Terp Classic '27s: Emptying The Notebook

Closing the book on Terp Classic coverage — until the film is out, at least — with a breakdown of eight more standouts in the '27 class, having already highlighted <a href="https://preplacrosse.com/2024/11/terp-classic-27s-top-attack-performers-from-the-dmv-and-miaa/">top attackmen around Maryland </a>and <a href="https://preplacrosse.com/2024/11/terp-classic-27s-standouts-from-new-jersey-and-pennsylvania/">over a dozen of the top sophomores in Philly and New Jersey</a>. Use code ‘PREP30′ at checkout to receive 30% off your annual or two-year subscription!    Foa, a hard-nosed lefty close defender, had one of the better defensive highlights I saw all day when he executed a nice little yard sale. That being said, he isn't overly reliant on checks and plays a physical and fundamentally sound brand of defense. A standout wrestler for the Bulldogs, Foa always initiates contact and was strong at GLE, where he displayed strong footwork and position play and didn't budge. In addition, he also has an above average stick and made some plays in the passing lanes and in the clearing game. With Bullis graduating a few starters on defense, expect Foa to be in the mix for increased minutes as a sophomore.     Viewed as one of the better prospects in a deep and talented '27 goalie class, Oh recently transferred into Taft after beginning his career at NorCal mainstay Sacred Heart Prep. Having watched him at the Maverik Showtime All-Star Game and then again last Sunday, it's clear that he's been coached incredibly well, as he's very disciplined and patient. There's no guessing and no wasted movements - everything's in sync from his feet up to his hands and eyes. Backstopping an impressive ADVNC squad, Oh stonewalled kids inside, controlled rebounds and made a few beautiful saves on shots at his ankles.     Sala is the type of two-way stalwart who is usually the most athletic player on the field each time he laces up the cleats. Simply put, he can flat-out fly, and he uses his game-changing speed to make an impact all over the field, particularly between the lines. At Terp Classic, I was struck by his ability to stand up dodgers at the top of the box and make it difficult for them to get much of anything going. In that sense, he's as good as a pole, which says a lot. He picked up tough groundballs and was a sideline-to-sideline presence all day. Coming from the same SHP program that produced First Team All-American SSDM Ben Ramsey (Notre Dame), Sala is sure to attract a ton of attention once 9/1 rolls around, given that he has a similar athletic profile and the proper mindset to play the shortstick position.     A big and athletic left-handed scorer out of the MIAA, Cook got better as the game progressed and dialed in his shooting with a pair of late goals in a tight game against Team Ten. Cook shoots a heavy ball and can bring it from range, and it's clear that he's gained a lot of confidence with his right hand since the spring, during which he got significant PT for the Crusaders. What's incredibly impressive about Cook is the work he does without the ball: his feet are always moving and he's constantly making well-timed cuts to create catch-and-shoot opportunities, and he finishes them at a high rate.     James earned a ton of respect as a freshman, racking up 49 goals and 17 assists and earning All-WCAC honorable mention recognition as an attackman. As a lefty middie for Next Level, he was a threat to make things happen off of the invert and also tallied a few pretty goals when sweeping across the top to finish with four in the last game of the day. Quick and shifty with the ball in his stick, he scored some big boy goals and never backed down from poles that were much bigger than him, getting his hands free with an impressive burst of speed and deception.    <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Quick Hitters</h2>   — James Hedley excelled with 91 Charlotte and looks like a rather promising face-off prospect with size, athleticism, and hand speed. His offensive exits were clean, he was all over 50-50 groundballs, and he appeared to be plenty capable with the ball in his stick. We've seen several face-off specialists from North Carolina head to the D1 ranks in recent years, and Hedley seems to be next in line. — Crabs sophomore Colt Erdos is another SSDM prospect worth keeping an eye on. The athletic Pittsburgh transplant for Boys' Latin is a menace between the lines, tough 1v1, and made great decisions in transition. The Lakers' defensive midfield unit took a big hit to graduation, so his play will be crucial for BL in 2025. — More than a few offensive weapons for Next Level have been covered in our Terp Classic writeups, but the defense held up well and deserve some love. Landon's Andrew Chiperfield and Deerfield's Danny Weller (yes, there's yet another Weller) looked particularly impressive. Chiperfield is long and rangy and had a pretty over-the-head check in one instance, then played rock-solid all day and showed well off the wings. Weller, meanwhile, played some close defense and had some nice knockdowns as well as a big goal that quieted his coaches who were screaming at him to pass it to one of his teammates.

Closing the book on Terp Classic coverage — until the film is out, at least — with a breakdown of eight more standouts in the '27 class, having already highlighted top attackmen around Maryland and over a dozen of the top sophomores in Philly and New Jersey.

Use code ‘PREP30′ at checkout to receive 30% off your annual or two-year subscription!