It’s hard to just pick one defender to highlight, given that WRA put together one of the more impressive defensive performances I’ve seen all season. In a game packed with talent, Masi Shone Masi Shone 6'2" | 180 lbs | D | Right Hand Western Reserve Academy | 2026 OH quite literally shone through both on-ball and off-ball, in addition to impressing off the ground and in other complementary ways. A postgrad from Portsmouth (N.H.) who was formerly committed to Binghamton, he was recently highlighted by Carey Smith after pledging to Lafayette. After popping on the tape of WRA’s win, I quickly learned why Pat Myers & Co. worked to secure his services. He’s got excellent instincts, makes huge hustle plays (he won a big run-out late in the second quarter), has sharp stick skills, and made his matchup work for their opportunities. He moves really well in the back half of the field and is dialed in away from the ball. I love what he’s made of and where his game is headed, and I’ll be intrigued to follow his college career.

At the end of April, Shone committed to Lafayette, which meant the Leopards’ coaching staff added an athletic, multi-skilled, and highly decorated pole to their 2026 class. Before he jumped to Western Reserve, Shone played at Portsmouth HS in New Hampshire, where he was the state DPOY as well as a USA Lacrosse All-American. On the field, Shone owns imposing size, aggressive style, and polished footwork. Combine those assets with his aggressive stick, and Lafayette is getting a close defender who could have an impact right away. Whether he is causing havoc on-ball or disrupting passing lanes with his stick, Shone excels at creating turnovers. His ability to pick up ground balls in traffic and then clear the ball with legs or a smart up-field pass is impressive. Additionally, Shone is a high-IQ pole whose slides and double teams are always on time.