<!-- wp:heading {"level":1} --> <h1 class="wp-block-heading"></h1> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>These midfielders not only play defense but also excel in transition. Their ability to stay on the field helps their team push the ball to offense. <br><br>Let's take a closer look at the area's best shortsticks:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["23545"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"Named both First Team All-State and All-Region, the future Buckeye is a matchup problem. Proficient on defense and the ability to cause turnovers, he'll play against anyone and embrace any matchup. He can push the ball in transition and possesses a strong shot, but also keeps his eyes up to make the next pass. Following up on a big sophomore season, Struck should make even more of an impact for an Olentangy Liberty team that will be contending for a state title.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_1_player":["23546"],"_player_evaluations_1_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_1_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_1_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_1_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_1_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"A Second Team All-State and First Team All-Region pick in 2023, Dean has quick feet and positioning, a strong lacrosse IQ, and the ability to finish the ball. The Fairfield commit plays off-ball offense and defense effectively and is always a threat to make a play.","_player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_2_player":["23547"],"_player_evaluations_2_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_2_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_2_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_2_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_2_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_2_evaluation":"A two-sport athlete who plays football, Arend is very athletic. He plays instinctive defensive which gives him the ability to match feet well. He is scrappy and has an active stick that allows him to create turnovers with which he pushes into transition.","_player_evaluations_2_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_3_player":["23548"],"_player_evaluations_3_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_3_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_3_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_3_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_3_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_3_evaluation":"Stutz, who also plays football, uses his body well on defense. He is quick and can match feet, playing hips with ferocity. Stutz is a physical defender who makes offensive players work for it.","_player_evaluations_3_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_4_player":["23549"],"_player_evaluations_4_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_4_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_4_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_4_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_4_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_4_evaluation":"Aldalla is a fierce competitor who wants his teammates to succeed. A two-sport athlete who also plays soccer, he is skilled in the clearing game as well as in transition. He has good feet, stick skills, and has been increasing his lax IQ. Definitely has upside.","_player_evaluations_4_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_5_player":["23551"],"_player_evaluations_5_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_5_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_5_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_5_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_5_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_5_evaluation":"Gaaskjolen is a two-way midfielder who thrives in transition and clearing the ball. He is young but has talent, skill, and plenty of time to improve. Also a football player, he's good fundamentals.","_player_evaluations_5_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":6,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"align":"center","mode":"edit","alignText":"left","fullHeight":false,"anchor":"acf-block-660486fc8856e"} /--> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"></h2> <!-- /wp:heading -->