Delaware Valley Prospects Coaches Should Scout This Spring

Below is a review of five talented prospects from the Delaware Valley (SEPA, Delaware and South Jersey) who I would encourage college coaches to scout during the 2026 high school season.    Bruder first caught my attention at the 2025 Philly Fall HS Challenge with his speed, size, and change of direction moves. Those assets will come in handy this coming spring as Marple graduated a great deal of firepower from last year's 2A state championship team, and Bruder will now be one of the focal points of their offense. With his quick first step, Bruder can initiate from anywhere in the offensive end and blow past the initial defender. Bruder's size and solid frame allow him to run through slides and stick checks as he races to the net. Once Bruder gets to the crease area, he can deposit the ball into the back of the net with either hand. His tricky head / stick fakes and elite finishing moves keep opposing goalies guessing. Bruder is also a lethal shooting threat from GLE. His quick release and ability to change angles make him impossible to stop at close range. When he operates from X, Bruder has demonstrated that he can deliver precise feeds to cutting teammates.     Residing in South Jersey is one of the top available 2027 face-off prospects in the region. Kuhlberg owns extremely fast hands as well as polished footwork and explosive speed. That trifecta enables Kuhlberg to win draws cleanly and then streak downfield. Once he is the box, Kuhlberg's high IQ enables him to quickly determine whether to shoot or dish to an open teammate. His elite stick skills assist him in executing both options with precision. When the action at the dot goes to the ground, Kuhlberg has the athleticism, strength, and physical presence to saw down, eventually win the clamp and then emerge with the ball. If things get really chaotic on a face off, Kuhlberg's tenacity and nose for the ball will help him push through traffic until he can locate the rock and vacuum up the GB. During summer 2025, Kuhlberg was a named as an All-Star at the One Percent Showcase and was invited to play in the Juniors Open.     Motta is a versatile offensive prospect who can play all three attack spots as well as midfield. Additionally, Motta is effective as an initiator or off-ball operator. Motta's filthy stick skills, speed and quick cut abilities are three major reasons he excels in numerous roles. When Motta has the ball, his stutter step moves, and split dodges combined with his explosive first step push him past the initial defender into open space for snipes on the run. Motta is a patient dodger who will weave his way through traffic or even re-dodge until a high percentage shot opportunity presents itself. He is especially dangerous when he initiates from behind the net. Off-ball, Motta's cuts, sweeps, and slips produce easy chances in close. His ability to sit down in open space, then execute a quick catch and shoots is impressive. Motta can finish around the cage with either hand. Additionally, in-close Motta is a master at slipping low shots past opposing goalies. Motta's ability to rip from GLE must be respected, too.     At 6-foot-3 and 215 pounds, Smith is one of the most physically imposing face-off prospects in the Class of 2027. Obviously that size advantage enables Smith to simply overpower opponents at the dot. Smith's ability to box out, lean on, shoulder check, or run through an opposing FOGO so that he can then secure possession is extraordinary. The combination of that raw force with Smith's refined face off techniques and tenacity allow him to dominate action at the dot. When he is not bulling his way to face off wins, Smith is using his powerful hands and quick reaction time to win clamps cleanly. Once Smith has possession, he will surprise opposing teams with his separation speed and push the rock for a transition opportunity. Smith's crafty stick maneuvers and ability to absorb contact make it possible for him to charge deep into the offensive end before he distributes or fires on net. This 2027 also owns a deep bag of tricks (rakes, jams, sweeps, etc.) that he can execute to produce a face off win.     In 2025, Tinsley burst onto the recruiting scene after he posted 52 goals and 26 assists during his freshman campaign at Sun Valley. For a 2028 prospect, Tinsley's footwork and stick skills are refined beyond his years. Those items combined with his creative offensive instincts and speed make Tinsley impossible to defend 1-on-1. Tinsley's high lacrosse IQ and field awareness helps him strike a beautiful balance between getting his teammates involved and taking advantage of his own scoring opportunities. This versatile, quick twitch athlete is comfortable operating at X and the wing as well as around the crease. Tinsley is especially adept at initiating from X, pushing up the hash and then quickly turning inside for a shot on the run. Or Tinsley can dodge from behind the net, dash around the corner and then use an inside roll for a finish along the crease. College coaches will love that Tinsley is a plus player on the ride, too.

Below is a review of five talented prospects from the Delaware Valley (SEPA, Delaware and South Jersey) who I would encourage college coaches to scout during the 2026 high school season.