Best In Class Was a Goalie Showcase, and These 27s Stole the Show

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://preplacrosse.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2025/06/IMG_1264_c1a69a.jpeg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-128766"/></figure>   The 2027 Best in Class event at Chase Fieldhouse featured one of the deepest and most talented goalie groups in recent memory. From the very first whistle, it was clear this class is loaded with athleticism, sharp instincts, and technical skill between the pipes. Truthfully, you could write a full report on nearly every goalie who stepped into the crease—there were that many standouts. But a handful of players managed to separate themselves just a bit more, turning heads with their poise, explosiveness, and ability to impact games in multiple ways. Here's a breakdown of the goalies who made the biggest impression over the course of the event.    Gillis emerged as the clear-cut No. 1 goalie at the 2027 Best in Class event, earning consensus praise from evaluators and coaches alike. Standing at 6-foot-4, Gillis combines elite size with surprising athleticism. His frame alone makes life difficult for shooters—he fills up the cage in his stance, leaving few obvious openings to target. Typically, the scouting report on a tall goalie would be to shoot low, but that strategy rarely works against Gillis. He consistently eats up low shots with ease with his excellent technique. His off-stick saves were particularly impressive, including several clean stops on off stick hip that are difficult for most goalies to handle.   Beyond shot-stopping, Gillis also impressed in transition. His lightning-fast hands allow him to get the ball out quickly and accurately on clears. He throws crisp, on-point outlet passes that jumpstart fast breaks and create early offense for his team. Whether making a save or starting a clear, Gillis showed a complete command of the position—cementing his status as one of the premier goalies in the 2027 class.     No goalie at the 2027 Best in Class event attacked the ball quite like Russo. His explosive first step and ability to read shooters set him apart in a deep group. Time and time again, he made decisive, athletic saves by jumping the release—an indicator of how well he reads body language and anticipates shots. One of Russo's most impressive traits was his lateral movement. He tracked the ball exceptionally well across the cage, covering pipe to pipe with speed and control. Whether it was a quick skip pass or a point-blank shot off a feed, he rarely seemed out of position.   In addition to his shot-stopping ability, Russo stood out in the clearing game. He played with his head up, scanning the field immediately after making saves and consistently initiating transition opportunities with smart, accurate outlet passes. His confidence and vision helped his team flip the field in a hurry, turning defense into offense. Russo's two-day showing solidified him as one of the most dynamic and intelligent goalies in the 2027 class.     Experience against elite competition has clearly shaped Oh into a poised and high-upside goalie. As the starting netminder for Taft this past season—an impressive feat for a sophomore—he came into the 2027 Best in Class event battle-tested, and it showed in his play throughout the weekend.   Three standout traits separated Oh from the pack. First, his hands were lightning quick. He routinely snatched away shots with heavy velocity, reacting cleanly and confidently to both inside finishes and mid-range rips. That hand speed, paired with solid positioning, made him extremely tough to beat. Second, his clearing ability stood out. Oh consistently delivered sharp, accurate outlet passes with pace, turning saves into transition opportunities with ease. His vision and decision-making in the clearing game helped jumpstart his team's offense from the backend. Finally, Oh displayed a high level of sophistication in how he baited shooters. Whether he showed space high or low, he controlled the narrative in tight, often luring attackmen into taking the shot he wanted—then taking it away. With strong technical skills, high-level experience, and a sharp mental game, Oh projects as one of the more polished and promising goalies in the 2027 class.     Few goalies at the 2027 Best in Class event played with more grit and physicality than Simpson. Anchored by a wide base, he brought a fearless approach to the position—willing to throw his body into shooting spots and make tough, off-stick saves in tight windows. That aggressive style paid off, especially on inside looks where hesitation can mean a goal. Simpson's quick hands allowed him to handle a variety of shots, whether it was a step-down from the outside or a rapid release from five yards. He stayed balanced in his stance and reacted with confidence, consistently putting himself in a position to make the save.   One of his more advanced traits was his ability to bait shooters. He had a great sense for positioning—inviting a shot to a certain spot, only to take it away at the last second. That type of deception takes a high level of poise and game understanding, and Simpson showed plenty of both. With toughness, fast hands, and a high lacrosse IQ, Simpson proved to be a dependable and disruptive presence in the crease throughout the event.     Sharp instincts and elite athleticism made Williams one of the most dynamic goalies at the 2027 Best in Class event. His ability to read a shooter's body language and explode to the ball on release was exceptional. That combination allowed him to make difficult saves look routine, especially on low shots that he consistently took away with precision. His footwork and positioning along the pipes were equally impressive. On alley dodges and wing shots, Williams stayed tight to the post and took away angle after angle, giving shooters very little room to work with. He remained balanced and reactive, never overcommitting. What separated Williams wasn't just his physical tools—it was how seamlessly he connected anticipation with action. His reads were quick, his movements explosive, and his impact undeniable. Williams continues to show why he's a top name to track in the 2027 goalie class.     Poise, toughness, and experience defined Farver's showing at the 2027 Best in Class event—particularly during a standout performance on Day Two inside Chase Fieldhouse. Facing a loaded Team Three that included high-level scorers like Colin Ogden and TJ Shaw, Farver rose to the challenge with seven clutch saves and total command of his crease.Having faced elite competition all spring at St. Albans—including matchups against powerhouse programs like Landon, Bullis, and Georgetown Prep—Farver is no stranger to pressure. That battle-tested background showed in his calm presence and sharp decision-making throughout the event. He also competes with the top-tier Next Level Blue squad, setting him up for even more elite reps this summer.   Technically, Farver plays with a low, coiled stance that allows him to explode in either direction—high or low—without sacrificing balance. He's constantly communicating with his defense, directing traffic with urgency and precision. Once he makes the stop, he's quick to initiate the clear, showing excellent awareness and timing. Farver's combination of game-tested confidence, smart fundamentals, and vocal leadership makes him a name to watch closely in the 2027 goalie class.     One of the early standouts at the 2027 Best in Class lacrosse event, William Droppo first caught attention during the Day One skill development session. He came out on top in “Bad Andy,” the competitive Goaliesmith elimination challenge, fending off a high-level group of shooters—including a few reps against Joey Spallina. His quick reactions, poise under pressure, and fearless play immediately set the tone for his weekend.   Although not the biggest goalie on the field, Droppo played with elite-level athleticism and relentless energy. He excelled at exploding to the ball and wasn't afraid to leave the crease—chasing shots out to the endline or jumpstarting transition with aggressive clears. His hustle and speed gave his team a spark, whether during live play or drills. In the clearing game, Droppo showed sharp decision-making and confident execution. His ability to push transition and act as a mobile presence in the backfield made him a valuable asset beyond just stopping shots. He consistently functioned as an extension of the defense—demonstrating both field IQ and leadership. Droppo's mix of athletic tools, fast hands, and competitive edge helped him stand out in a talented group of 2027 lacrosse goalies, firmly placing his name on the radar as one of the event's top performers.