By Chris Goldberg
TopLaxRecruits.com, Posted 11/1/21

FREDERICA, Del. – Jude Sargent said his mental approach heading into Saturday’s Victory Events Beast National Showcase at Delaware Turf Sports Complex was no different for him: just get better.

“For me, personally, I think whenever I go into a game, a tournament or a showcase I am looking to improve my skills,” said Sargent, a 2023 lefty attackman from Saint Peters Prep (N.J.) and NJ Riot Mayhem.

“For this showcase I was going into it just hoping to get better using my right hand while working on some weaknesses. I was happy with the way everything turned out. My team, Team 2, really bonded and we played like a real team.”

Sargent’s team play didn’t go unnoticed recognized. The 6-6, 210-pounder was named the All-Showcase MVP.

“I think a big part of my game is being able to beat my man 1-on-1 and draw a slide,” he said. “I have the size and they (defenders) may need help to guard me. If I can get open for a shot in he middle or high in the crease I can keep my stick all the way back there and it’s hard for a d-pole to stop me.”

Sargent scored 11 goals as a sophomore for Saint Peters last spring as a sophomore. He hopes to make a big impact in 2022.

“This year I am really looking to improve on my decision making and I need to be able to see the field better,” he said. “When I make the dodge and draw the slide I need to be able to make the pass quicker and recognize the situation a little faster.

“Also, no matter how good you are you need to work on your stick skills. There’s always room for improvement. I’m also lifting and getting stronger. I want to get to 2015 or 220 pounds.”

What does Sargent see as his major assets as he looks at a possible college destination?

“Besides my size, I think I have good leadership qualities and I think I can really bring a team together,” he said. “I have good passing skills, I can shoot and my dodge is a strong suit.

“Academics are going to be a big part of my decision. I would like to go to a school that suits my academic needs as well as my athletic needs.”

The Victory Events Beast National All-Showcase Team:

Attack – Jude Sargent (Saint Peters Prep-NJ/NJ Riot Mayhem, 2023, Overall MVP), Wade Beckstrom (Conestoga-PA/Freedom 2023), Jacob Spiritoso (Sterling-NJ/HEADstrong NJ, 2024)
Midfield – Logan Conforti (Cornwall-NY/Reign, 2023), Nicholas Elentrio (St. Augustine Prep-NJ/South Shore, 2023), Austin Exley (St. Augustine Prep-NJ/South Shore, 2024)
Faceoff – Daniel Devitt (York Catholic-PA/True Baltimore, 2022)
D-Mid / Specialist – Samuel Sardo (Methacton-PA/Black Bear 2024)
LSM – Jackson Schools (Governor Mifflin-PA/Blak Widow 2023)
Defense – Frank Lynch (Plymouth Whitemarsh-PA/Black Bear 2024), Daniel Manning (Elmira-NY/Gaffer Elite, Gaffer Elite 2023), Henry Bachtle (Sanford School-DE/302 Elite, 2022)
Goalie – Blaine Grayson (Ocean-NJ/NJLC, 2023), Caleb Miller (Schuylkill Valley-PA/Bandits, 2022)

Reaction from other All-Showcase players on positives from the showcase:

Nicholas Elentrio (MF, St. Augustine Prep-NJ/South Shore, 2023): “I think did well beating my man on 1-on-1 matchups and i was good on off-ball by cutting and talking through. Defensively, I was the one in charge of talking through picks and being the No. 1 guy.”

Jacob Spiritoso (ATT, Sterling-NJ/HEADstrong NJ, 2024): “I think my IQ definitely helped me to get some of the assists and goals that I had. The showcase doesn’t just show your abilities, but also how you can connect with people you don’t know. Just getting thrown on a team and playing can be hard, but you need to be able to connect with the players around you and gain as much chemistry as possible in a short amount of time. I also think that the coaching was really good and just understanding the little things help, like hitting the wall on your spare time to just focusing on the shots you’re going to take in a game instead of shooting from 15 yards out.”

Wade Beckstrom (ATT, Conestoga-PA/Freedom 2023): “Being able to get live feedback from the college coaches and having a practice session beforehand definitely helped me get ready to play my best in the games. They stressed that it’s important to always compete at the highest level at all times both on and off ball. Also, the coaches on my team provided techniques and tips on spacing for the attack position that were very helpful.”