New Jersey's Top Uncommitted '26s: Midfielders

Use code ‘PREP30′ at checkout to receive 30% off your annual or two-year subscription!    Continuing my series on New Jersey's top uncommitted players for the Class of 2026, we now shift our focus to midfielders who had an outstanding summer with their respective clubs and who will look to impress this spring.    After scoring 45 points as a freshman, Klish returned even stronger as a sophomore, totaling 30 goals and 34 assists as Notre Dame finished with its best record in a few years. He plays both midfield and attack and produces good numbers at either position with his toughness and versatility. While he's a natural righty, he can dodge with either hand and makes smart decisions with the ball. Klish has shown a first quick step out of his dodges and is always a threat to score whether on the run or taking a step down with a powerful shot and good accuracy. He utilizes the hitch to fake out his defender at his righty attack spot and gets upfield for a better angle shot. He stays active without the ball and has quick hands to finish in tight after a hard cut.     With a few seniors graduating at the midfield position, Koo will more than likely work his way into the rotation this spring for Don Bosco. Totaling six goals and seven assists in his first two seasons, Koo has had a few chances to get on the field but has turned some heads with Prime Time in the summer. When dodging, he uses quick bursts of speed to get past his defender and when he unloads a shot, he's a marksman. He has a smooth style of play, whether he is dodging or taking a shot, with good stick handles, a shot that changes planes, and a relentless effort that cannot be taught. While he is a righty, Koo can use either hand interchangeably, making it tough for defenders to guard him, plus he doesn't need much space to affect the game. It should be interesting to see what he can do as a junior this spring.     Spaide is an all-around great lacrosse player. He is mainly a short-stick defensive midfielder, but he has the stick skills of an attackman as well, which makes him such a dynamic player. His motor never stops with his relentless style of play and the physicality he brings. Spaide is strong with quick feet and good make-up speed, and he also never misses a chance to lay the body on his opponents. Spaide has also shown a good field awareness with his defensive positioning and he does a nice job of timing his checks to dislodge the ball. Off a ground ball scoop, he can start transition opportunities. The defense better make sure to pick him up or he'll make them pay. Coming off of a state title, Spaide was matched up against tough competition with a lot of talent and he held his own as a sophomore, so I can't wait to see what he has in store for this spring.     In a season in which Summit lost only two games and finished the season on a 17-game win streak and were crowned Group 2 state champions and Kirst Cup champions, Sabol played a big role for the Hilltoppers. Finishing third on the team in points with 24 goals and 11 assists, Sabol has the size, versatility, and skill to impact the game in a variety of ways. He can play either attack or midfield interchangeably with his aggressive style of play, and above all, he's a team player. He has a high lacrosse IQ, with good footwork and speed out of the dodge, and from there, he does a good job of keeping his head up for cutters or he'll step into a shot. He shows effort working without the ball and can finish in close with a few fakes. Sabol uses his body well whether it is running through weak stick checks or performing an inside roll dodge coming from X.     With a loaded roster at Seton Hall Prep, Cooper Christian has gotten limited reps at the varsity level, but playing with Towermen in the summers, he's impressed. The 3-star recruit is a true two-way midfielder with a good combination of size, athleticism, and speed. Defensively, he meets his matchup with smart positioning and does a good job of breaking down and forcing his opponent down the alley for a low-angle shot or to pass it off. He has shown good instincts as well, whether it is timing out a slide or picking off a pass to start a transition opportunity. Christian doesn't look to force shots or try to thread the needle in tight, instead, he makes the right plays to put his teammates in good spots to score. Even though he seems to be a pass-first type of player, he can let one fly when he has the opportunity.     Another player who plays both midfield and attack at a high level, Buchan had an outstanding sophomore season for Holmdel, leading his team with 53 goals and finishing second on the team with 67 points. When he's lined up at attack, he does a good job of moving around without the ball and if he cuts or is open on the backside, he uses soft hands and a quick release to finish effectively. When dodging, he does a good job of getting upfield or creating space to either shoot or find an open teammate. While playing midfield, Buchan can invert his defender to X if he likes his matchup and work the two-man game. He's a smart player with good awareness and can unleash a hard, well-placed shot when the opportunity presents itself.     In a tough season for Glen Ridge, JP LaBadia stood out from the rest and played some great lacrosse for the Ridgers. Finishing with 30 goals, 11 assists, and 42 ground balls, he made it happen on both sides of the ball with efficiency. As a lefty dodger, he does a good job of hitching and sweeping across the top of the field with his hands-free for a quick shot off his hip or faking like he is going to sweep and then cutting back underneath his defender with speed to get to the goal. LaBadia has a powerful step-down shot and makes it tough on goalies since he changes planes and mixes up his shot locations. Without the ball, he looks to cut inside and get open for a quick and easy goal on the crease. LaBadia can also break down and defend when needed and can keep his matchup in front of him.    If you missed it, check out the rest of my articles in this "Top Uncommitted 2026s" series:   <a href="https://preplacrosse.com/2024/10/new-jerseys-top-uncommitted-26s-face-off-specialists/">FOGOs</a>   <a href="https://preplacrosse.com/2024/10/new-jerseys-top-uncommitted-26s-goalies/">Goalies</a>   <a href="https://preplacrosse.com/2024/10/new-jerseys-top-uncommitted-26s-defenders/">Defenders</a>

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