Midfield Movers: Committed Juniors Who Raised Their Stock

A handful of committed junior midfielders used the fall circuit to take real steps forward in their games. Whether it was winning their matchups, big moments against top competition, or showing growth in areas that matter at the next level, these guys didn't just show up, they raised their stock. Here's a look at some committed midfielders who made the most of their fall and proved they're trending the right way.    Wyatt Branish delivered the most clutch performance I saw all fall during the Colorado Kings' <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DRLc1lljNWV/?img_index=1">five-goal comeback win over Sweetlax Upstate at the ALL Fall Invitational.</a> When the game tightened up, he took over from the lefty wing. In the fourth quarter, he scored on an S-dodge with a subtle hesitation, finishing while falling to cut the deficit to 7–6. Also, he added two assists off lefty rollbacks to Sean Kilkenny, one of them was the feed that sent the game to overtime. If that wasn't enough, Branish locked up a Division I commit on defense in overtime, forcing a rushed shot that led to the save.   Branish is an impressive talent for a lot of reasons, but his dodging and re-dodging really separate him. He has a great feel for getting that first step and working to spots where he can free his hands to shoot or open passing lanes to the backside. His hesitation moves are subtle but deadly, often freezing defenders just long enough for him to slip by. The deception in his game is next level. As a feeder, he reads slides well and isn't afraid to look defenders off to free teammates. As a shooter, he mixes release points and subtle pauses to freeze goalies before snapping it past them. Michigan landed a legit difference-maker in Branish.     Evan Miller consistently made plays on both sides of the ball this fall at the Terrapin Classic and NHSLS. He's a classic Canadian lefty whose box background shows up all over his game. Defensively, teams don't need to slide to help him very often—his feet are quick enough to stay with high-end dodgers, and he forces plenty of turnovers on his own. He preys on ball carriers who get lazy with their stick, timing pokes and cross-checks perfectly to dislodge the ball on before they can build momentum.   That box influence shows just as much when he has the ball. <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DTdzKJ7D85V/">He's the league leader in points in the 21U Box Rock Elite League that is 10 weeks in.</a> Miller is talented enough to play offense at almost any high school, but Hill Academy uses him best in transition. He's a key SSDM in their give-and-go game, and he scored a bunch this fall because of it. He'll move the ball early in soft breaks, slow the play down, then explode back into space like he was shot out of a cannon, creating quick-stick looks before defenses can react. His box highlights show he can dodge one-on-one as well, threatening both topside and underneath with slick finishes. Bobby Mo landed a versatile, high-impact short-stick out of Ontario in Miller.     Garrett Quinn is headed to St. Joseph's, following the same path as his older brother, who's currently a senior there. Already listed at 6'4”, and with his brother standing 6'7”, it wouldn't be surprising if Quinn is still growing into his frame. Listed as a “weapon” on the ALL roster, he made his biggest impact as a short-stick defensive midfielder, where his athleticism and footwork really jump off the page.   Defensively, Quinn is comfortable matching feet with quick, dynamic dodgers and has the range to be disruptive all over the field. Adding some upper-body strength will only make him tougher, but even now, he does a good job closing out under control and timing his checks to break up shots. In team defense, he slides with intent and brings a physical edge when ball carriers hang onto it too long. His speed translates well to the clearing game, where he's more than capable of handling one-man clear duties. With his athletic base and room to continue developing physically, Quinn has real upside and should be a difference-maker for Malvern Prep this spring and beyond.     Madden Miller, a Merrimack commit, is a slick scorer who does most of his damage with quickness and creativity. He brings real versatility to an offense, capable of playing down low or out of the box, and he finds his way to dangerous spots no matter where his dodge starts. At the Alliance Fall Invitational, he made all the right plays—drawing slides, taking quality shots, and moving the ball—highlighted by a slick behind-the-back assist in tight.   His shot selection really stands out. He consistently works to the middle of the field or finishes right on the doorstep, putting goalies in tough positions. A big reason he gets to those spots so easily is his ability to get under defenders and use his S-dodge to create dunk opportunities. He flows comfortably between both hands, pairs that with sharp change of direction, and uses quick feet to create separation. When it's time to finish, he's reliable on the run and in tight, even with pressure, and he can score from a variety of release angles.     The player who looked like a man among boys for Team 91 Colorado was Marco Walsweer. At 6'3”, he runs like a mustang—long strides, real power, and speed that jumps off the film. This past spring at Regis Jesuit, he drew a lot of short-stick matchups, where he did damage dodging down the alleys, working from behind the cage, and operating in two-man actions. He has the burst to separate going downhill and can rip shots on the run with either hand at tough angles. When his feet are set, he's just as dangerous, blowing it past goalies with power from both hands.   Bellarmine is investing in a high-upside prospect because of Walsweer's physical tools and his ability to score on the run. This spring, he'll likely start seeing more pole matchups now that he's proven he can play at a Division I level. As that happens, continuing to layer in more re-dodges, hesitations, and refined shot selection will only help him take the next step. The foundation is already there, and the ceiling is high.

A handful of committed junior midfielders used the fall circuit to take real steps forward in their games. Whether it was winning their matchups, big moments against top competition, or showing growth in areas that matter at the next level, these guys didn't just show up, they raised their stock. Here's a look at some committed midfielders who made the most of their fall and proved they're trending the right way.