Class of 2027: Breakout Players In the Garden State To Watch For

New Jersey has an immense amount of returning talent from last spring, here's a few names from the Class of 2027 to keep an eye on this spring.   Each of these players played a steady role in their team's success last spring and are looking to add even more production this year.    Schwarzenbek played a big role in the Blue Devils' success a season ago and with the experience he gained, as well as working in the summers playing for Tri-State, he may be looked upon to be one of the leaders defensively this season. As a sophomore, he recorded 45 ground balls, while tallying a goal that came vs New Providence. He does a great job of staying active in the clearing game as an outlet and takes care of the ball with a high lacrosse IQ and good communication, while also showing the flexibility to play either LSM or close D. He stays aggressive at the point of attack, riding his matchup down the alley and stays on the gloves to force tough passes. Schwarzenbek moves well laterally, utilizing a smooth drop-step to match his opponents and then closing the gap to apply pressure.     Hughes produced well in cage for the Rams in the 16 games that he played last spring, totaling 75 saves in that time. With AJ Mattern having graduated, Hughes seems like the likely replacement and with the varsity experience he has already gained, he will be looking to have a breakout year if he is the full-time starter. He has shown big-play ability and does a great job of communicating with his teammates and covering a lot of ground between the pipes. The Stafford (N.J.) native displays good spacial awareness in cage and when he gets a save, he is looking to get the ball out quick for a transition chance, while also not being careless with possessions. He has a good shot recognition to get low or sweep across the goal for an acrobatic save and he will be looking to get Southern Regional back to the state playoffs for redemption this spring.     Halesworth was a solid contributor for the Ironmen last spring and will look to earn a bigger role after finishing with 9 goals and 8 assists a season ago. With many returning offensive players, he is going to have to fight for a spot, but for me, his dodging ability and elusiveness set him apart. When dodging, he uses his speed to sweep across the field and create separation to get his hands free for a shot or open teammate. He dodges hard and combines that with a quick release on his shot to be effective with the ball. With time and room, the Franklin Lakes (N.J.) native displays solid velocity on his shot while also changing planes to challenge goaltenders. With his speed, size and stick skills Halesworth could carve out a nice role for himself this spring.     In a historic year for Glen Ridge, ending their season as Group 1 state champions, Winnick stayed productive at the X for them. He finished with 110 wins at a 50% win rate and added 83 ground balls on top of that. He will likely stay as the #1 option at the X this spring and will look to improve upon his performance from a year ago while bringing more experience to the table. He is quick to the punch on the whistle and does a good job of using his lower half to gain good positioning against his matchup and box out for a ground ball. If he loses the clamp, Winnick keeps himself in the play with great effort and well-timed checks to jar the ball loose. With possession, he is smart with the ball and stays patient, but if he is shown a lane, he can take off and be a threat.     Schneider had a solid sophomore season for the Warriors, tallying 15 goals and 30 assists, while also contributing in ways not shown on the stat sheet. In the Group 2 state finals vs Hopewell Valley, he recorded three assists and will look to expand on his role this spring with a few key players from a year ago having graduated. The Spring Lake (N.J.) native is a crafty dodger from X and has good agility and footwork to get past his matchup. He can finish in tight spaces with solid stick skills and also places the ball in tough spots for goaltenders to navigate. Schneider has great instincts with the ball in his stick and does a great job of dodging with his head up looking for teammates. Look out for a break-out year from Kieran Schneider this spring.     Carrero played a nice role defensively for the Renegades last year and will look to build off of that experience. He finished with 50 ground balls and added in an assist vs Haddonfield, while also showing the ability to play both LSM and close D to produce for his team. He displays good footwork to change directions quickly, staying patient with well-timed checks and a strong lower body to box out on ground balls. He closes the gap with a good break down and pesters the gloves to make his matchup uncomfortable and force them into turnovers. The Medford (N.J.) native works hard on clears, making himself available to his teammates and utilizes his speed in the open field to create separation and capitalize off unsettled chances.

New Jersey has an immense amount of returning talent from last spring, here's a few names from the Class of 2027 to keep an eye on this spring.