Offensive Players that Impressed at TeamIL Fall Showcase

In part 2 of the "players that impressed" series from the TeamIL Fall Showcase, we will move over the offensive side of the ball. If you haven't read yet, you can see the "defensive players that impressed" <a href="https://preplacrosse.com/2024/11/defensive-players-that-impressed-at-the-team-il-fall-showcase/">here</a>.      Quinn demanded the ball every time he hit the field.  He was not just out there to exist, he wanted to be part of the action and get the offense going.  This can be hard in a showcase setting with kids you don't normally play with, but he did a nice job choosing his own spots and getting others involved.  He is shifty with a nice burst and was able to win his 1v1 matchups. Away from the ball, he showed a high Lax IQ with timely cuts and ability to get to spots to put himself in position for high percentage shots. A well rounded player with great athleticism. Quinn made plays every time he was on the field     Fortner was on my radar last year as he was taking varsity draws for Minnetonka and he looked great again at this showcase.  He was routinely beating the whistle for clean wins at the X. He was able to win face-offs with multiple exits and got his wing guys involved.  In addition, an aspect of his game that was new to me is that he's also a smart and capable offensive player.  He had a handful of strong dodges to create his own shot but also had a few instances of “one-more' looks where he passed up a good shot for his teammate's better shot.     Standing at 6'4” 200lb, George is an imposing figure that stands out on the field and on the bench.  He towers over most of his comrades and looks to have that prototypical college midfielder build.  He had multiple 1v1 goals where he just simply ran past his defender and didn't need to make much of a move… simply bigger, stronger, faster.  His elite size/strength stood out along with a heavy shot and physical style of play     Hamilton is a tall & long attackman (6'6!) that is sneaky athletic with great hands. He knows himself and does it well. He had a couple inside finishes that only a guy of his stature is catching and finishing.  It kind of felt like he was one of those “always open” type guys and his teammates were just throwing it up for him and he would put it away - even when he was covered in what I would call good defense. He finds space away from the ball very well - especially inside. In addition, his length allows him to get his free when he dodges and even against solid defense, get quality shots off. Really unique player.     Brady is a shifty player that is smaller in stature but he plays big and demands the ball. One of the better bursts/first step's that I saw during the event with some nifty stick skills.  This kid has that “it” factor. He is a competitor and wants the ball in his stick. He was willing to orchestrate the offense and combine his individual talent with unselfish play.  Multiple times he passed up one of his own shots, that I wouldn't fault a player for taking at a showcase, to find his open teammates for a higher percentage look.     Another big athletic midfielder that got up and down the field and made plays every time he was near the ball.  He has a great shot and showed the ability to win 1v1 and cut to get open away from the ball. Rarely did I see him standing around and he was always working to make a play.  One thing I loved about his game was his work ethic on the clears to get back to the ball and provide an outlet for his poles and goalies. While it's not flashy, his work in that aspect of the clearing game afforded his team more possessions and more chances to shine on the offensive end     Extremely crafty player that is a great feeder and unbelievable away from the ball.  He is smaller in stature and is all-in on his strengths.  He doesn't try to bully his way to the goal, he is an intelligent player with pinpoint passing ability, feed first mentality and timely cuts to get high percentage looks. He made a lot of high IQ plays to get his teammates scoring chances.

In part 2 of the "players that impressed" series from the TeamIL Fall Showcase, we will move over the offensive side of the ball. If you haven't read yet, you can see the "defensive players that impressed" here.