Tough, physical, and smart—those traits defined one of the most impactful defenders in the 2027 division at the IL Summer Derby. Suiting up for NRS, Grant Kingsbury showed he checks all the critical boxes for a next-level defenseman: size, aggression, and lacrosse IQ. He thrived in matchups against top-tier competition, applying relentless pressure on opposing attackmen from the Clippers and Honey National. Kingsbury is the type of defender who makes life difficult with constant harassment on your hands and a knack for finishing plays legally and physically, putting more than a few opponents on the ground in the tournament. If he continues to develop his ability to maintain intensity without compromising positioning, Kingsbury projects as a high-upside takeaway defender who could thrive in a college system.

Far and away the most impactful player on the field in Thunder’s tilt with the Cherries, Kingsbury’s upside is super intriguing. I’ve seen him listed at 6’3 and 6’4, so he’s clearly still growing into his body and has considerable strength packed onto his frame, which looks to be somewhere around 185 to 190 pounds. At IMLCA, he picked up a ton of groundballs and was constantly involved in the transition game, where his athleticism was on display in the open field. He has big play ability, jarring the ball loose with pretty takeaway checks while continuing to move his feet. There might be more refined defenders at this early point, but Kingsbury has a lot to work with, and I’ll be curious to check in on his game this summer.