Men's Best in Class 2029 Standouts

This Best In Class group made their mark. The 2029 class is one year away from their big recruiting summer and they showed up ready to play. We saw a great group of returning talent from their rising freshman year, and some new athletes bursting onto the scene. Let's take a look at which 2029's impressed the Best In Class staff this go round:

Attack

#16 EDDIE BRESLIN | NOBLE & GREENOUGH | 3D NEW ENGLAND

BIC COMBINE SCORES: Flying 20: 2.36 seconds | Broad Jump: 7 ft 9 in | Vertical Jump: 25.00 in

Breslin is a polished, two-handed attackman who's feel for the game and composure with the ball make him a difference-maker in settled offense. He excels at escaping pressure from behind the cage, using quick footwork and strong stick protection to get to dangerous areas. Breslin showed the ability to score with either hand while also making quality skip passes when defenses committed early.

#84 KEEGAN LUEY | SALISBURY SCHOOL | SWEETLAX FLORIDA

BIC COMBINE SCORES: Flying 20: 2.32 seconds | Broad Jump: 8 ft 2 in | Vertical Jump: 24.15 in

Luey stood out as a crafty, intelligent offensive player who thrives without the ball in his stick. His off-ball movement consistently created quality scoring opportunities, and he showed excellent timing cutting into open space. Once he received the ball, Luey displayed the ability to finish efficiently around the crease while also showing the vision to move the ball quickly when needed.

#74 CARTER KAUFMAN | WESTERN RESERVE ACADEMY | TEAM ILLINOIS

BIC COMBINE SCORES: Flying 20: 2.41 seconds | Broad Jump: 8 ft 6 in | Vertical Jump: 25.50 in

Kaufman possesses an impressive combination of size, strength, and offensive instincts. Once he settled into the flow of play, he consistently attacked downhill, using his frame to protect his stick while getting to high-percentage scoring areas. Kaufman demonstrated soft hands around the crease, finishing his chances inside with good body control.

#130 ALBERT SOTO-DIAZ | CARDINAL HAYES | BRONX LACROSSE

BIC COMBINE SCORES: Flying 20: 2.31 seconds | Broad Jump: 7 ft 2 in | Vertical Jump: 23.85 in

A smooth, highly skilled and two-handed attackman, Soto-Diaz played under control while making smart decisions with the ball. Whether creating offense from behind the cage or finishing efficiently around the crease, he displayed poise, strong vision, and a high offensive IQ throughout the event. His quick release coming up the hash marks makes him a dangerous off-ball scoring threat. 

#150 GEORGE WILBANKS | VESTAVIA HILLS | TEAM 91 GEORGIA/SOUTH

BIC COMBINE SCORES: Flying 20: 2.33 seconds | Broad Jump: 7 ft 7 in | Vertical Jump: 23.55 in

An fundamentally sound offensive player, Wilbanks impressed with his feel for the game and ability to impact possessions without forcing the action. He timed his off-ball cuts exceptionally well and proved to be a dependable finisher when opportunities presented themselves. Wilbanks also showed quality shooting ability while making smart decisions that kept the offense moving and put teammates in favorable positions. 

midfield

#2 RYAN ARATA | ST. JOHN'S COLLEGE HIGH SCHOOL | HILLTOP

BIC COMBINE SCORES: Flying 20: 2.25 seconds | Broad Jump: 8 ft 1 in | Vertical Jump: 24.00 in

An explosive, two-handed midfielder, Arata consistently put pressure on defenses with his ability to dodge downhill and create offense in space. His speed stood out immediately, allowing him to beat defenders with a decisive first step before finishing effectively on the run. Arata also competed with toughness between the lines, showing a willingness to battle for possessions and impact the game beyond the offensive end.

#4 LIAM BALDWIN | ST. ANNE'S-BELFIED | MADLAX

BIC COMBINE SCORES: Flying 20: 2.29 seconds | Broad Jump: 8 ft 5 in | Vertical Jump: 24.50 in

Baldwin showcased an impressive combination of change of direction, shooting ability, and offensive confidence. He consistently threatened defenses by dodging to his strengths and displayed an accurate on-the-run shot that made him a dangerous scorer whenever he gained separation. His athleticism and polished movement allowed him to create quality looks throughout the event.

#72 GRAYSON KANG | WAUNAKEE | MAD DOG NATIONAL

BIC COMBINE SCORES: Flying 20: 2.25 seconds | Broad Jump: 8 ft 9 in | Vertical Jump: 27.00 in

A dynamic athlete with excellent speed, Grayson excelled as an on-the-run shooter who could quickly accelerate to free his hands for a shot. His ability to attack with pace made him difficult to contain, and he consistently showed the confidence to pressure defenses off the dodge. Throughout the event, Kang demonstrated a willingness to learn, making noticeable adjustments and becoming more comfortable within the flow of the offense.

#116 LIAM BRADY | TORREY PINES | WEST COAST STARZ/RC

BIC COMBINE SCORES: Flying 20: 2.28 seconds | Broad Jump: 9 ft 3 in | Vertical Jump: 26.75 in

A strong, physical midfielder, Brady impressed with his combination of size, skill, and offensive IQ. He showed the ability to absorb contact while maintaining possession, and consistently made smart decisions with the ball. Brady displayed great footwork on his rollback moves and demonstrated the versatility to score or facilitate depending on what the defense presented. He was effective in 2-man game as well, setting well-timed picks with intentionality.

#110 MASON PELOW | THE WOODLANDS SCHOOL | WEST COAST STARZ/TEXAS LONESTARS

BIC COMBINE SCORES: Flying 20: 2.33 seconds | Broad Jump: 9 ft 4 in | Vertical Jump: 28.95 in

Mason is a physically imposing midfielder with an outstanding frame. He played through contact while showcasing the ability to score in multiple ways. He shot effectively both over the run and on step-down opportunities, and used his size to create separation and win matchups with physicality as displayed in the highlight below. 

#26 RYAN CHANG | RIDGEWOOD | LEADING EDGE

BIC COMBINE SCORES: Flying 20: 2.23 seconds | Broad Jump: 7 ft 7 in | Vertical Jump: 24.50 in

Chang is a smart, fundamentally sound SSDM who is as dependable as they come at that position. He defended well off the ball, executed slides with great timing, and used his footwork and physicality to win matchups despite his smaller frame. Chang also showed excellent decision-making in transition, played well on the wings, and consistently came up with ground balls. His IQ and reliability make him the type of SSDM every defense wants on the field.

#6 CHARLIE BANKOWSKI | OREGON EPISCOPAL SCHOOL | TEAM OREGON/WEST COAST STARZ/ADVNC NDP

BIC COMBINE SCORES: Flying 20: 2.44 seconds | Broad Jump: 7 ft 2 in | Vertical Jump: 25.00 in

Bankowski is a lockdown SSDM who consistently wins one-on-one matchups with his speed, footwork, and disciplined approach. He excelled off the ball, made great slide decisions, and regularly put himself in position to support the defense. Bankowski also showed excellent decision-making in the middle of the field and came up with key ground balls. He is a dependable presence every time he steps on the field.

defense/LSM

#138 CHARLIE SWANN | EPISCOPAL SCHOOL OF DALLAS | MAD DOG NATIONAL

BIC COMBINE SCORES: Flying 20: 2.21 seconds | Broad Jump: 8 ft 8 in | Vertical Jump: 26.50 in

A complete defender whose IQ, athleticism, and versatility allow him to impact every phase of the game, Swann was excellent at Best in Class. He pressured the ball constantly and displayed the ability to match up with all types of offensive players. Swann also flourished off the ball, was confident carrying the ball in transition, and made smart decisions with the ball. His well-rounded skill set makes him a defender capable of thriving in any defensive system.

#78 RYAN LAMBERSON | ST. AUGUSTINE PREP | FUTURES

BIC COMBINE SCORES: Flying 20: 2.23 seconds | Broad Jump: 8 ft 5 in | Vertical Jump: 28.95 in

Lamberson has the size and athleticism to develop into a high-level defender. He was excellent on-ball, showing the physical tools to match up with a wide range of offensive players with footwork and physicality. He was excellent with the ball in his stick and showcased confidence. As he continues to refine his off-ball awareness, Lamberson will have of the highest ceilings in this class.

#28 COOK CHILIAN | HIGHLAND PARK | HILLTOP/TEXAS NATIONALS

BIC COMBINE SCORES: Flying 20: 2.29 seconds | Broad Jump: 8 ft 2 in | Vertical Jump: 27.50 in

Chilian is a poised, well-rounded defender who can be counted on to make the right play. He stood out both on and off-ball, showing great patience, strong team defense, and the ability to move well in space. Chilian also made an impact in transition, cutting well off-ball and proving to be a dangerous shooter when the opportunity presented itself. His complete skill set allows him to influence the game in every phase. 

#1 CALEB ARATA | ST. JOHN'S COLLEGE HIGH SCHOOL | HILLTOP

BIC COMBINE SCORES: Flying 20: 2.30 seconds | Broad Jump: 7 ft 9 in | Vertical Jump: 22.50 in

A physical and suffocating defender, Arata was a nuisance with his ability to make life difficult for opposing ball carriers. He excelled on the perimeter, using his strength and stick skills to pressure matchups while also showing the ability to escape pressure and play confidently in tight spaces. Arata was equally effective off the ground, made smart plays in transition, and demonstrated the versatility to play both close defense and LSM. 

#163 OWEN MEST | SALISBURY SCHOOL | CRABS

BIC COMBINE SCORES: Flying 20: N/A | Broad Jump: N/A | Vertical Jump: N/A

The lefty Mest is an athletic defender who uses his size, footwork, and communication to make his presence known on the defensive end. He played well through contact, showed confidence carrying the ball, and demonstrated the ability to throw hard checks when the opportunity presented itself. He became more aggressive and did a better job stealing space as the event went on. As he continues to develop his off-ball awareness, Mest has all the tools to become a complete defender at the next level.

#109 BRODY PATTEN | LANDON | MADLAX

BIC COMBINE SCORES: Flying 20: 2.34 seconds | Broad Jump: 7 ft 11 in | Vertical Jump: 22.50 in

Patten is an aggressive defender who had a knack of making plays with his stick and physical style of play. He excelled in the two-man game, played solid off-ball defense, and came up with key ground balls throughout the event. Patten's instincts and willingness to pressure opponents made him one of the more disruptive defenders on the field. As he continues to become more of a threat in transition, he can impact the game in even more ways.

FACEOFF

#114 MAXWELL JACOBS | HOPKINS SCHOOL | ECLIPSE

BIC COMBINE SCORES: Flying 20: 2.37 seconds | Broad Jump: 8 ft 2 in | Vertical Jump: 26.85 in

Jacobs has a college-ready plunger which created offensive opportunities off the draw, scoring multiple times directly from faceoffs. For a young athlete with such a large frame, he is shockingly athletic and smooth dodging to the goal. His refined technique, electric hand speed, and decision-making consistently allowed him to push the ball forward in transition against nearly every opponent.

#92 CASDEN MATSLER | CORONA DEL SOL | WEST COAST STARZ/MOUNTAIN WEST PRIME

BIC COMBINE SCORES: Flying 20: 2.50 seconds | Broad Jump: 7 ft 9 in | Vertical Jump: 24.05 in

Matsler is a physically dominant faceoff athlete with incredible twitch off the whistle. He repeatedly won clamps against every opponent he faced and varied his exits well while running through checks with ease with the ball. As he continues to refine his footwork, Matsler has the tools to become a force at next summer's events when college coaches are watching closely.

goalie

#41 JACK DEVLIN | CHAMINADE | LI EXPRESS

BIC COMBINE SCORES: Flying 20: 2.64 seconds | Broad Jump: 7 ft 5 in | Vertical Jump: 22.50 in

Devlin is an athletic left-handed goalie who combines consistency with the ability to make highlight-reel saves. He was reliable in making the routine save but also came up with explosive cross-crease stops to keep his team in games. Devlin was equally impressive in the clearing game, throwing with intent and consistently helping his team start transition.

#82 ANDREW LIMBERG | MANHASSET | TEAM 91 CHAOS

BIC COMBINE SCORES: Flying 20: 2.43 seconds | Broad Jump: 7 ft 5 in | Vertical Jump: 25.85 in

Limberg was a steady presence in the cage, routinely making the saves he should throughout the event. He squared himself well to shooters, limited quality scoring opportunities, and quickly got the ball up and out. Limberg's consistency and composure gave his team confidence every time he stepped into the cage.

impact scores

Our BIC Impact Score is our internal way of evaluating players that attend our events. These metrics are not perfect, but are meant to capture the "impact" that these players had on their teams and training sessions from our staff's perspective over the two day event. They are garnered from multiple sources and discussed; however, they are based on a very limited sample. They are not comprehensive rankings beyond these two days.

5 is the highest ranking for our impact score metric. 5's are considered to be standouts at the event that had exceptional performances as agreed upon by multiple sources.

combine SCORES