A four-year varsity starter at Brophy Prep in Scottsdale, Ariz., Bassett was a four-time all-state selection, earning first-team honors three times. Twice, he was chosen as Arizona’s Defensive
Johns Hopkins Men's Lacrosse Goalie Pierce Bassett
Player of the Year and garnered All-America honors from US Lacrosse as a senior. The Broncos advanced to four state championship contests during Bassett’s tenure there, bringing home titles in 2007 and 2008.
It’s a tad cliche to say Johns Hopkins goaltender Pierce Bassett speaks softly and carries a big stick. But it is true.
And although the sophomore may not talk your ear off, he is developing into one of the top netminders in collegiate lacrosse.
“I think the defense in general has done a decent job so far this season,” Bassett said. “We still have a lot of room to improve, but I think we’re taking some positive steps every week. It’s a good thing.”
Blue Jays coach Dave Pietramala said if Bassett weren’t so solid in net, you’d barely notice he was around. He’s not a conversationalist and doesn’t possess a rah-rah or flashy personality. Words may be few, but they’re carefully chosen and carry a lot of weight among teammates.
“If you can get two words out of him, then you’ve got two more than I have,” Pietramala said. “He’s just a very quiet, unassuming young man. He’s from a nice family and was a good high school student.”
At times as a freshman, Bassett’s quietness handicapped the Blue Jays defense, as lack of communication resulted in defensive positioning mistakes and blown assignments. Eventually, Pietramala pegged senior defenseman Sam DeVore to direct traffic around the cage.
“You learn it doesn’t matter where guys are from if you think they’re talented,” Pietramala said.
laxbuzz
