NLF Fall Invitational: Class of 2027

The Fall NLF Invitational was a standout event, bringing together premier lacrosse talent and drawing an impressive roster of Division I, II, and III coaches. Known for showcasing the stars of tomorrow, the tournament lived up to its reputation as a proving ground for athletes aiming to make their mark. Players competed at their highest level, understanding the stakes and visibility the Invitational offers. With a mix of intense competition, skillful play, and top-notch recruiting opportunities, this event continues to solidify its place as a cornerstone in the lacrosse calendar.    Cole Praissman is a dominant attackman from Brookfield, Connecticut, who plays for Express North. Standing at 6'1", Cole is quickly establishing himself as one of the top 2027 players in the circuit. Recently, I had the chance to watch him play up with the 2026 Express North team at the NLF Fall tournament, and he was undeniably one of the best offensive players on the field, consistently scoring three to four goals per game. To dominate in your own grade is impressive, but to do so against older competition speaks to his elite level of play. Cole possesses a fantastic shot, particularly from the outside, where he can pull up and fire a wicked-fast, accurate shot from anywhere on the field. His speed and footwork allow him to create separation from defenders, while his ability to dodge from X and finish on the crease makes him a constant scoring threat. Cole is also solid with ground balls, never shying away from contact and always fighting for possession. His combination of shooting, athleticism, and grit makes him an explosive and highly coveted offensive player who will have a busy phone on September 1st, 2025.      William Kirchner is an impressive defenseman from Providence Day School and is a big part of Team 91 South's defensive unit. A key contributor to a strong high school program, the 6'5" standout possesses the rare combination of size, speed, and exceptional footwork that makes tall defenders a coveted asset. William is incredibly versatile, capable of playing both close defense and long-stick midfield, and he stands out for his fundamental approach to defense, relying on smart positioning, quick footwork, physicality, and precise timing rather than solely on crazy stick checks and highlight reel plays. He's solid with ground balls, has a great transition game, and is not afraid to take the ball up the field and create offensive opportunities, including scoring goals. William's blend of size, athleticism, and lacrosse IQ makes him a complete defender and a valuable asset to any team.     [player_tooltip player_id='122950' first='Dillon' last='Gulotta'] is an exceptional 2027 long-stick midfielder and close defender from Iona Prep who plays for Express North.  Dillon's speed and on-ball defense are the standout elements of his game, allowing him to lock down any midfielder with ease. Dillon is also a major transition threat, always the first player the goalie looks for during clears and capable of scoring during fast breaks. A hard hitter with a keen defensive IQ, he plays like an offensive midfielder, but with a long pole, contributing both in defense and in pushing the ball up the field. Dillon's combination of athleticism, speed, footwork, and lacrosse IQ makes him an invaluable asset in any defensive scheme. I have no doubt Dillon will make an immediate and significant impact on the Iona Prep defense from day one.     Caleb Nickola is a dynamic defenseman and long-stick midfielder from Nation Ford High School and a standout player for Team 91 South. South Carolina has rapidly become a growing lacrosse hub, and Caleb epitomizes the state's rising talent pool. A raw athlete with exceptional speed, he is a constant force both on defense and in transition. Caleb plays a physical brand of defense, using his speed and athleticism to shut down opponents and disrupt their offensive flow. He excels in transition, quickly turning defense into offense with his ability to push the ball up the field and create scoring opportunities. Caleb's combination of speed, raw athleticism, and physicality makes him a game-changer and a perfect example of the emerging lacrosse talent in South Carolina.     Connor Murray is a standout defenseman from Green Level High School and a key player for Team 91 South. Known for his physical play and exceptional speed, Connor is a versatile defender who can guard both attackmen and midfielders with ease. His stick skills are top-notch, allowing him to disrupt plays and win crucial possessions. Connor's footwork is also a major asset, helping him stay in front of his man and effectively defend against quick dodgers. A true two-way player, he excels in transition and clearing the ball, often running the length of the field to create scoring opportunities. With a high defensive IQ, Connor is always in the right position to make plays, and he has an innate ability to dig out groundballs in scrums. Additionally, he is a fantastic wing long-stick midfielder during faceoffs, providing an extra threat in the clearing game. Connor's combination of physicality, speed, stick skills, and lacrosse IQ makes him a key asset on any defensive unit.

The Fall NLF Invitational was a standout event, bringing together premier lacrosse talent and drawing an impressive roster of Division I, II, and III coaches. Known for showcasing the stars of tomorrow, the tournament lived up to its reputation as a proving ground for athletes aiming to make their mark. Players competed at their highest level, understanding the stakes and visibility the Invitational offers. With a mix of intense competition, skillful play, and top-notch recruiting opportunities, this event continues to solidify its place as a cornerstone in the lacrosse calendar.