Long Island Lacrosse Showcase: Class of 2025 Standouts

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Long Island Lacrosse Showcase is always one of the best local events of the summer. Players from the age groups 2025 to 2028 represent Nassau and Suffolk. <br><br>The county's best went head-to-head in the final '25 games at Hofstra. Here's a look at some of the standouts: </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">MVP's</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["38857"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-667ee787e2f77"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Named co-MVP, Chung showed how much he can impact a game. We didn't see him that much at the X in the high school season, but he was winning many faceoffs for Suffolk in this contest. He was excellent at controlling the ball while on the ground, winning multiple battles for ground balls to give his team possession. So many 50-50 GBs came up in Chung's stick. In the fourth quarter, he went straight to the cage off a faceoff win and hammered a shot home. Chung has proven to be a factor on offense, defense, and the faceoff X this spring and summer.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["38859"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-667ee787e302f"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">The other co-MVP, Busking was arguably the top offensive player in this game and displayed many different traits. A fluid dodger with the ability to score and feed at a high level, Busking showed that he could get to the tough areas and finish through contact. He had a couple of goals in this one, including a quick catch-and-shoot in transition that showcased his low-to-low laser of a shot. Busking has a great feel for the game, as he was in a position to succeed and was able to set up his teammates as well.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Players that Impressed</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["21373"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-667ee787e309d"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Once again, Martini proved to be one of the most dynamic players on the field. His first step and ability to change speeds give him such an edge over defenders. In this event, he was winning his matchups and creating a bunch of chances for his team. Along with his quickness, he displayed his feeding and finishing. Martini drew slides and he was able to find his open teammates. He also had a flashy backhand finish around the crease in the second half. The Albany commit will be one of the best pure athletes in Nassau County the rest of the way.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["38862"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-667ee787e316a"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Thompson was named MVP of this event last year and this time around, he was easily one of the best shooters at the showcase. He didn't have as many goals, but his release and velocity on his shot were extremely impressive. He had a man-up goal where he caught it across his body and immediately uncorked a missile that found the back of the net. However, what impressed me with Thompson was his ability to affect the game in different ways. He played some midfield and was good in between the lines to help his team get possessions. The Miller Place native was also beating short sticks up top and was created from that part of the field. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["38864"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-667ee787e3236"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">The defenseman out of Riverhead made some great plays in this game. The long and rangy defender knocked down a pass in transition to cause a turnover. He used his length to his advantage to make offensive players uncomfortable and force some errant passes. There were a lot of punt return clears and quick outlets, but when Lennon was needed in the clearing game he was poised and made a smart and clean throw to help his team clear the ball. Standing at 6'6 and committed to Wingate, I'm excited for Lennon's future.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["38866"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-667ee787e3302"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">East Isliip had a loaded senior class on offense, so Black didn't see a ton of time but college coaches will take notice this summer. At 6'4, Black has a great frame to work with. He moves very well and is a highly skilled lefty who could create for himself. He had a couple of goals and is versatile enough to play attack or midfield. Black showed a combination of strength and craftiness that was intriguing. Against smaller defenders, he wasn't afraid to put his shoulder down and get to good spots on the field to be a threat to shoot or feed. He had a quick stutter step where he could create enough separation to get his hands free to unleash a quality shot from 10+ yards out.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["38869"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-667ee787e3399"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The midfielder from Carey had a productive day, finding the back of the net multiple times. Todaro is big, athletic, and versatile, as he can rip it from the outside or lower his shoulder on a dodge using his strength. He stepped in from around 13 yards and had a rocket of a shot over a defender for a goal. His other goal was on a dodge off of ball movement. Todaro was up top and looked like he was going to step in but sold it well. He dipped under his defender and put it in the low corner. His size and shooting ability should make St John's excited.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["38871"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-667ee787e341f"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">I've been waiting to see Monaco play in person and the speed is as advertised. He was one of the fastest players on the field and was flying all over the place. Monaco was excellent in the clearing game and can change the game quickly with how fast he pushes the ball down the field to give his team opportunities to attack in unsettled situations. On top of his athleticism, Monaco made good decisions in the open field and did a lot of little things well. His pure speed is something coaches have to look out for, as there's no doubt that he'll able to sprint by shortsticks and get the offense flowing.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->