---
title: Final Four Weekend
description: "This is the weekend every kid dreams of playing in. What to watch at the 2023 Final Four: key matchups, zone defenses, off-ball play and players to know."
---

[First Class Lacrosse Blog](https://www.1stclasslax.com/blog)

# [Final Four Weekend](https://www.1stclasslax.com/blog/final-four-weekend)

 Written by [Deemer Class](https://www.1stclasslax.com/blog/author/deemer-class-bornbaltimore-md-deemer-has-playedthe-highest-levels-of-the-game-professionally-division-1-and-the-most-elite-high-school-conferencethe-country-deemer-is-widely-r) | May 27, 2023, 11:00:00 AM

This is the weekend that every kid dreams of playing in. Some of my best lacrosse memories growing up involve going to Final Fours at M&T Bank Stadium, playing fiddle sticks in the parking lots with my buddies, and watching incredible lacrosse. 

Here we are, the last weekend of the season. Who will be the last team standing? Who will fight for more time together with their teammates and best friends? There are 4 incredible games on deck in the semis, with 2 finals to follow. Let's take a quick look at some things I'll be looking out for.

- Denver's Zone Defense vs Northwestern Offense: 2 of the best units respectively. Check out a [quick breakdown](https://youtu.be/evN-yDJ5AxM) on a key to Denver's Zone [here](https://youtu.be/evN-yDJ5AxM).
- Penn State D vs Brennan O'Neill & Co:  what will their gameplay be? How will they try to stifle him early?
- Pat Kavanagh: he didn't need any more fuel, but a 2nd team AA nod was surprising. Expect him to come out like a gangbuster.
- Boston College Off Ball Play: Jenn Medjid is [one of the best without the ball in her stick](https://youtu.be/9plufBM3QhQ). How will they attack the 'Cuse zone in their second matchup? They made some nice zone cuts in their regular season victory.
- Xander Dickson and Payton Cormier Off Ball: I made this [breakdown](https://youtu.be/mryVnFhRj1w) of Dickson's off ball play earlier this season. He and Cormier are lethal and put a ton of pressure inside. How will ND counteract in their 3rd matchup of the season?
- Between the Lines Players:The games are greatly impacted by play in the middle of the field. Here are a few to keep an eye on: Maguire (Duke), Zinn (UVA), Ramsey (ND), Belle Smith (BC), Sammy White (Northwestern), Trinity McPhereson (Denver), Sierra Cockerille (Syracuse)
- Defensive Matchups: Chris Fake vs Shellenberger, Brower vs. Traynor, Kavanagh's vs Kastner/Saustad

### - Coach Class

 

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