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<p>Before the season, we highlighted a group of freshmen who were poised to make an impact (linked below), and many of them lived up to that billing on some of the biggest stages. Of course, they weren't the only first-year players who stood out. A new wave of talent emerged over the course of the season, proving themselves and earning attention in their own right. In this piece, we take a look at six freshmen who not only met expectations but exceeded them, while a follow-up post will spotlight standout performers from public schools as playoffs begin to heat up. <br><br><a href="https://preplacrosse.com/2026/01/young-guns-class-of-2029-attackmen-to-know/">'29 Attackmen to Know, Part I</a><br><a href="https://preplacrosse.com/2026/01/young-guns-class-of-2029-attackmen-to-know-pt-2/">'29 Attackmen to Know, Part II</a><br><a href="https://preplacrosse.com/2026/01/young-guns-class-of-2029-midfielders-to-know/">'29 Middies to Know, Part I</a><br><a href="https://preplacrosse.com/2026/01/young-guns-class-of-2029-midfielders-to-know-part-ii/">'29 Middies to Know, Part II</a><br><a href="https://preplacrosse.com/2026/01/young-guns-class-of-2029-defenders-to-know/">'29 Defenders to Know, Part I</a><br><a href="https://preplacrosse.com/2026/01/young-guns-class-of-2029-defenders-to-know-part-ii/">'29 Defenders to Know, Part II</a><br><a href="https://preplacrosse.com/2026/01/young-guns-class-of-2029-goalies-to-know/">'29 Goalies to Know</a></p>
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<p class="text-gray-700">Helping form a thunder-and-lightning duo of underclassmen at the face-off X, Bosek enjoyed an outstanding freshman season at Culver after arriving from St. Christopher's (Va.) in Richmond. Physically, he already resembles a college freshman more than a high school freshman, thanks to his exceptionally powerful lower body. A talented wrestler as well, Bosek consistently wore opponents down with his strength, dominant clamp, and high-level counter ability. Culver elevated its schedule in 2026, and Bosek proved he could thrive against top competition. He went 11-for-13 in a regular-season win over Western Reserve and delivered several other standout performances throughout the year. Although evaluations for the Class of 2029 are still in the early stages, it's already clear that Bosek is on track to become one of the most sought-after faceoff specialists in his class.</p>
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<p class="text-gray-700">When a freshman regularly sees the field at a program like Loomis Chaffee, it's best to take notice. Repeating after coming in from Boulder (Colo.), the highly talented lefty ran out of the box for a team that had no shortage of returning talent and fit in swimmingly. He netted a goal in <a href="https://preplacrosse.com/2026/05/loomis-tops-choate-10-5-standouts-from-the-founders-league-final/">last week's Founders League title game</a>, following up a teammate's shot that hit the pipe by cutting to space, catching it loaded, hitching, then unleashing an absolute missile from 10 yards. Sneaky off-ball and blessed with phenomenal hands, he showed signs of good things to come and gained confidence against a rigorous schedule. Going forward, Hoverstock looks like he's bound to be a player that NE West 1 defenses will have to account for whenever he's on the field. </p>
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<p class="text-gray-700">Lighthizer entered the spring with significant buzz surrounding him, and he quickly proved the hype was warranted. After flashing his potential in an early scrimmage, he steadily improved throughout the season despite being thrust into a starting role at LSM as a freshman. While that assignment can be especially challenging in the MIAA, Lighthizer grew more confident as the year progressed and avoided the hesitation that often affects young varsity defenders early in their careers. Possessing an exceptional handle, the Anne Arundel County native stood out in transition and on the wings during faceoffs, consistently making plays that separated him from his peers. He rarely shied away from contact and used his stick extremely well to create disruption and win 50-50 ground balls. When challenged in coverage, Lighthizer more than held his own. Fortunately for the Crusaders, he is one of several defensive starters set to return in 2027.</p>
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<p class="text-gray-700">With two older brothers, Grayson and Chandler, who previously tore up the ISL before moving on to Penn, this spring marked the beginning of Landon's chance to do the same. Looking like anything but a freshman, McClements got off to a hot start and held strong throughout the spring, allowing a smidge under six goals per game while making 213 saves to finish around 58 percent on the year. Even on live streams and tape, his unflappable nature and explosive top-hand speed were beyond evident. He made some eye-popping saves in tight, playing angles exceptionally well, and making himself big in close to shut the door. A freshman rarely helps stabilize the back half of the field — especially as a league as jam-packed with talent as the ISL — but McClements did exactly that. </p>
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<p class="text-gray-700">Over the years, McDonogh has produced several defensemen who stepped into the varsity lineup as freshmen and immediately looked the part, with names like BJ Farrare '18 and AJ Marsh '23 coming to mind. While it's still far too early to place Thomasson in that company of future stars and college All-Americans, he unquestionably established himself as a defensive cornerstone for the Eagles, earning All-MIAA honorable mention honors. The left-hander was regularly tasked with covering opponents' No. 2 attackmen and passed those tests with flying colors, all while excelling away from the ball and displaying a maturity beyond his years. Thomasson has the athleticism to run with attackmen, match feet, and put ball carriers in uncomfortable situations, not to mention the stick skills to thrive in transition. He also showed strong instincts and consistently made impactful plays within the team defense. Next season, Thomasson is expected to take on an even larger role by matching up with opponents' top offensive options. Based on what he showed this year, he appears more than ready for that challenge.</p>
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<p class="text-gray-700">Transferring to Govs from Berwick Academy in Maine, where he recorded 62 points in 2025, Traviglini earned a starting role at left attack and thrived, finishing the season with 18 goals and 14 assists. He made an immediate impact in an off-ball role, consistently putting himself in scoring position through constant movement and well-timed cuts. He also displayed strong hands and an impressive catch radius for his size, routinely securing and finishing off-target feeds with ease. Traviglini combines reliable stick skills with above-average speed, and while he could certainly develop into more of a dodging threat, he already excels as a finisher thanks to his off-ball prowess and high lacrosse IQ. </p>
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<p></p>
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Before the season, we highlighted a group of freshmen who were poised to make an impact (linked below), and many of them lived up to that billing on some of the biggest stages. Of course, they weren't the only first-year players who stood out. A new wave of talent emerged over the course of the season, proving themselves and earning attention in their own right. In this piece, we take a look at six freshmen who not only met expectations but exceeded them, while a follow-up post will spotlight standout performers from public schools as playoffs begin to heat up.
Helping form a thunder-and-lightning duo of underclassmen at the face-off X, Bosek enjoyed an outstanding freshman season at Culver after arriving from St. Christopher's (Va.) in Richmond. Physically, he already resembles a college freshman more than a high school freshman, thanks to his exceptionally powerful lower body. A talented wrestler as well, Bosek consistently wore opponents down with his strength, dominant clamp, and high-level counter ability. Culver elevated its schedule in 2026, and Bosek proved he could thrive against top competition. He went 11-for-13 in a regular-season win over Western Reserve and delivered several other standout performances throughout the year. Although evaluations for the Class of 2029 are still in the early stages, it's already clear that Bosek is on track to become one of the most sought-after faceoff specialists in his class.
Evaluations are normally subscriber-only but when an athlete subscribes, theirs becomes free for all readers.
Subscribing doesn't change who the Scout covers, it changes who gets to see it.
When a freshman regularly sees the field at a program like Loomis Chaffee, it's best to take notice. Repeating after coming in from Boulder (Colo.), the highly talented lefty ran out of the box for a team that had no shortage of returning talent and fit in swimmingly. He netted a goal in last week's Founders League title game, following up a teammate's shot that hit the pipe by cutting to space, catching it loaded, hitching, then unleashing an absolute missile from 10 yards. Sneaky off-ball and blessed with phenomenal hands, he showed signs of good things to come and gained confidence against a rigorous schedule. Going forward, Hoverstock looks like he's bound to be a player that NE West 1 defenses will have to account for whenever he's on the field.
Evaluations are normally subscriber-only but when an athlete subscribes, theirs becomes free for all readers.
Subscribing doesn't change who the Scout covers, it changes who gets to see it.
Lighthizer entered the spring with significant buzz surrounding him, and he quickly proved the hype was warranted. After flashing his potential in an early scrimmage, he steadily improved throughout the season despite being thrust into a starting role at LSM…
With two older brothers, Grayson and Chandler, who previously tore up the ISL before moving on to Penn, this spring marked the beginning of Landon's chance to do the same. Looking like anything but a freshman, McClements got off to…
Over the years, McDonogh has produced several defensemen who stepped into the varsity lineup as freshmen and immediately looked the part, with names like BJ Farrare '18 and AJ Marsh '23 coming to mind. While it's still far too early to place Thomasson in that company of future stars and college All-Americans, he unquestionably established himself as a defensive cornerstone for the Eagles, earning All-MIAA honorable mention honors. The left-hander was regularly tasked with covering opponents' No. 2 attackmen and passed those tests with flying colors, all while excelling away from the ball and displaying a maturity beyond his years. Thomasson has the athleticism to run with attackmen, match feet, and put ball carriers in uncomfortable situations, not to mention the stick skills to thrive in transition. He also showed strong instincts and consistently made impactful plays within the team defense. Next season, Thomasson is expected to take on an even larger role by matching up with opponents' top offensive options. Based on what he showed this year, he appears more than ready for that challenge.
Evaluations are normally subscriber-only but when an athlete subscribes, theirs becomes free for all readers.
Subscribing doesn't change who the Scout covers, it changes who gets to see it.
Transferring to Govs from Berwick Academy in Maine, where he recorded 62 points in 2025, Traviglini earned a starting role at left attack and thrived, finishing the season with 18 goals and 14 assists. He made an immediate impact in…
