Game-Wrecking Poles: Standout 2027 LSMs

The long-stick midfield position requires a special combination of athleticism, aggressiveness, and awareness on the field. Several players from the 2027 class have started to stand out this summer. They created chaos on defense and helped jumpstart transition offense. These long-stick midfielders made an impact at major events like Main Stage, The Countdown, and Naptown. Whether it was making timely takeaways, scoring impressive goals, or consistently winning ground balls, these players proved they are ones to watch in the 2027 class.    Gulotta is one of the premier LSMs in the 2027 class and continues to check every box you look for at the position — and then some. He's been a consistent head-turner at every major stop on the summer circuit, most recently making a big impression at Main Stage. Defensively, he thrives on pressure, playing with a relentless edge and disrupting opposing offenses at a high rate. He racked up 30 caused turnovers this spring at Iona Prep and has added plenty more since. What truly sets Gulotta apart, though, is his transition game. He presses off the ground, forces slides by cutting hard to the net, and can finish in tight or let it fly from range. Gulotta will be a perfect fit for a program that likes to run and gun.     Baker has been a steady presence across the summer circuit, standing out most recently at Main Stage and The Countdown. He impressed college coaches enough at Main Stage to earn an All-Star Game selection — and backed it up with a standout performance. In one sequence, he intercepted a pass on the defensive end, pushed transition with a clean outlet, then finished the play himself as a trailing scorer. Defensively, Baker brings constant pressure with smart double teams, timely caused turnovers, and a knack for coming up with contested ground balls. With his motor and playmaking instincts, Baker continues to raise his stock as one of the more well-rounded LSMs in the 2027 class.     James Schmitt was a steady playmaker throughout the Naptown Challenge. He made an impact in the quarterfinals, semifinals, and championship game. Schmitt scored goals in both the quarters and semifinals, and he added an assist in the title game. This kind of offensive output is unusual for a defender. He is confident with the ball during transitions, and his overhand shot with the long pole is tough for opposing goalies to track and stop.   On defense, Schmitt plays aggressively and stands out as a takeaway specialist. He applies pressure on ball carriers effectively and takes risks when needed. If he continues to build strength while keeping his speed, Schmitt is expected to become a top LSM at the next level.     O'Brien built strong momentum this spring at Westminster. He collected 74 groundballs and caused 66 turnovers, and he has continued that performance into the summer circuit. At 6-foot-5, he creates tough matchups and moves better than his size suggests. He is a skilled athlete with good range and reach. He excels between the lines, especially in riding situations where he applies heavy pressure and rarely gives up on a play. When he knocks the ball loose, which happens often, O'Brien can smoothly handle it through traffic and pass it upfield. With ongoing improvement, O'Brien has the skills to become a valuable two-way player at the next level.     At 6'3”, this three-sport athlete from Colorado stands out as the most athletic player on the field. In the Naptown championship, his skills were clear. Even after getting hurt in the fourth quarter, he came back and played almost the whole game for Mad Dog. The best word to describe his performance is smooth. He stayed relaxed while picking up ground balls, handled the ball confidently under pressure, and excelled in the clearing game.   As a multi-sport athlete, he brings a strong lacrosse IQ and natural instincts to defense. He reads body language effectively, which helps him time his slides, intercept skip passes, and take the ball away cleanly. His biggest impact came during transitions—making smart decisions, throwing accurate over passes, and remaining calm with the ball in his stick. He is a 2027 defensive prospect with the skills, size, and intuition to become a strong contributor at the next level.

The long-stick midfield position requires a special combination of athleticism, aggressiveness, and awareness on the field. Several players from the 2027 class have started to stand out this summer. They created chaos on defense and helped jumpstart transition offense. These long-stick midfielders made an impact at major events like Main Stage, The Countdown, and Naptown. Whether it was making timely takeaways, scoring impressive goals, or consistently winning ground balls, these players proved they are ones to watch in the 2027 class.