NLF Fall Invitational: Uncommitted Class of 2026 - Part 2

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.    Gabe O'Brien is a talented attackman from Columbia High School, and a key player for Leading Edge. Known for his deadly outside shot, Gabe is a very accurate shooter who can score from anywhere on the field with both hands. He's not afraid to absorb contact while dodging, able to take multiple hits from defenders and sliding defenders without losing his momentum and composure. His sharp shooting and quick release make him a constant threat, and his ability to fire on the run is exceptional. Gabe's off-hand is just as strong as his dominant hand, making him a versatile scoring threat. What sets him apart is his unselfish approach to the game - he's not focused on highlight goals but rather on getting the ball in the back of the net to help his team win, no matter how it looks. A pure finisher and one of the best shooters on the Leading Edge roster, Gabe is a key offensive weapon who consistently produces for his team.     Wyatt Langway is a standout long-stick midfielder who plays for the New England Twisters and made an immediate impact as a starter at the Pingree School. A hard hitter with a very physical playing style, Wyatt is a fundamentally sound defender who excels in all aspects of the game. His speed, footwork, and ability to cover ground make him a versatile player, capable of guarding the best midfielders as an LSM or taking on elite attackmen at X. His solid ground ball skills and ability to dig out loose balls in scrums are key strengths, and he is a valuable asset in transition. Wyatt is highly disciplined during clears, always focused on getting his team possession rather than forcing an offensive play, showcasing his unselfish approach to the game. With a great defensive IQ, he is always in the right position, and his ability to play wing with efficiency makes him a reliable presence during faceoff possessions. Wyatt's combination of speed, discipline, and lacrosse IQ makes him an essential piece to any defensive scheme.     Nate Sweet is a dominant long-stick midfielder from the powerhouse Brunswick and a standout player for Express North. Known for his ability to pick off passes and his exceptional ground ball skills, Nate is a constant presence on defense. His speed and precise footwork allow him to excel in one-on-one matchups, where he uses his physical style of play to shut down dodging midfielders and attackmen alike. A hard hitter with athleticism and a gritty defensive approach, Nate is also a key player in transition, always looking to push the clear and create opportunities for his team. His great wing play during faceoffs, combined with his smart defensive IQ, makes him an invaluable asset both defensively and in transitioning the ball upfield. Nate's combination of athleticism, physicality, and defensive intelligence makes him a dominant and fundamental defensive threat.     Owen French is a tenacious midfielder and attackmen from Dracut High School and a key player for the New England Twisters. A true Swiss army knife and dual-threat offensive player, Owen is known for his gritty style of play and his ability to impact both ends of the field. As an offensive midfielder and attackmen, he possesses a quick first step and exceptional speed, which allows him to dodge defenders and create scoring opportunities. He has a fantastic on-the-run shot and is deadly with his righty step-down shot, able to sling the ball from any angle with great accuracy. Owen is also a great finisher, consistently burying goals around the crease. When he is on defense, he's just as solid, using his speed and grit to play tough, physical defense when called upon and he is a fantastic clearing midfielder and is the goalie's first look while clearing the ball due to his speed. He's not afraid to take multiple hits and still get a shot off, showing his toughness and resilience. With excellent vision, Owen is also adept at making precise cross-crease passes to set up teammates for easy goals. His versatility, speed, and ability to contribute in all phases of the game make him a highly valuable player.     Joseph Whitehouse is a dynamic two-way midfielder from Rumson-Fair Haven High School and a solid transition Midfielder for Leading Edge. Known for his exceptional athleticism, Joseph is a fast, raw talent who excels both defensively and offensively. As a defensive midfielder, he's a clearing machine, using his speed and footwork to drive transition and spark his team's fast breaks. His on-ball defense is top-tier, and he has fantastic footwork, allowing him to stay with even the quickest midfielders and prevent them from becoming shooting threats. When on offense, Joseph uses his speed and athleticism to create separation to get his hands free and unload a powerful shot, demonstrating strong finishing ability, especially around the crease. A highly aggressive rider, he also plays a crucial role in disrupting the opposition's clears. Joseph's versatility as a two-way midfielder, combined with his tenacious defense and transition play, makes him a true game-changer who impacts both ends of the field.

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.