2027s: New Names From NAL Summer Invitational

The NAL Summer Invitational had many familiar names, but it also highlighted some up-and-coming 2027 players who stood out. They showed their skills through tough defensive plays, smart playmaking, and impressive athleticism. These lesser-known prospects made a strong case to be followed closely in the future.    [player_tooltip player_id='129552' first='Miles' last='Patchen'] is the train, and defenders are stuck on the tracks. One of the most physically imposing players at the NAL Summer Invitational, Patchen immediately stood out with his size and strength. Towering at 6'4" and 215 pounds, the Jamesville-Dewitt lefty is a matchup nightmare who plays with the force of a downhill freight train. Patchen's production backs up the physical tools. He racked up 50 points (29 goals, 21 assists) during the high school season and brought that same scoring touch to the summer circuit. Whether initiating from up top or the wing, Patchen dodges with power, lowering his shoulder like a bull and making it nearly impossible for a single defender to contain him—even with a slide coming. What really separates Patchen, though, is his shot. His release is reminiscent of Brennan O'Neill's signature style—drawing the stick low behind him and unleashing with high velocity. When he gets his hands free, the ball comes off his stick like a missile. Patchen is the kind of high-impact lefty who turns heads every time he steps on the field—and he's only just getting started.     Over four days between NHSLS with Good Counsel and the NAL Summer Invitational with Madlax Capital, one defender quietly established himself as a name to know in the 2027 class. [player_tooltip player_id='129550' first='Cooper' last='Sinclair'] showed he checks every box college coaches are looking for in a high-level close defenseman. On the ball, Sinclair plays with controlled physicality—he applies smart pressure without sacrificing his positioning. Off the ball, he's just as effective, with sharp awareness, clean footwork, and the ability to deliver punishing slides at just the right moment. He also stands out in transition, handling the ball cleanly off the ground and making smart plays during clears. Sinclair brings a complete defensive package—one that will make him a priority target for college coaches.     [player_tooltip player_id='123945' first='Jack' last='Merklinger'] put on a show during Day Two of the NAL Summer Invitational, racking up three goals and two assists in a dominant outing against Mad Dog National Gold. Operating from attack, Merklinger scored in a variety of ways—sneaking the pipes, dodging poles, and capitalizing on every opportunity. On the extra-man unit, he played the top-middle spot and impressed with his ability to thread skip passes through tight windows to the backside. A do-it-all offensive threat, Merklinger played midfield at Seton Hall Prep, where he looked just as comfortable dodging from up top and reading slides. He's also proven effective on the crease in EMO sets, showing adaptability across multiple roles. No matter where he lines up, Merklinger's scoring touch stands out—he shoots with power and precision, both on the run and with time and space. Lacrosse runs in the family—his older brother, Max, was a standout at attack at Richmond—and Jack looks poised to carry that torch with his high IQ, multi-position versatility, and game-changing offensive skillset.     Despite a 2–3 finish at the NAL Summer Invitational, Leading Edge's defense showed flashes of strong play, and much of that started with their short-stick defensive midfielders. [player_tooltip player_id='129548' first='Alex' last='Coakley'] was a key piece, standing out as one of the SSDMs who didn't need help from a slide. His footwork is a clear strength, allowing him to mirror dodgers and stay in their hip pocket without overcommitting. He's physical, plays with poise, and if he adds a bit more size, Coakley has the potential to become a very reliable SSDM at the next level. In transition, he consistently made smart plays—winning ground balls, avoiding checks, and staying composed in the clear. Coakley doesn't need the spotlight to make a big impact—he's the kind of steady presence every defense needs to build around.     With a Xander Dickson-like stature, one FCA Maryland midfielder stood out at the NAL Summer Invitational for his ability to create offense in a variety of ways. Butler impressed with his knack for generating high-quality scoring opportunities, both with and without the ball. When dodging, he consistently worked to get his stick to the middle of the field, showing toughness and body control. A prime example came against Team 91 Long Island, where he buried a goal off a sharp answer move. He's not afraid to initiate contact and can power through downhill dodges to create space. Off-ball, Butler showed just as much value, timing his cuts well and finishing in tight thanks to his quick hands and awareness. Butler's combination of toughness, IQ, and versatility makes him a name to track in the 2027 class.

The NAL Summer Invitational had many familiar names, but it also highlighted some up-and-coming 2027 players who stood out. They showed their skills through tough defensive plays, smart playmaking, and impressive athleticism. These lesser-known prospects made a strong case to be followed closely in the future.