New England Preps: Transfers Bound to Make an Impact in 2026

Between transfers postgrads (for NE West members), many private schools in New England have the luxury of reloading at a different level than their peers in other regions, making roster turnover a constant topic of discussion each offseason. In this piece, we're taking a look at five of the many heralded underclassmen who have transferred into NE prep powerhouses. Consider this Part I: we'll have follow-ups in the coming weeks on additional transfers and PGs to know, though it's a lighter group of fifth-years compared to the past.    Anderson's family has a strong lineage at Deerfield Academy, a major reason the Greenwich (Conn.) native transferred to the Western Massachusetts boarding school, where he's a boon for the Big Green heading into the spring. With a sturdy, D1–ready frame and outstanding versatility, he's expected to grow into a significant role following the program's losses to graduation on that side of the ball. In all likelihood, Anderson will emerge as the No. 1 cover man down low in one of the nation's best high school leagues, drawing elite matchups after taking runs at LSM for 'Wick as a sophomore. He checks a ton of boxes, and his stick skills—one of his greatest attributes—should allow him to make his presence felt in transition. There's little doubt that Anderson's best lacrosse is ahead of him.     King is a tall, highly athletic, and highly accomplished keeper who brings an exciting style of play from Corner Canyon (Utah) to Loomis Chaffee (Conn.), where he re-classed as a '27 after committing to Denver early in the fall of 2024. Joining former CC teammate [player_tooltip player_id='125324' first='OJ' last='Ika'], who is expected to be among the top-ranked '28s, King will compete for the starting job this spring to help fill the vacancy left by the graduation of current Harvard freshman Liam O'Keefe. Covering up a ton of cage and possessing an explosive top hand, King moves deftly from pipe-to-pipe and attacks the ball vigorously without guessing and sacrificing his fundamentals. In addition to making highlight reel-worthy saves in bunches, King is phenomenal out of the crease, where his athleticism really pops. He's known for winning huge run-outs, corralling key groundballs, tossing pinpoint outlets with poise, and clearing the ball over the midline himself. If he seizes the job, he'll instantly add energy and strong leadership qualities to the Loomis lineup.     On the defensive end, few ‘27s have proven themselves this spring as much as Mattaliano, who has been stellar since his freshman year at Roxbury Latin. The Navy commit and returning All-ISL and All-NEPSAC selection now suits up for defending champion Belmont Hill, a program known for its stout, team-oriented defensive play. At 6-foot-3 and 195 pounds, Mattaliano uses his length to his advantage, routinely going over the head to jar the ball loose before scooping it cleanly off the carpet. More effective within a structured system than a loose summer-ball setting, Mattaliano could be a tremendous asset for BH as he acclimates to their defensive approach. When he plays within himself and relies on his size, physicality, and position, good things tend to happen —  picking his spots on the home-run checks will only raise his ceiling.     Mullen has taken his talents to the Founder's League and moved back to the '28 class after helping the Cyclones to a Nassau ‘C' title in 2025, while earning All-County honors with 55 goals and 23 assists. A crafty and opportunistic playmaker, Mullen consistently produces and can generate offense in multiple ways. He doesn't always need the ball in his stick to be effective, yet he's proven capable of beating his man with a move from behind GLE and scoring when he's not occupying the high lefty wing with success. In addition, Mullen is an underrated passer who can sell a shot and regularly find teammates wide open with flair. His calm decision-making, stick skills, and high lacrosse IQ are always evident, and he should benefit from another year getting bigger, faster, and stronger, while facing top-level competition.     A commanding and electric presence in and out of the cage, the Brampton (Ont.) native was another offseason addition for the Big Green, joining a goalie unit that already includes fellow Canadian Cooper Lawson. I first saw Ward last year with Team Ontario's U-17 squad and was immediately struck by his dynamic style and his ability to make highly difficult saves look effortless. The 6'2 lefty excels at stepping out to cut down angles and bait shooters when appropriate. Outside of the crease, Ward is a fantastic asset with the ball, using his athleticism to clear it upfield and easily outrun even the most relentless riding attackmen. This past fall, he continued to impress, delivering several strong halves at the Alliance Lacrosse League event in November. Ward is certainly one to watch and looks primed to develop into one of the most coveted '28 keepers.

Between transfers postgrads (for NE West members), many private schools in New England have the luxury of reloading at a different level than their peers in other regions, making roster turnover a constant topic of discussion each offseason.

In this piece, we're taking a look at five of the many heralded underclassmen who have transferred into NE prep powerhouses. Consider this Part I: we'll have follow-ups in the coming weeks on additional transfers and PGs to know, though it's a lighter group of fifth-years compared to the past.