Terrapin Classic Under-the-Radar 2026 Defense & Goalies

Part 3 of the Terp Classic at Liberty Sports Park Scout brings us the top uncommitted Defenders and Goalies and a LSM.    Alex Gibson is a formidable close defenseman from the Hotchkiss School who combines size, strength, and discipline to dominate his matchups. Big and strong, Gibson is a hard checker who isn't afraid to lay the lumber, consistently imposing his physicality on attackers. He takes great angles in his approach, making it difficult for offensive players to get by him while maintaining solid positioning. His ability to read plays and make timely checks is matched by his exceptional footwork, allowing him to stay with even the quickest attackers. Whether it's locking down his man or dishing out punishing hits, Gibson's presence on the field is impossible to ignore. A true force in the defensive game, he excels at disrupting offenses and setting the tone for his team with his tough, no-nonsense style of play.     Charlie Collins is a 6'4” close defender from the West Coast who plays for the Hotchkiss School and competes for West Coast Starz at the club level. With his imposing size and athleticism, it's clear that Collins is still growing into his body, which gives him a tremendous upside and projects to have a huge ceiling at the college level. As a starter for the Hotchkiss defense, Collins consistently showcases his raw potential, blending his physical tools with the instincts of an elite defender. His reach and ability to take up space make him a nightmare for opposing attackers, and as he continues to refine his technique, he's only going to get more dangerous. His poise, positioning, and ability to use his size effectively are all strengths, and his combination of size, athleticism, and growing skill set makes him one of the most intriguing defensive prospects for the next level.     [player_tooltip player_id='45428' first='Blake' last='Conner'] is undoubtedly the best-uncommitted goalie in the class, and he's poised to make an immediate and significant impact for his new high school, Boys' Latin. With a rare combination of quick reflexes, exceptional shot-stopping ability, and a calm, focused demeanor under pressure, Conner has established himself as one of the top goalies in the nation. His agility and lateral movement allow him to cover the entire crease, while his sharp lacrosse IQ helps him anticipate shooters' moves and make key saves at crucial moments. Beyond his physical abilities, Conner's leadership on the field is a driving force for his defense, keeping his team organized and fired up. As he steps into his role at Boys' Latin, Conner is set to be a cornerstone for the Lakers, bringing a level of poise, athleticism, and consistency that will make a huge impact in their pursuit for a MIAA Championship.     Jake Gibson is a talented goalie from the Aquinas Institute in Rochester, NY, who plays club lacrosse for 3D Upstate Blue. With great size and a commanding presence in the crease, Gibson has the physical tools to stand tall against some of the most challenging shooters. His strength lies in his exceptional ball-stopping ability, where his quick hands and sharp reflexes make him a formidable shot blocker. Over the weekend at the Terp Classic, Gibson strung together a series of impressive performances, showcasing his ability to consistently make clutch saves under pressure. His combination of size, agility, and mental toughness makes him a reliable anchor for his defense, and his continued development suggests he'll only improve as a difference-maker in goal.     [player_tooltip player_id='123962' first='Brooks' last='Peterson'] is an outstanding long-stick midfielder for Loyola Blakefield in Maryland, known for his impressive ground ball skills and ability to dig out possessions with ease. A fundamentally sound defender, Peterson excels at taking the right angles, staying patient, and making it difficult for attackers to get past him. He's also a master at picking off passes, showcasing his anticipation and high lacrosse IQ. On top of his defensive prowess, Peterson is a true threat in transition. His blazing speed and quick first step off the wing allow him to blow by defenders, while his strong stick skills and vision help him create scoring opportunities. He's just as comfortable finishing off a fast break as he is setting up teammates, making him a constant force in transition. A key contributor off the faceoff wing, Peterson's great size-to-speed ratio makes him a nightmare for opposing midfielders. His ability to create transition goals and contribute both defensively and offensively makes him one of the top uncommitted long-stick midfielders in the game.       Jules Capone is arguably one of the best uncommitted poles in the class, showcasing an elite blend of speed, physicality, and lacrosse IQ that makes him a standout on both ends of the field. With his outstanding stick skills and sharp awareness, Capone is a versatile defender who can dominate as a close defenseman or step in as a long-stick midfielder when needed. His quickness allows him to stay in front of his man, while his strength ensures he can win tough battles on ground balls and in one-on-one situations. Capone's high lacrosse IQ and natural instincts make him a formidable presence, whether shutting down an attacker or transitioning the ball upfield. As one of the top uncommitted players in his class, he's a prospect with a ton of upside and will undoubtedly make an impact at the next level.

Part 3 of the Terp Classic at Liberty Sports Park Scout brings us the top uncommitted Defenders and Goalies and a LSM.