Lone Star Cup Lookback: December's Standouts in Texas

The Lone Star Cup brought together top high school players from across the country for a high-intensity showcase weekend that drew a strong presence of college scouts back in December. With talent pools from multiple regions and playing styles, the event served as a true proving ground for emerging prospects—highlighting athletes who demonstrated not only skill but also poise, adaptability, and next-level potential. From physical defenders to dynamic midfielders and impact playmakers, the Lone Star Cup once again delivered a competitive atmosphere that put several rising recruits firmly on the national radar.    James Bateman was one of the youngest competitors at the Lone Star Cup, yet he dominated the X with an 80%+ win rate while taking nearly 90% of his team's faceoff reps. His clamp-and-push technique, lightning hand speed, and clean forward exits consistently beat older and more physically developed opponents. Bateman's acceleration, poise, and ability to adjust to counters in real time show a rising freshman already operating with varsity-level IQ. With his athletic ceiling, coachability, and advanced mechanics, he projects as a high-level varsity FOGO early and a legitimate college-track faceoff recruit long term.     Blevins was one of the most instinctive defenders at the Lone Star Cup, consistently winning matchups through anticipation, timing, and smart reads rather than raw size or speed. His stick discipline, spacing, and ability to force turnovers with finesse put him in control of 1v1s and made him equally effective at close defense and LSM. Blevins' off-ball awareness, communication, and transition decision-making were all advanced for his age, allowing him to jump lanes early and steady his unit. As he adds strength and quickness, his high-IQ style and versatility project him as a future lockdown pole with real long-term upside.     [player_tooltip player_id='173759' first='John' last='Ryan Faria'] was one of the most polished faceoff specialists at the Lone Star Cup, winning over 80% of his draws while taking nearly every rep for his team. His lightning-fast hands, clean clamps, and crisp punch-forward exits allowed him to generate immediate possession without relying on physical 50/50 scrambles. Faria's quick first step, stamina, and field IQ were evident in the way he adjusted to opponent counters and made smart decisions after the win, shaping tempo rather than simply securing the ball. Headed to UMass, his refined mechanics and composure project him as a college-ready FO who could contribute early at the next level.     [player_tooltip player_id='173765' first='Bodie' last='Parra'] stood out at the Lone Star Cup as a controlled, confident attackman whose game is built on discipline, physicality, and precise stick mechanics. His ability to win matchups through timing—whether slipping underneath a defender, attacking a glove-side weakness, or creating separation with smart footwork—gave him consistent advantages against older poles. Parra's instincts, balance, and comfort handling the ball suggest true versatility, allowing him to operate behind the cage, on the wing, or as a crease threat depending on matchups. With continued development in burst, off-ball movement, and finishing consistency, he projects as a reliable, college-caliber attackman capable of anchoring an offense at the next level.     [player_tooltip player_id='173767' first='Nate' last='Cooper'] stood out at the Lone Star Cup as one of the most dynamic defensive athletes in the event, pairing a big frame with smooth footwork and unusual poise for his age. Representing Hamilton Southeastern (Ind), he consistently won matchups against top offensive threats by staying patient, reading hips, and using his length to take away space before attacks could develop. His ability to turn defensive stops into instant transition — clearing cleanly, accelerating into open space, and making smart decisions under pressure — separated him from most poles in the showcase. With continued strength gains and exposure to high-level competition, Cooper projects as a next-level LSM/close defender who has the tools, IQ, and presence to anchor a collegiate defensive unit.     [player_tooltip player_id='173769' first='Tank' last='Carson'] proved to be one of the most complete two-way midfielders at the Lone Star Cup, showcasing downhill power, straight-line speed, and the ability to generate offense from both traditional sets and invert looks. He won roughly 50% of his faceoffs as a FOGO–midfield hybrid, using instinct, clamp-and-rack sequences, and smart adjustments to beat stronger opponents at the X. With a heavy right-hand shot, improved patience in his dodges, and a bounce shot that consistently produced goals, he created matchup problems throughout the event. Carson's competitiveness, defensive discipline, and multi-role impact position him as a high-ceiling midfield prospect with clear college potential.

The Lone Star Cup brought together top high school players from across the country for a high-intensity showcase weekend that drew a strong presence of college scouts back in December. With talent pools from multiple regions and playing styles, the event served as a true proving ground for emerging prospects—highlighting athletes who demonstrated not only skill but also poise, adaptability, and next-level potential. From physical defenders to dynamic midfielders and impact playmakers, the Lone Star Cup once again delivered a competitive atmosphere that put several rising recruits firmly on the national radar.