OJ Ika OJ Ika 5'11" | 175 lbs | A/M | Left Hand Loomis Chaffee School | 2028 CT has been on the radar for a while, especially since he played up with the 2027 West Coast Starz last summer. The talent was obvious from the start. He has strong wrists and a quick release, which help him get shots off fast, especially underhand and in transition. He also plays with toughness and physicality on the ride, in groundball scrums, and with the ball in tight spaces.

What stood out more to me at Maverik Showtime was his work in the two-man game and the deception in his shooting. At most showcases, the two-man game is usually about the dodger creating an advantage for himself, and Ika does that well, but I was especially impressed by the way he created advantages for the picker. On one play, he drew both defenders to him, freeing up the slip to the cage. His on-the-run deception also pops more in person than on film. He does a great job holding goalies with his swing angle before snapping the ball the other way. One of his better plays came after a groundball pickup, when he swept to the middle and got the goalie anticipating high far side before pulling the shot low and near.

Bound to be among the most coveted players in the class, there’s been plenty of press about Ika, in part because he’s thrived with 2027’s on the club circuit. While plenty familiar with all that he brings to the table, I’m constantly impressed by just how steady he is — you know what you’re getting from Ika every time he’s out there. He posted two goals and an assist, but it felt like it was even more, and his mere presence alone opened up a lot of opportunities for his teammates. Ika got Loomis on the board first with a hammer of a shot from the lefty wing, netted a jumper to put Loomis up 4-3 near the half when the defense lost him, then tossed an assist to Loyola-bound PG Griffin Boston in the third quarter. He’s effective in everything he does, and what I love is that he can be moved around to a variety of spots on the field and produce at a high level. He’s smooth, dynamic, tough as nails, and makes the right decision every time.

This lefty attackman has become one of the most feared offensive threats in the Class of 2028 and will be a hot commodity next fall. Ika operates primarily from the lefty wing spot where he can carve up opposing defenses with his scoring or distributing. The combination of his quick release and ability rip from multiple angles makes Ika a lethal shooter. Ika can also execute a shot fake, followed by a face dodge, and then dash to the net for a dunk. When he initiates from the wing, Ika’s speed and shake enable him to sweep across the defense for shots on the run. Once he establishes that sweep, Ika can use a crafty hitch move to get his defender off balance and then quickly dip underneath for a run to the cage. Ika has proven that he can get downhill from up top too. His field vision and timing allow Ika to operate as an elite feeder from anywhere on the field. Ika’s is especially effective at distributing to the crease or backside while he is on the move. Ika is effective in give-n-go action, too.

OJ Ika OJ Ika 5'11" | 175 lbs | A/M | Left Hand Loomis Chaffee School | 2028 CT is a versatile attackman and midfielder who made an immediate impact as a freshman, earning All-American honors in Utah. His athleticism extends beyond lacrosse, as he was also a freshman on the varsity football team, showcasing his multi-sport talent and competitive drive. OJ’s skills on the field are matched by his strong lacrosse IQ, allowing him to excel in both offensive roles. With his brother playing at St. Joseph’s in Philadelphia, OJ is continuing the family tradition of excellence in athletics and lacrosse.