Best In Class Fall Showcase 2028s: Defense and Specialists

Best in Class hosted its fall showcase on Sunday at Chase Fieldhouse in Wilmington, Delaware, drawing more than a dozen Division I coaches to evaluate and develop some of the top prospects in the 2028 and 2029 classes. The day began with positional work and small-sided drills before shifting into full-field team play and concluding with a competitive All-Star Game. Every player highlighted in this piece earned a spot in the All-Star game.   As one of the first major recruiting events of the fall, Best in Class offered an early preview of players poised to make noise this fall and spring. After being written up by Ty Xanders last week after IDX, Johnny Hayden continued his impressive stretch, showing the same disruptive on-ball defense that's made him a name to know. He constantly pressured dodgers with sharp checks and heavy cross-contact, forcing turnovers and rushed passes throughout the day. Here's a look at some of the other standout defenders and specialists who impressed in Wilmington:    Tall, athletic, and physically imposing, Kennedy stood out on both ends of the field. Defensively, his combination of size and strength allowed him to easily knock dodgers off their lines and dictate matchups physically. Off the ball, he showed impressive communication and awareness — his slides came with precise timing and angles, and his length made it difficult for offenses to move the ball cleanly, often forcing turnovers or deflections.   Where Kennedy really turned heads, though, was in transition. He consistently pushed the pace, finishing with at least a goal and an assist while showing advanced instincts on when to pick, slip, or cut to the cage. His ability to either make the defense collapse on him or finish plays himself made him a true two-way threat. With his athleticism, IQ, and versatility, Kennedy projects as one of the more intriguing 2028 defensive prospects heading into next September.     One of the most complete defenders at the event, Bernhardt checks every box — height, strength, athleticism, and defensive IQ. He plays with confidence and control, handling the ball cleanly and scooping ground balls on the first try. On the ball, he bullies opposing dodgers with physicality and constant pressure, forcing them out of rhythm.   What truly separated Bernhardt, though, was his timing and confidence as a playmaker. He has a great sense for when to hunt doubles or jump on vulnerable dodgers, using his length and strength to create turnovers. His ability to recognize and exploit opportunities to put the ball on the turf makes him a defender college coaches will keep tabs on as the 2028 cycle eventually heats up.     Tommy Baringhaus brought a physical edge to the Best in Class Fall Event, playing with the kind of toughness that instantly stood out. The strong, imposing defender was productive both on and off the ball, using his size and physicality to set up takeaway checks and disrupt opposing dodgers.   Off the ball, Baringhaus showed excellent timing and awareness, choosing the right moments to slide and consistently creating turnovers in vulnerable spots. When the ball hit the turf, he was the first to react—scooping it up cleanly and sparking transition. On the offensive end, he played within himself, making smart decisions and never trying to do too much. Baringhaus plays with controlled aggression and defensive maturity that will translate well to the next level.     If there was one dominant faceoff specialist at the Best in Class fall event, it was [player_tooltip player_id='166611' first='Luca' last='Santucci']. Including the All-Star Game, from my count, he went an impressive 12-for-16 (75%) from the stripe and looked in total control throughout the day. His pinch-and-pop was lethal — whether winning it forward to spark transition or popping it back to himself, Santucci dictated the pace of play.   What stood out most was his ability to read situations and adjust. He knew when to use his body to box out and when to rely on his quickness to create separation and gain possession. Confident and composed with the ball in his stick, he handled pressure with ease and consistently made smart decisions in transition. Santucci proved to be the clear standout at the X and a name to circle for the 2028 class.     Carson Hewitt was one of the top shot-stoppers at the Best in Class, combining strong fundamentals with vocal leadership in the crease. His communication stood out immediately — a must-have trait in a showcase setting — as he constantly directed his defense and organized slides.   In the cage, Hewitt plays tall until engagement, then locks into shooters by dropping into a lower, wider stance to take away angles. In tight, he's fearless, willing to throw his body in front of shots and bait attackers high by showing low stick. His presence, composure, and command of the defense make him one of the more advanced goalie prospects.     Rocco Sorriento impressed as a tough, hard-nosed short-stick defensive midfielder. His strong upper body allows him to jam dodgers off their line, and his quick, disciplined footwork keeps him in front of his matchup. He's also quick to groundballs and confident enough with the ball in his stick to be a one-man clear when needed. A physical, dependable presence between the lines, Sorriento rarely gave up clean looks and always seemed to make the right play in transition.

Best in Class hosted its fall showcase on Sunday at Chase Fieldhouse in Wilmington, Delaware, drawing more than a dozen Division I coaches to evaluate and develop some of the top prospects in the 2028 and 2029 classes. The day began with positional work and small-sided drills before shifting into full-field team play and concluding with a competitive All-Star Game. Every player highlighted in this piece earned a spot in the All-Star game.