Rising Stock: California’s 2027 Prospects

California continues to produce high-level talent, with several prospects making noise on the national stage this summer. Whether it's physical defense, high-IQ offensive play, or dynamic midfield versatility, these players have started to separate themselves as names to know. Here are a few who stood out in recent events like The Countdown, Naptown, and NHSLS.    Lee stood out at The Countdown with a pair of strong outings for Hilltop, putting up 1G/1A against Legacy and 2G/1A against Mad Dog National Gold. Though he may be the smallest player on the roster, Lee plays with the confidence and creativity of someone twice his size. The righty dodger is a nightmare matchup, using sharp changes of direction and two-handed dexterity to shake both short sticks and poles from X or up top. He forces defenders to match his pace, and few can keep up with him. If a slide comes, he'll make you pay with his vision and unselfish feeds. Off-ball, Lee stays active and engaged, constantly relocating and keeping his stick up, ready to strike with a quick finish or secondary dodge. With his blend of IQ, quickness, and playmaking ability, Lee continues to prove he belongs among the top 2027s on the West Coast.     Berg made his presence felt at The Countdown, flashing next-level potential as a true short-stick defensive midfielder. The 6-foot California product shined in a matchup with one of the top 2027 attackman, stonewalling a dodge at GLE with physicality and footwork before ultimately forcing a pass-off. He checks every box you want in a high-level SSDM — athletic, aggressive, and confident with the ball in his stick. Berg is relentless on ground balls, brings a gritty edge between the lines, and is usually good for at least one caused turnover per game. With his build, motor, and defensive instincts, Berg looks like one of the more college-ready short sticks in the class.     Bell is an offensive playmaker in the 2027 class who consistently demands attention. When the ball is in his stick, defenses are forced to send help. A fast-twitch dodger with excellent change of direction, he can stop on a dime and create separation in tight windows, including one highlight at the National All-Star Games where he rolled back to his right and stuck it top shelf. Bell also has legitimate range as a step-down shooter, forcing defenses to extend their coverage. Even when pressured, he keeps his head up and finds cutters with touch and timing. Bell continues to show flashes of high-end offensive ability and is trending in the right direction.     Standing at 6-foot-3, this West Coast Starz product is a disruptive defensive presence and a play maker you want on your side. His film is loaded with caused turnovers and interceptions — the kind of high-impact plays that flip momentum. Off-ball, he's alert and calculated, showing excellent awareness to jump passing lanes and pick off skip passes. On-ball, he plays with physicality and patience, timing his checks with precision and rarely overextending. With his size, instincts, and play making ability, he profiles as a high-upside defensive prospect in the 2027 class.     Swindle turned heads at NHSLS with his imposing 6-foot-4, 205-pound frame and physical presence at close defense. He's big, strong, and plays with an edge — consistently driving his matchup to the sideline and making his presence felt on-ball. Despite his size, Swindle moves well laterally and shows clean footwork, allowing him to match up with a variety of dodgers. He also showed flashes of offensive ability at Naptown, scoring a couple of goals in transition for USA West. With his combination of size, strength, and mobility, Swindle is a name to know among rising 2027 defenders.

California continues to produce high-level talent, with several prospects making noise on the national stage this summer. Whether it's physical defense, high-IQ offensive play, or dynamic midfield versatility, these players have started to separate themselves as names to know. Here are a few who stood out in recent events like The Countdown, Naptown, and NHSLS.