Delaware Valley Prospects Headed For A Stock Rising 2026

Below is a preview of five prospects from the Delaware Valley (SEPA, Delaware and South Jersey) who I believe are primed for an extraordinary 2026 high school season that will increase their recruiting stock significantly.    In 2025 Adams earned the starting job at Avon Grove as a freshman and if you watch him for half or two, it is easy to see why.Like most top net minders, Adams owns noteworthy size, quick reflexes, and fast hands. Those assets enable Adams to make a high percentage of clean saves. But what separates Adams from most goalies in Pennsylvania is his athleticism and ability to use every part of his body to keep the ball out of the net. Adams is especially adept at executing kick saves that deny opposing shooters. After these stops, Adams is quick to locate the loose ball and then use his athleticism to pounce on the rock. That same athleticism combined with his surprising foot speed allows Adams to frequently win chases and at times, clear the ball himself. In addition to his goalie skills, college coaches will love that Adams is the poised and confident between the pipes.     Craighton has been labeled as an attack, but this Swiss Army Knife prospect can have an impact from anywhere on the field. His versatility comes from the fact that Craighton is a player with endless energy, a high IQ, excellent field vision and filthy stick skills. On offense, Craighton can run at attack or midfield. From both of those spots Craighton's explosive first step presents serious issues for opposing defenders. Once Craighton has gotten downhill, he can score or distribute while on the run. This 2029 prospect has proven to be a crafty finisher around the cage too. Craighton has also shown that he is capable of hustling back on defense and playing SSDM at a respectable level. At the defensive end, Craighton's ground ball skills and ability to swiftly clear the ball for a transition opportunity are impressive.     After an impressive freshman campaign in which he scored 25 goals for Governor Mifflin (Berks County Conference), Esterly transferred to Hill School and reclassed into the 2029 graduate year. We expect that move to pay dividends quickly. Esterly is a fleet footed attack with polished stick skills and elusive change of direction moves. That trifecta enables Esterly to generate scoring opportunities for himself or teammates from anywhere on the field. The bulk of Esterly's scoring damage is done on the run. Once Esterly has cooked the initial defender, he can snipe corners, fire off-hip or unleash crafty bouncers while on the move. He is especially effective at dodging from X and then sweeping around the cage for a goal along the crease. Esterly's non-stop motor and high IQ make him a plus player on the ride.     During his breakout sophomore season, Martino recorded 22 goals to go along with 27 assists and was named as one of the top 2027s in South Jersey. Still, it feels like last year this multi-skilled offensive prospect just scratched the surface of his potential and that Martino is primed for a monster junior season. Martino possesses an extremely well-rounded skill set as he can dodge going to his left or right and score / distribute with both hands. That rare skill combination makes Martino impossible to defend 1v1. When opponents send an extra defender at Martino, his polished footwork and elusive stick maneuvers enable him to split the double team and then charge the net for a scoring chance in close. Martino can convert on those opportunities via powerful overhands or sidearm rips. This high IQ prospect has also demonstrated that he can quickly identify a double team and then move the ball to a teammate for a high percentage shot. From X, Martino has proven to be a master at attacking the net to draw a slide, and then feeding a cutter.     Mauro is a long and athletic pole with remarkable ground ball skills. That list of assets makes him a dominating force on the face off wing. On draws, Mauro can slash in from the wing and snag a GB cleanly or hunt for the ball in traffic until he secures possession. If the opposing team wins the face off, Mauro is quick to execute a heavy stick check that creates a turnover and then scoop up the rock. Mauro's high IQ enables him to smartly decide whether to then push the fast break, roll back to open space or fire a clearing pass up field. In settled action, Mauro is capable of applying continuous pressure to ball carriers for long stretches. His crafty lifts, pokes and can openers frequently produce turnovers. Mauro can also contribute on the offensive end by pushing the transition game. His ability to run through significant contact on the break while maintaining possession will catch opponents by surprise.

Below is a preview of five prospects from the Delaware Valley (SEPA, Delaware and South Jersey) who I believe are primed for an extraordinary 2026 high school season that will increase their recruiting stock significantly.