Borderline Ballers: Rising East Coast Talents Bound to Break Out

Across Connecticut, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania, the classes of 2027 and 2028 are producing a wave of young talent. From slick stick skills to lockdown defense, these rising stars are making noise in club circuits, showcases, and early varsity rosters.    [player_tooltip player_id='143689' first='Aidan' last='Collins'] is a reclassed '27 who stands out for his physicality, footwork, and high defensive IQ. At 6'2" and 190 pounds, Collins combines size and agility to excel in both on-ball and off-ball defense, and does a great job picking up lean ground ball play, playing with disciplined aggression, and with his ability to anticipate offensive movements without overcommitting. A recent transfer from Landon (Md.), Collins has quickly emerged as one of the smartest uncommitted defenders, showing poise, hustle, and technical skill that make him a reliable presence on the back end of the field.     Alexander Frey is a standout 2028 goalie with elite instincts, strong fundamentals, and a commanding presence in net. Frey's technical foundation is impressive for his age. Standing at 6'0" and 155 pounds, he uses his frame effectively to cover the cage and challenge shooters. His hand speed and reaction time allow him to make difficult saves look routine, particularly in tight situations. Frey's footwork is crisp, enabling him to reset quickly and maintain balance through lateral movements. He's also a vocal leader on the field, consistently directing his defense and communicating through transitions.   Beyond his shot-stopping ability, Frey shows maturity in his clearing game. He's confident under pressure and makes smart outlet passes to jumpstart fast breaks. His experience with a top club program has exposed him to high-level competition, sharpening his decision-making and poise.     Wetmore is a dynamic 2027 midfield/attack prospect known for his versatility, scoring touch, and high lacrosse IQ. Standing at 5'11" and 170 pounds, Wetmore combines size and agility to create matchup problems for defenders. He plays with a strong right hand and demonstrates excellent field awareness, often finding seams in the defense to generate scoring opportunities. His 19-goal, 10-assist stat line highlights his dual-threat capability as both a finisher and facilitator. Wetmore competes with NXT and has showcased his skills in box lacrosse formats as well, adding to his toughness and stick control in tight spaces.     Lin showcases a dynamic blend of athleticism and field awareness that sets him apart in the midfield. His stick skills are polished for his age and his footwork is crisp and deliberate, allowing him to navigate traffic with ease and transition quickly between offense and defense. He's particularly effective in unsettled situations, demonstrating a knack for finding seams in the defense and capitalizing with smart shot selection or timely assists.   Defensively, Lin brings grit and discipline, often drawing tough matchups and holding his own with strong positioning and active checks. His lacrosse IQ is evident in his off-ball movement and ability to anticipate plays, making him a reliable communicator and leader on the field.     Standing at 6'0, Drew Bier brings an imposing physical presence to the field, which he leverages effectively in his role on defense. His ability to read offensive schemes and anticipate plays allows him to disrupt opposing attacks with well-timed checks and interceptions. Bier's footwork and agility make him a reliable 1-on-1 defender, while his reach and stick skills help him dominate ground ball battles and clear the ball efficiently from the defensive zone.   Beyond his defensive capabilities, Bier shows strong potential as a two-way player, contributing to transition and occasionally pushing into offensive sets. His experience with 2Way has helped refine his game sense and positional awareness, making him a valuable asset in unsettled situations. Coaches have noted his work ethic and coachability, suggesting that he has the mindset and drive to develop into a collegiate-level player. As a member of the Class of 2028, Bier still has time to grow physically and technically, but his current trajectory points toward a high ceiling.

Across Connecticut, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania, the classes of 2027 and 2028 are producing a wave of young talent. From slick stick skills to lockdown defense, these rising stars are making noise in club circuits, showcases, and early varsity rosters.