Key Players From Programs Shaping the 2026 National Landscape

<a href="https://preplacrosse.com/2026/01/players-with-the-most-to-gain-in-2026/">These are players from teams who just missed the cut.</a> The Honorable Mentions are names we are not done talking about. There is a great deal of depth nationally with talent, & these evaluations aren't fixed rankings or ceilings for players. Development, trajectory, & opportunity are at a premium for guys on this list. We often see guys who are late risers, role players transform into centerpieces, prospects who show flashes that demand a second look, or may have injuries/context-limited seasons.   Delbarton (NJ): Delbarton has been a dominant powerhouse in North Jersey for decades. The nationally known Green Wave will start its season with a scrimmage at Lawrenceville on March 16th. They are looking to play past the NJSIAA First round in late May...    Brandon Fodor emerged as a key piece of Delbarton's midfield as a sophomore, finishing the season with 23 goals & 15 assists (38 points). Brandon consistently produced against national-level competition last year in 2025. He is a complete midfielder with the athleticism & stick skill to impact games in multiple ways. Fodor shows a mature understanding of spacing, timing, & how to attack defensive structure. He is particularly effective working off the ball, popping free on the inside through actions like mumbo sets & backside wing movement on man-up. Brandon is definitely a threat as a perimeter initiator when dodging. He displays fluid change of direction & confident ball handling. Fodor sweeps to his strength or gets to his spot without hesitation, even when it means attacking the heart of the defense. He shoots the ball cleanly with time & room, but his willingness to absorb contact & finish in traffic separates him from volume shooters. Brandon has already shown he can rise to the moment, highlighted by strong performances against programs such as Haverford (PA), St. Anthony's (NY), & Malvern (PA). Fodor's advanced athleticism, high-level feel, & a fearless approach profile him as a long-term impact midfielder. He is verbally committed to Johns Hopkins.     John Fodor brings a disruptive, athletic presence to the defensive end & projects to be a player ready to take on a larger role as the Green Wave reloads its back line. John is a well-rounded defender with the merit to become an absolute force. He consistently shows the ability to deter dodgers on-ball while remaining disciplined off it, filling creases & closing space with purpose. Fodor plays with an active but efficient stick, using timely pokes & lifts to disrupt ball carriers rather than relying on unnecessary flash. His size & natural talent show up between the lines as well, where he handles 50/50 ground balls cleanly & moves the ball upfield with confidence. John sees the field on the clear, he can break the ride when lanes open, & he is capable of pushing transition when defenses overextend. With key defensive pieces graduating, Fodor enters his junior season ready to step into a more integral role, establishing himself as a fixture in Delbarton's defense. He is verbally committed to Johns Hopkins, rounding out what could become a strong package deal with the Fodor brothers — offering reliability, range, & impact on the defensive side of the ball.    Boys' Latin (MD): The Lakers' campus is arguably the most historic place to play in Baltimore. Always dangerous after another really good season last year under Brian Farrell - doing what's best for the kids! The road is set to start with a scrimmage on February 24th as they host the Georgetown Prep Little Hoyas.    Bryce Barrett earned varsity experience as a freshman at Boys' Latin, developing within one of the MIAA's most demanding defensive systems. Bryce first stood out on a national stage the summer after his sophomore season, at the National High School Lacrosse Showcase. He earned All-NHSLS (McDonald's 2024 White Session Team), which has an impressive history of past participants & champions dating back to 2013. Barrett, a long-time member of the Baltimore Crabs, was a staple on a club team that went 55-11 over the past 3 years. He brings a combination of speed, agility, & hustle that allows him to cover the width of the field as well as stretch it vertically on either side of the Rydo-Line. Bryce is a big, tenacious defender who plays with physical intent, using hard chops, heavy slaps, & well-timed lifts to disrupt possessions or force turnovers. Defensively, he moves with control, backpedaling with the best of them before shuffling & running the rail. Barrett knows when to win the footrace or get physical in a contact zone, keeping dodgers high & wide of the cage. He embraces the mindset of an offensive player once he crosses midfield, handling the ball comfortably & advancing past pressure. Bryce shows confidence in transition, capable of splitting through doubles, pulling the ball free & finishing opportunities himself. His wing play further reflects his ability to influence possession, where he can gain a step, merry-go-round, turn the corner, & finish in tight. Barrett's effort level shows in his caused turnovers, takeaways, & ability to recover loose balls. His speed, physicality, & offensive instincts enable him to impact the game beyond traditional defensive responsibilities. Bryce broke loose last season when he did a split-rollout of a double team at the midfield vs Severn, walked the dog into the box past the point, jamming it past a set of close defenders & the goalie. Signed to Maryland, Barrett brings the competitive mentality, defensive toughness, & transition ability that align with the Terps' standard.     Sam Anecharico had a significant sophomore season for Boys' Latin, making the varsity jump & contributing in meaningful moments for one of the MIAA's most competitive programs. Sam continued to build momentum throughout the summer circuit, showing increased confidence as an offensive presence while maintaining his identity as a defensive-minded midfielder. His awareness, speed, & ability to shoot on the run position him as a player capable of expanding his offensive impact over the next two seasons. Anecharico's influence is most evident in transition & possession moments. He recognizes when to advance the ball, connect sequences, or settle play to maintain control. Sam is working himself into a full-field role, contributing on faceoff wings & becoming a factor within the substitution game. Against St. John's (DC), he filled from the backside Eagle position, broke decisively on a loose ball, & pushed transition for an assist. Anecharico elevated again in the MIAA semifinals vs Archbishop Spalding, scooping possession off the wing & finishing at Navy-Marine Corps Stadium in Annapolis, MD. He brings value in ride situations, operating with anticipation & timing. Against Malvern (PA), Sam read the outlet in a deep drop-back ride, stepped into the passing lane, & flipped possession with an interception. He clears under pressure, draws penalties, & creates advantages that shift momentum for man-up units. Defensively, Anecharico can plug the crease as a low-base short stick, securing rebounds & immediately initiating transition. In the recovery process, he maintains composure, opening with a U-turn to play inside-out & re-establish structure. Verbally committed to Maryland, Sam is staying home & continuing the brotherhood.    Salisbury (CT): Specific details of the 2026 schedule for the Crimson Knights have not yet been publicly released. As a prominent New England prep school, it typically schedules competitive matchups within the Western New England Secondary School Lacrosse Association. Typical opponents: expect competitive games against schools like Brunswick (CT), Deerfield (MA), Taft (CT), & Hotchkiss (CT).    Brayden Belski showed clear offensive upside as a sophomore, producing consistently while demonstrating the athleticism & assertiveness to challenge defenses with intent. Brayden is a confident dodger, comfortable sweeping to his strength & navigating pressure while absorbing contact, handling slides, re-engaging to free his hands. He remains composed when defenses collapse, capable of shooting through traffic or extending possessions by drawing attention & moving the ball with purpose. Belski is equally dangerous operating above goal or behind GLE, where his balance & body control allow him to turn the corner or create passing angles with either hand. His impact extends beyond settled offense, particularly in the ride, where he uses proper two-hand positioning & hip leverage to turn back poles & disrupt clears. Brayden stays alert around the sub-box, competing for loose possessions & creating extra opportunities through effort & awareness. After beginning his career in a more defense-oriented role, Belski enters the next phase of his development, positioned to take on greater offensive responsibility. Verbally committed to the admissions process at Yale.     James Whitehorse brings a dynamic offensive presence built on feel, composure, & the ability to deliver in consequential moments. He is a poised & instinctive attacker who shows comfort operating within structure while remaining capable of creating when possessions break down. Whitehorse can step into time & room or battle for positioning off-ball, maintaining focus through contact & chaos around the crease. He played an important role in Salisbury's early-season statement win over Loomis Chaffee (CT), handing the Pelicans their only loss of the year. As the Crimson Knights' season progressed, his offensive presence became even more evident, highlighted by a breakout performance against Deerfield (MA), where he repeatedly found ways to produce in a tightly contested overtime battle. James helped lead Salisbury to a runner-up finish at the Prep Nationals tournament while demonstrating the ability to rise within the flow of elite competition rather than operate on its margins. His development carried into international play, where he represented the Haudenosaunee U-20 National Team at the 2025 World Lacrosse Championship in Jeju, South Korea. Competing on behalf of the originators of lacrosse — known as the “Creator's Game” — Whitehorse recorded a critical two-goal performance in a quarterfinal win over Puerto Rico to help advance his nation to the semifinal round. The Haudenosaunee ultimately finished fourth in the world, reinforcing their place among the sport's best & their continued pursuit of competing independently on the Olympic stage. James competed against the world's Gold, Silver, & Bronze medal programs, fortifying both his individual trajectory & his connection to the sport's deeper lineage. He projects as an offensive player capable of contributing within a championship-level ecosystem. Whitehorse plays with purpose & awareness, carrying himself in a way that reflects both responsibility & opportunity. He is signed to play at Virginia under head coach Lars Tiffany, who has longstanding ties to the Onondaga Nation reservation.    Culver (IN): The Eagles already started soaring all over the country on Friday, the 13th of February, in Texas, where they played Dallas Jesuit & Highland Park back-to-back. They play host to some pivotal match-ups in Indiana, including St. Xavier (KY), Hill Academy (Canada), Western Reserve (OH), & IMG Academy (FL). Sprinkle in St. Anthony's (NY), St. John's (DC), & Landon (MD) on an early East Coast Spring Break. On April 10th & 11th, you will see Culver at Arlotta Field on the campus of Notre Dame play against St. Ignatius (CA) & Delbarton (NJ), with potential implications for the MLSA Championships & Prep National Championships schedule, culminating May 17th with Victory Events.    Flynt Leverett played a central role in Culver's championship run, helping lead the Eagles to both the Midwest Scholastic Lacrosse Association title & Victory Event's National Prep Championship to close his junior season. Leverett serves as a centerpiece on defense, understanding the importance of becoming an off-ball All-American & controlling possessions beyond direct matchups. He plays with discipline & decisiveness, showing the ability to guard the ball when called upon while excelling within Culver's defensive scheme. Flynt is abundantly agile, capable of rolling over to support doubles, closing space quickly, & disrupting offensive rhythm before plays fully develop. His defensive presence is defined by awareness, control, & timing. Leverett reads dodgers well, using footwork, positioning, & an active stick to stay engaged without overcommitting. He is capable of defending behind the goal, up top, or contributing as a long-stick midfielder, giving Culver versatility across defensive personnel groupings. In transition, Flynt brings physicality & intent, capable of separating opponents from the ball & creating momentum-changing plays. His willingness to communicate & remain accountable within the structure reflects a defender who understands both individual assignments & team cohesion. Named a team captain entering his senior season, Leverett projects as a defensive leader prepared to compete at the next level. Verbally committed to the admissions process at Princeton.     Riley Woods scored 74 points (56 goals & 18 assists) as a sophomore. Riley was named Honorable Mention All-Midwest Scholastic Lacrosse Association in 2025. He returns for the Eagles as the MLSA Preseason Player of the Year for 2026. Woods is a left-handed attacker who can put the ball in the net from anywhere on the field. He capitalizes on transition opportunities & conversely works hard in the ride. Riley is known for making plays in tight spaces, like his around-the-world goal on the run down the hash vs Spire (OH). He scored 6 goals against Gonzaga (DC), all of which were strong-handed. Woods was the #1 overall pick in the Ontario Junior Lacrosse League for indoor. His skill set makes it almost impossible to take away his left, even when you know it is coming. Riley is remarkably accurate with an array of finishing angles, including an unorthodox backhand shovel from the right wing. He is a tough assignment for any defender because of his situational awareness & ability to be effective off the ball. Woods has excellent hand-eye coordination & the ability to haul in almost any pass thrown his way. He gets his shot off quickly & shows range with a great ability to shoot around defenders that are screening the goalie. Verbally committed to the admissions process at Princeton.    Garden City (NY): Friday Night Lights x Two-A-Days - Legendary Lacrosse Town just 18 miles from Manhattan. The Trojans dominated the New York State (Class B) last year en route to a 21-2 record. Garden City lost a pair of games to Severn (MD) & Northport last April, but they ultimately found a way to win another State Title. The Trojans open up with Ward Melville at home on March 21st. Some other notable games include Wantagh, Cold Spring Harbor, Massapequa, Northport, St. Augustine (NJ), Shawnee (NJ), Syosset, & Manhasset at The Woodstick Classic. Garden City is poised to make another run through the NYS Championship on June 14th at Hobart & William Smith College.    Charlie Koester was named a US Lacrosse All-American (Nassau County) in 2025. Charlie had a breakout junior season, accumulating 99 points (66 goals & 33 assists). He was awarded Nassau County Attackman of the Year, in addition to All-County honors for the second year in a row. Koester led the Trojans in goals & assists, respectively, en route to their NYS State Championship (Class B) with a noted bone contusion in his left forearm. He was credited with 6 goals & 3 assists in the Semi-Finals & Finals after the injury. Talk about tough, Charlie won a State Championship with Garden City soccer earlier that school year (2024) & followed up in the Spring, praised as a lacrosse player on Newsday 1st Team All-Long Island. He plays with confidence & is a proven alpha on offense. Koester is a quick, aggressive scorer who is seriously skilled with both hands. His stellar shooting ability forces defensive adjustments & opens opportunities for others within the offense. Charlie consistently puts himself in space to finish on the inside, showing a cerebral side to his game. He is a proven producer who has already shown he can carry the weight of championship expectations. Look for Koester to take ownership of an offensive role in the Patriot League at the next level. He is expected to engineer offense early & often for the Mountain Hawks - signed to Lehigh.     Brayden Robertiello has been a trusted presence in Garden City's varsity lineup since his 8th-grade season, contributing to two State Championship runs early in his career & developing within one of the nation's most consistent programs. Brayden earned MVP honors at the Nassau/Suffolk All-Star Game in 2023, reinforcing his emergence as one of Long Island's premier possession players. He separates himself through his athleticism & versatility, bringing the ability to impact the game immediately following the face-off. Robertiello recorded 20 points (6 goals & 14 assists) in 2025, demonstrating his ability to contribute offensively beyond controlling possessions at the X. He is capable of creating offense on his own, whether pushing transition, finding open teammates, or finishing scoring opportunities when defenses are unsettled. He is comfortable initiating offense in multiple ways, highlighted by a six-point performance against Ward Melville (2025), where he created goals off the dodge, delivered controlled feeds from down low, & capitalized on off-ball positioning to finish scoring chances. Besides his work at the X, Robertiello shows comfort contributing across multiple phases, capable of playing midfield or attacking roles while maintaining possession awareness. His background as a quarterback reflects his field vision & decision-making, allowing him to recognize space quickly & control tempo. With the Trojans' transitioning into their next phase following the departure of key senior leaders, Brayden is positioned to assume a larger role within a program built on championship expectations. Robertiello could take his impact to the next level in Happy Valley. Verbally committed to Penn State.    McDonogh (MD): Modern-day dynasties don't happen very often. Coming out of Covid-19, the Eagles skied to 3 straight MIAA championships (2022-2024). The Eagles open up with IMG at home six days before they test Haverford (PA) on the road March 10th. It looks like McDonogh's schedule primarily focuses on the MIAA competition this year, which might be a good call to keep it simple.    Harry Schniedwind has been a trusted piece of McDonogh's midfield rotation since his freshman season, contributing to an MIAA run that saw the Eagles capture championships in 2023 & 2024 during one of the league's most dominant stretches. Harry is a left-handed midfielder with legitimate two-way value. He plays the game with a vintage feel — comfortable impacting possessions on either end while maintaining offensive prowess. As a dodger, Schniedwind initiates contact with intent, creating separation through strength & footwork. He can finish attacking space or stepping into his shot. Harry processes the field well on the move, showing a natural sense for when to get downhill & when to move the ball. Defensively, his speed, agility, & on-ball competitiveness allow him to cover ground, win matchups, & contribute between the lines. After spending much of his high school career in a role that prioritized versatility on a loaded roster, Schniedwind enters his senior season as a team captain. Harry is positioned to take on a more central role within the offense & further define himself as one of the more complete midfielders in the 2026 class. Schniedwind is signed to play at Syracuse.    Cherry Creek (CO): The Bruins ran the table in Colorado last season, going undefeated 19-0. They beat top teams from Southern California (La Costa Canyon, Torrey Pines) & Episcopal Dallas (TX). Cherry Creek Lacrosse began in 1966 & has earned 15 State Championships. Anticipate the competition in Colorado to pick up even stronger elite training conditions with the altitude.    Grant Van Wyk established himself as a defensive tone-setter while helping Cherry Creek complete an undefeated CHSAA 5A State Championship season as a sophomore. Grant earned 1st Team All-Conference (Centennial League) & Honorable Mention All-State recognition (2025). He represents the classic defensive midfielder role who can take control of a game just by playing his position & refusing to give up clean separation. Once Van Wyk gets into the dodger's body with his hand,s it's over. He jams & drives dodgers off their line, often into the turf. He uses inertia along with the ability to match feet & play angles through his hip positioning. Grant disguises his switch or ability to jump picks. He lures opponents into comfort before he pounces with forward progress. Van Wyk Grant wins ground balls in traffic & transitions quickly from stop to clear, capable of running through checks & advancing the ball with purpose. He runs the field with confidence & finds his open teammates to make smart plays to value the ball. Grant plays with poise rather than panic, choosing when to engage & when to contain, which minimizes the need for slide support behind him. Van Wyk's reliability will help him stand out defensively at the next level, helping his team stay organized without overcommitting resources. <a href="https://preplacrosse.com/2025/11/the-unltd-select-2027-holiday-wish-list/">Verbally committed to North Carolina, part of the Tarheel Takeover, the nation's current #1-ranked class.</a>     Wyatt Branish scored 100 points (70 goals & 30 assists) as a sophomore. Wyatt was named 1st Team All-Conference & 2nd Team All-State (CHSAA) en route to a State Championship on an undefeated team. He collected a hat-trick & 1 assist against Valor Christian in the championship game, solidifying himself as a big-game guy. Branish is at his best on the left wing, where he can catch & shoot, initiate, or flash inside for a finish. He keeps his eyes up when dodging, recognizing defensive pressure quickly & finding open teammates when slides commit. Wyatt works well in the motion offense and rotates effectively on his attacker's triangle. This leads him to become the beneficiary of some easy dunks on the backside, where he can creatively cash in with behind-the-backs that create more angle or quick sticks. Branish is gritty on the inside, where he can pick up rebound goals or finish with a guy on his back, where he can draw fouls. He is determined to get to his strength (lefty), where he can finish with the best of them - verbally committed to Michigan.    Lambert (GA): The Peach State is an emerging hotbed with a rich tradition in athletics surrounding Football, Basketball, etc. The Longhorns were unbeatable last year, finishing a perfect 22-0 in Georgia. Lambert's closest games were against Roswell (7-4) & Lassiter (10-9 OT). The Longhorns also beat out-of-state competition McCallie (TN) & easily handled two South Carolina State Champions: Lucy Beckham & Oceanside Academy. The Program record currently sits at 298-34 & they say tradition never graduates. Lambert is already off to a 3-0 start on the season. They will travel to North Carolina to play Lake Norman & Charlotte Catholic in early March. The Longhorns face Lucy Beckham (SC) at home in April before they finish up the regular season & compete in the playoffs.    Andrew Pascarella established himself as a prime defensive presence in the Peach State, earning US Lacrosse All-American (Georgia) honors while helping lead Lambert to a 22–0 undefeated State Championship season in 2025. A 1st Team All-State (GHSA) selection as a junior, Pascarella built on the momentum of Lambert's 2024 runner-up finish by anchoring a defense that consistently controlled matchups & limited offensive opportunities. He plays with confidence & range, using his speed & anticipation to disrupt possessions, close space, & generate turnovers. Andrew's athletic profile translates directly to his on-field effectiveness. His verified speed & explosiveness allow him to recover quickly, challenge dodgers in space, & create transition opportunities when possession changes. Pascarella shows comfort handling the ball upfield, capable of advancing through pressure or capitalizing on openings, including scoring in transition when defenses fail to recover. His ability to impact the game beyond traditional defensive responsibilities reflects a modern approach to the position, where poles must contribute across multiple phases. Andrew is a dominant player surfacing from a non-traditional hotbed. As Lambert continues to establish itself as a national-level program, Andrew is forecasted as a defensive stalwart capable of competing in the NCAA. Pascarella's combination of athleticism, defensive instincts, & transition ability positions him well for the next level, where he is committed to continuing his career at Georgetown.    West Genesee (NY): This is not a drill at practice, but one of the most mythical lacrosse programs in the sport's history. Legend has it that if they ever lost a home game, they would have to run to an undisclosed location & back immediately post-game. Friendly hosts from personal experience, despite having to play in blizzard conditions well into April back in the day. The Wildcats secured 39 Section 3 Championships, 15 State Championships, & 8 National Championships.    Luke Lockwood is developing within one of lacrosse's most established pipelines at West Genesee, a program synonymous with championship tradition. The son of Syracuse 4x All-American Charlie Lockwood, Luke brings a natural feel for the game rooted in high-level experience & understanding. He spent last season contributing to an offense led by his older brother, Charlie, who produced 129 points during the Wildcats' run to the NYS Class A State Championship game (2025). That environment allowed Luke to gain varsity experience while continuing to refine his offensive presence against top competition. He began to see offensive opportunities, registering his first varsity goal against Worthington-Kilbourne (OH) while continuing to develop within one of New York's most competitive lineups. Lockwood has already shown flashes of his ability to deliver in meaningful moments. With two more varsity seasons remaining, he could further cement himself offensively. Representing Team Connecticut at the National All-Star Games, Luke scored a game-tying goal in the quarterfinals, demonstrating poise under pressure (2024). He plays with balance & toughness, capable of absorbing contact, protecting possession, & finishing through defensive traffic. With key offensive production graduating, Lockwood is positioned to assume a larger role within the Wildcats' offense as the program transitions into its next phase. Verbally committed to the United States Naval Academy, he projects as an attacker capable of emerging as a primary offensive option while continuing a family legacy built on leadership, toughness, & performance in championship environments.    Salesianum (DE): The crown jewel of the first state. Salesianum won 15 Delaware State Championships & they are ready to compete. The Sals will start their season with Loomis Chaffee (CT) on March 23rd in Abessinio Stadium. Circle your calendars with marquee match-ups against Chaminade (NY), Marin Catholic (CA), Seton Hall (NJ), Western Reserve (OH), Upper Arlington (OH), Iona Prep (NY), & Malvern (PA). Salesianum will finish the regular season with Saint Mark's at home before battling in the DE State Tournament.    Tate Fontanazza played a key role in helping Salesianum secure its fifth consecutive DIAA State Championship, continuing one of the nation's most consistent championship runs. A midfielder with defensive responsibility at the forefront, Tate brings steadfast toughness, athleticism, & relentless hustle between the lines. His impact is most evident in possession moments, where he competes on faceoff wings, recovers ground balls in traffic, & quickly transitions the ball to initiate the clear. Fontanazza excels at controlling his matchup with discipline & leverage, showing comfort defending behind the goal & in space. His inverted defense stood out against Upper Arlington (OH) at the University of Maryland in 2025, where he remained attached to his assignment, took away the dodger's strength, & forced unfavorable angles. Tate rarely overextends or chases contact unnecessarily, instead engaging with control while looking for opportunities to dislodge the ball. He was chosen to represent the USA Lacrosse U-17 Youth National Team, where he competed in international competition at the Rivalry Challenge & Brogden Cup. Fontanazza's motor & possession awareness align directly with the Midshipmen's disciplined style of play. Verbally committed to the United States Naval Academy.    IMG (FL): The Ascenders are building momentum off the Western front of Florida. They will start their journey in the DMV on March 3rd before a slew of out-of-state opponents come check out their campus, including Briarcrest Christian (TN), Everest Academy (Canada), The Woodlands (TX), & Westlake (TX). Hotchkiss (CT) is meeting IMG at Paradise Sports Complex in Naples, FL, 10 days before their final home game with LaSalle (PA) - rimani sintonizzato! The Ascenders will have a strong stretch of competition away at Hill School (PA), Don Bosco (NJ), & Culver (IN) throughout April before they push towards the National Prep Championships in Maryland, May 15-17.    Francisco Williams enters the International Management Group's academy as a post-grad who is a proven two-way midfielder with a championship pedigree, leadership experience, & the ability to impact the game across all phases. Francisco was named 1st Team All-State (MHSAA) in 2025, helping Detroit Central Catholic win a State Championship as a senior. He was a Varsity player all four years & was also recognized as a 3rd Team All-State selection per Michigan High School Lacrosse Coaches Association (2024) as a junior. Williams' consistency & maturity earned him the trust to serve as a captain upon arriving at IMG — a reflection of both his leadership & readiness to contribute within one of the nation's most demanding environments. He is a stretch shooter with fluid mechanics on the run. Francisco can run the length of the field or find the headman in the clear down the line. His presence is noticeable because of how naturally he influences the pace & flow of the game. Williams was chosen to represent the USA U-19 National Team at events this past fall, further validating his ability to compete among top-tier talent. His transition to the Ascenders positions him to refine his game against elite national competition before continuing his career with the Pride of Long Island. Francisco is signed to play at Hofstra, where his trajectory reflects a midfielder capable of contributing on both ends of the field, bringing reliability & competitiveness as a Flying Dutchman.    Deerfield (MA): The Big Green opens up with Belmont Hill on March 25th before battling a steady slate of worthy opponents. They will close out with Salisbury (CT) on May 13th, only to start preparing for Prep Nationals on May 15th & 17th.    Cooper Brozek brings a unique offensive profile shaped by his Canadian box background, blending creativity, deception, & scoring instincts into a complete attacking presence. A left-handed attacker with excellent stick control, Cooper is capable of creating offense from multiple areas of the field, whether initiating from the perimeter, working inside, or capitalizing on unsettled opportunities. His handling ability allows him to maintain possession through pressure while creating advantageous angles to finish or distribute. Brozek's offensive awareness separates him. He quickly picks up patterns on the field, moving the ball decisively off ground balls or recognizing openings before defenses can fully recover. Cooper's ability to change speeds, adjust release points, & manipulate positioning makes him difficult to contain once he gains leverage. He is comfortable finishing on the move or stepping into space, showing confidence attacking defenders without hesitation. Brozek's size, stride, & coordination allow him to cover ground efficiently while maintaining control of the possession. Now developing within Deerfield's competitive environment, he continues to refine a skill set that translates directly to the collegiate level. Verbally committed to the admissions process at Harvard.    Belmont Hill (MA): The Hillers are the dominant force in Independent School League (ISL) boys lacrosse, winning the league championship tournament in both 2024 (defeating Middlesex 19-6) & 2025 (defeating Tabor 8-7 in overtime). They have established themselves as back-to-back champions under the current tournament format. Belmont Hill has rivalries with Thayer, Rivers, & St. Sebastian's. They will begin play at home vs Deerfield on March 25th.    Louie Marobella established himself as a suffocating defensive presence while helping Belmont Hill secure its second consecutive Independent School League championship as a junior. Louie was recognized as an All-ISL performer & All-New England Prep School Athletic Council Honorable Mention player in 2025. He is disciplined & physically imposing with strong stance integrity. Marobella sits low, shuffling his feet while staying locked in. He uses his power with the V-hold to time up checks & eventually jar the ball loose. Louie's ability to apply pressure with control makes him a difficult matchup. He shows urgency in pursuing possessions, diving after ground balls & immediately transitioning play upfield. Marobella's stick skills & awareness allow him to contribute effectively in the clearing game, quickly identifying outlets to initiate transition. He is a stud who can come down & rip it with a wicked overhand shot as well. Louie is reliable & always engaged in the action. He does not take possessions off, consistently staying connected while influencing play through positioning, communication, & effort. Marobella is a big pickup for the Blue Jays, who have long been thought of as Baltimore's best. Signed to play at Johns Hopkins    Loyola-Blakefield (MD): The Dons finished 11-7 last year but held substantial out-of-state wins over Hill Academy (Canada), Chaminade (NY), Western Reserve (OH), & Penn Charter (PA). They fared decently in Maryland with wins over Georgetown Prep, St. Mary's Annapolis, Gilman, McDonogh, & Severn. Loyola-Blakefield starts on February 28th with scrimmages against St. Anne's Belfield (VA) & Episcopal Academy (PA). Another scrimmage vs DeMatha will provide a good barometer reading before the Dons take on the Friars from Malvern Prep on Penn State's main campus, March 7th. May 5th will be the final conference game against Calvert Hall before the MIAA playoffs begin.    Reid Powell enters this season as the projected starter & surgeon of the crease for Loyola-Blakefield. Reid brings leadership, composure, & presence to the defensive end. He has gained trust within his program through his work ethic, consistency, & ability to organize the defense in front of him. Powell communicates with purpose, acting as an extension of the coaching staff on the field while maintaining control of the defensive game plan. His demeanor & ability to remain level-headed under pressure are key ingredients for a great goalie in the making. Reid processes mistakes quickly & resets his focus without allowing moments to compound. Teammates respond to his presence, reinforcing his role as a steady specialist in the Don's defensive identity entering the season. As he steps into a full-time starting role, Powell projects as a foundational piece for a program competing in one of the nation's most demanding leagues. He brings the energy even as a bench guy, but it is his balance of command mixed in with cool, calm, & collectedness that aligns with the expectations of a Big Ten keeper - signed to play at Maryland.    Loyola Los Angeles (CA): Jimmy Borell's Cubs went 21-3 last year, won another State Championship & beat St. Ignatius & Torrey Pines in the same season! Loyola Los-Angeles' losses were to formidable Florida opponents, St. Andrews & Benjamin, who had an early advantage in February. The final blemish of the season was out-of-state again at the hands of Dallas Jesuit (TX) in early March. The Cubs are trained to maintain & will play a challenging schedule in 2026 featuring Westlake (TX), St. Ignatius, Sacred Heart Prep, Bishop Moore (FL), Cherry Creek (CO), & Marin Catholic at home. Loyola is away in Boca Raton, Florida, for their game against Georgetown Prep (MD). Afterwards, in April, they will travel to South Bend, Indiana, to take on Seton Hall Prep (NJ) & Salesianum (DE) in Arlotta Stadium on the campus of Notre Dame. The Cubs play Torrey Pines away at Foothill on April 18th before the CIF-SS Division 1 playoffs April 29th-May 15th. Loyola Los Angeles just picked up their 300th program victory at the start of the 2026 season.    Andrew Goldman earned US Lacrosse All-American honors (California – LA/OC) as a sophomore while establishing himself as one of the premier young possession players in the country. Andrew was named Co-MVP for Loyola, while he earned both the Hard Hat Award & President's Fine Art Award (2025), reflecting his value to a program that captured the CIF-Southern Section State Championship. Goldman won 73.5% of his faceoffs on the season, consistently delivering possession advantages while powering arguably the #1 team in the West. Goldman's ability to control games at the X was evident in defining moments, including a USA Lacrosse Player of the Week performance in which he went 18-for-27 (66%) in a statement win over St. Ignatius. He brings explosive mechanics off the whistle, gaining early leverage while maintaining the strength, balance, & composure to recover when draws become contested. Goldman is not limited to clean clamp wins — he counters effectively, wins ground balls in traffic, & transitions possession with intent. Once the ball is in his stick, Goldman becomes an extension of the offense. He advances with confidence, capable of pushing transition, drawing pressure, or settling possession to maintain control. His toughness, consistency, & ability to influence possession make him a catalyst rather than a specialist. As of now, he is an uncommitted talent who has already proven himself in championship environments. Goldman will add value as a high-level faceoff midfielder capable of shaping outcomes at the next level.

These are players from teams who just missed the cut. The Honorable Mentions are names we are not done talking about. There is a great deal of depth nationally with talent, & these evaluations aren't fixed rankings or ceilings for players. Development, trajectory, & opportunity are at a premium for guys on this list. We often see guys who are late risers, role players transform into centerpieces, prospects who show flashes that demand a second look, or may have injuries/context-limited seasons.