there's no envy on Rhamel's part, and no guilt on Shamel's part.
"They both had a really good tryouts, but only one of them gets selected," Vernon Manuel said. "Rhamel's not pissed off or anything. He's not mad. He understands that's how it goes."
Paul Krome contributed to this story.
