South Jersey's Expected Stock Risers For Spring 2026

Below is a preview of five prospects from southern New Jersey who I believe are destined to post an outstanding 2026 high school season and thus increase their recruiting stock significantly.    In 2025, Bryan was a key rotational piece for a Kingsway squad that won 22 games as well as the South Jersey Group 4 sectional title and advanced to the Group 4 state title game. The Dragons graduated a host of players from that program-defining team, including the school's all-time career points leader, Keegan Borkowski. Therefore, Bryan (26 goals and 16 assists in 2025) will be one of the players expected to step up this spring and fill the scoring void left by Borkowski's departure. The good news is that Bryan is ready for that challenge. He is an extraordinarily athletic midfielder (plays football) who thrives while operating from up top or on the wing. Bryan's quick first step enables him to blow past initial defenders and then shoot or distribute while on the run. Bryan's physicality and tricky stick maneuvers enable him to run over or elude sliding defenders on his charges to the net. Bryan has also demonstrated that he can snipe from deep via overhands or sidearm rips. This versatile midfielder has flashed the ability to initiate from X, too. College coaches will love Bryan's high lacrosse IQ.     This dynamic athlete possesses explosive speed, incredible agility, polished footwork, and elite stick skills. That list of assets forms one of the top LSMs in New Jersey. To be honest, how Hays remains available is a complete mystery. Hays is a menacing on-ball presence who tortures opponents with his constant lifts, pokes, slaps, and stick checks. This lefty pole simply wears out offensive players with his relentless pressure until they eventually commit a turnover. Once the ball hits the turf, Hays will snag the GB and streak into the offensive end. When he gets below the retaining line, Hays is a legitimate threat to fire one into the back of the net. Of course, Hays also does a fantastic job of drawing a defender and then distributing to the open teammate. Hays has flashed the ability to run at close defense, too. Down low, Hays can provide a physical presence and excels at disrupting passing lanes with his active stick.     Logan is an extraordinary three-sport athlete, also wrestling and playing goalie in soccer. Last season, he posted a breakout sophomore campaign, recording 13 saves per game and earning 2nd Team All-Olympic Conference honors. The first asset that pops about this lefty is that Logan moves extremely well. His ability to slide post to post or cover high to low in a flash is impressive. Logan's ability to execute quick but controlled drops to stop low shots is special. His elite tracking skills, fast hands, and active stick enable Logan to cover the top of the net with ease. A high percentage of Logan's saves are clean, but on the rare occasion where a rebound happens, Logan will aggressively pounce on the loose ball. Once he has the ball in his stick, Logan will swiftly deliver a precise clearing pass that triggers a transition opportunity for his team. Lastly, Logan does a tremendous job of communicating with the defense in front of him.     Tilton is a uniquely versatile prospect in that he can operate at SSDM, as well as o-mid and LSM. The trifecta of Tilton's speed, endless motor, and bulldog mentality allows him to play all three positions at an impressive level. Defensively, Tilton's smooth lateral movements and instincts enable him to pursue ball carriers for long stretches. When the opposing offensive player makes a mistake, Tilton will strike with a well-timed stick or shoulder check that forces a turnover. With his nose for the ball and quick reactions, Tilton will then pounce on the ground ball and secure possession. Tilton is a high-IQ prospect who understands when to push the break versus when to find open space and then deliver a clearing pass. Offensively, Tilton thrives in transition, where he can score on the run or draw the slide and then distribute to an open teammate. Tilton is an underrated step-down shooter, too.     After back-to-back 40-plus goals / 90-plus point seasons, it might be hard to believe that Wiley can take his game to another level. But that is exactly what I am predicting for this offensive phenom in 2026. Wiley is a versatile prospect who can generate scoring chances for himself or teammates at midfield as well as attack. His solid frame and polished footwork enable to bull his way through defenders and double teams until he can get his hands free for a crank or a timely pass. Wiley is especially adept at dodging from X, pushing his way around the corner, and then executing an inside roll for a scoring chance around the crease. That same physicality helps Wiley muscle past his defender when he dodges from up top or the wing. Wiley also owns a powerful and accurate perimeter shot that he can cut loose from 18 or more yards out. College coaches will love Wiley's ability to shoot and feed with both hands.

Below is a preview of five prospects from southern New Jersey who I believe are destined to post an outstanding 2026 high school season and thus increase their recruiting stock significantly.