JLA hope for top ten finish at World Championship

Dale Walker, Jamaica Lacrosse Association men’s team associate coach, says that the team is aiming for a top-10 finish at their first World Championship to run from July 12-22 in Israel.

“The players selected have been together since December 2017. These players have been active players for four years. We have met every week for at least five hours per week. They have been prepared the best possible way for the tournament,” Walker told STAR Sports during a press briefing yesterday at St George’s College.

Walker is also happy that the Sports Development Foundation (SDF) handed over $1.2 million to offset expense for the trip to Israel.

“We welcome the assistance from the Sports Development Foundation (SDF) as some weeks ago we were not sure of travelling because of lack of funding,” he explained.

“The support from the association has been tremendous. They have been there at every training session at St George’s College. This is an historic occasion for us been the first Caribbean country to participate in the World Championship. We are hoping that at the end of the tournament we are able to finish in a top-10 spot.” Walker also said.

“Over the period of time we are doing well. Just three weeks ago, we participated in the Heritage Cup in Florida, which involved some World Championship teams,” he pointed out.

The 23-man squad will compete in the World Championship from July 12-22. Jamaica will face hosts Israel in the opening game.

The full squad is: Goran Murray (captain), Alexander Benjamin, Mark Darden, Elijah Darden, Michael Hicks, Thomas Issa, Alexander Kelly, Robert Kelly, Delroy Lawrence, Hakeem Lecky, Courtney Morgan, Isaac Newland, Evon Redwood, Donnahue Simpson, Nile Thompson, Bryan Depasse, Joel Brown, Bryan Campbell, Niyah Oladipo, Jordan Williams, Jalen Paul, Nathan McPeak and Clifford Kurker.