Southern Ohio All-State Watchlist

This is the Spring 2025 All-State watchlist for Southern Ohio. This list includes a mix of Division 1 and Division 2 players. I have highlighted some standout players at the top, and below, I have listed other notable names from the region. If you want to explore another article in this series, check out the <a href="https://preplacrosse.com/2025/01/central-ohio-all-state-watchlist/">Central Ohio All-State Watchlist</a>.    A two-time All-American and Ohio's Attackman of the Year in 2024, Hocker is undoubtedly the most exciting player to watch in the state. In 2024, he tallied an impressive 131 points, scoring 80 goals. He elevates the performance of those around him, which is evident in his style of play. He understands the threat he poses on the field, and he approaches dodging with that awareness. He is accustomed to facing double teams and early slides, which has only enhanced his skills. Hocker is a certified game-wrecker and is one of the best players to ever play in Ohio.     Mercer is one of the top offensive threats in the southern region, scoring 123 points in 2024 while competing against a challenging schedule. He has a powerful shot and moves fluidly with the ball. He excels at identifying open lanes of attack and knows exactly when and where to shoot. Mercer takes advantage of weak defensive positioning and can score from anywhere in the offensive zone. He plays at a fast pace, consistently finding opportunities to exploit defensive lapses. Don't leave him open.     Sprong is a well-rounded offensive playmaker. This attackman is sneaky and has a keen sense of positioning, showcasing a deceptive style with a smooth finishing ability. He capitalizes on defensive mistakes, using his agility to create opportunities along the goal line with inside rolls and a variety of finishes. His shot variation is a standout aspect of his game, even in tight spaces, he manages to make effective plays. In 2024, he scored 45 goals and recorded 30 assists.     Lynn is a challenging player to defend against. He shoots exceptionally well from long range, but he also has the agility to maneuver to the inside of the field for a better look. When he's close to the goal, his swift release on shots makes them difficult to save. He is steady under pressure and can absorb contact while dodging. If given an opportunity, he will take it and secure the position he wants. Lynn is a patient dodger, and this approach pays off, whether it gives him a better angle or creates an opening for a teammate to receive an easy pass. In 2024, he scored 46 goals and recorded 16 assists.     Stegbauer is one of the top midfielders in Ohio's '26 class. He stands out on the field for his excellent decision-making and reliable ball handling. He is skilled at shooting on the run and from a distance. His speed enables him to quickly adapt to defensive changes, while his Lax IQ allows him to make impactful plays based on those situations. Stegbauer is difficult to defend against due to his awareness and quick changes of direction; he can maneuver through contact while dodging or cutting and maintain his pace without losing a step.     Kleeman is an athletic defender who causes turnovers and makes plays in the open field, he doesn't stop hustling. He's proficient in one-on-one situations and can match up with anyone he's up against. He challenges ground balls in his vicinity and is a sure bet to come away with them. He consistently applies pressure on his opponent and uses his stick with precision. Kleeman plays with awareness as well, often intercepting passes within his range. He knows what the offensive player wants to do and how to stop it.     Marietta finished the 2024 season with an impressive total of 39 goals. He consistently finds open space and knows how to exploit it. With a quick change of direction, he dodges defenders and moves well off-ball, drawing attention wherever he is. Whether playing offense or defense, he is hungry to contribute. Stronger than he appears, Marietta runs through contact and is a hard nosed dodger. He works hard for ground balls and matches feet defensively, making him a balanced two-way midfielder.     Levin is a high-caliber defenseman who delivers heavy checks and physical hits when engaging his opponent. He has solid footwork and maintains an athletic stance, positioning himself effectively on defense. His size allows him to dominate matchups, and he is very physical, making it difficult for opponents to evade him. He takes advantage of openings; if a stick is not protected, he will create a turnover. Levin keeps his stick active, switches checks effectively, and keeps players on their toes. He plays the game with speed and intensity.     Mercado has a nose for the ball and causes a lot of turnovers, he's extremely active on the field. He uses his stick to control opposing players, backing them into corners and shutting off passing lanes. His strength allows him to deliver heavy, controlled checks, stopping players in their tracks. Additionally, he's proficient in transition and the clearing game, showcasing enough speed to cover the field and the game sense to make the right decisions. In 2024, he scooped up 45 ground balls and caused an impressive 50 turnovers.     You can't coach size, and Brenkert has it at 6'4". He is light on his feet and capable of making plays on both ends of the field. He has balanced footwork and a solid drop step, which he combines with accurate checks that disrupt the rhythm of opposing players. Brenkert is patient in his approaches and takes advantage of even minor mistakes. This defender is a downhill runner and a high-IQ player who can make plays from anywhere on the field.     Yelton has been the starting goalkeeper for his team since his freshman season. He's a formidable presence in net, capable of changing the outcomes of games. In 2024, he was named an All-American. His athleticism is central to his style of play; he gets his body in front of the ball and makes reaction kick saves look routine. Yelton has excellent vision and positioning inside the goal, making him extremely difficult to score on. He also has no trouble making accurate long passes.     Haun has a solid skill set; he is an unselfish player that has speedy feet and a rapid release on his shots and passes. He can make plays in tight spaces with limited time, and he has a good game sense. His dodging skills really stand out in his game, and his speed opens up opportunities for the rest of the offense. Haun also has the ability to play both ways; he can match feet with opponents and isn't afraid to get physical. I think he could have a breakout year.     Severit is an accurate shooter who changes planes and can shoot on the run. He has a fluid shooting motion and generates power behind his outside shots. He keeps his eyes up when dodging and places the ball into tight windows. Severit acts as an initiator, forcing defenders to cover the outside and prompting early slides. His shooting range makes him a scoring threat from 15 yards, and his awareness allows him to find open teammates on the back end. He understands his range and knows where to position himself on the offensive end to make a difference.     Frye is a highly athletic defender who can push the ball in transition when called upon. He is comfortable playing on both sides of the field and has the strength to stop opposing players while they dodge. Frye excels at forcing offensive players toward the sidelines and can cover a lot of ground quickly. He is not a player that can easily be avoided. He performs well on the wing, consistently wins races to ground balls, and carries the ball effectively through contact. Frye is a competitor who will challenge anyone he faces.    <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Midfield</h2>   [player_tooltip player_id='114718' first='Gabe' last='Scruggs'] of Wyoming / Resolute   [player_tooltip player_id='36015' first='Spencer' last='Stegbauer'] of St. Xavier / Resolute   [player_tooltip player_id='38164' first='Aiden' last='Huss'] of Mason / Headlines   [player_tooltip player_id='38168' first='Tyler' last='Lupinski'] of Mason / Resolute   [player_tooltip player_id='38190' first='Brian' last='O'connor'] of St. Xavier / Resolute   [player_tooltip player_id='125647' first='Hunter' last='Hemphill'] of Archbishop Moeller / SOUL   [player_tooltip player_id='123393' first='Nolan' last='Severit'] of Bellbrook / True Lacrosse   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Faceoff</h2>   [player_tooltip player_id='124505' first='Gavin' last='Dalton'] of Centerville / True Lacrosse   [player_tooltip player_id='38222' first='Magnus' last='Violet'] of St. Xavier / Resolute   [player_tooltip player_id='125649' first='Tanner' last='Stewart'] of Bellbrook   [player_tooltip player_id='125650' first='Dawson' last='Fitzpatrick'] of Franklin   [player_tooltip player_id='125651' first='Corben' last='Wiggins'] of Edgewood   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Attack</h2>   [player_tooltip player_id='35617' first='Johnnie' last='Guttman'] of St. Xavier / Resolute   [player_tooltip player_id='38169' first='Jacob' last='Lupinski'] of Mason / Resolute   [player_tooltip player_id='125659' first='Parker' last='Beuerlein'] of Bishop Fenwick / True Lacrosse   [player_tooltip player_id='35538' first='Mason' last='Martini'] of Clinton Massie / True Lacrosse   [player_tooltip player_id='125652' first='Wesley' last='Limle'] of La Salle   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Defense and Long-Stick Midfield</h2>   [player_tooltip player_id='35608' first='Rowdy' last='Scheer'] of St. Xavier / True Lacrosse   [player_tooltip player_id='28700' first='Zack' last='Smith'] of Springboro / SOUL   [player_tooltip player_id='125653' first='Luke' last='Elliott'] of Turpin   [player_tooltip player_id='37813' first='Penn' last='Picton'] of Indian Hill / Headlines   [player_tooltip player_id='125654' first='Joseph' last='Farlaino'] of Bishop Fenwick   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Goaltenders</h2>   [player_tooltip player_id='57649' first='Jackson' last='Palermo'] of Wyoming / SOUL   [player_tooltip player_id='121583' first='Charlie' last='Roesel'] of Lasalle / True Lacrosse

This is the Spring 2025 All-State watchlist for Southern Ohio. This list includes a mix of Division 1 and Division 2 players. I have highlighted some standout players at the top, and below, I have listed other notable names from the region. If you want to explore another article in this series, check out the Central Ohio All-State Watchlist.