Welcome to the DSLR Top 50 Player Spotlight for the class of 2025 presented by Team 24 Lacrosse. Let's first recap our top 5 junior players who we announced on August 27.
#1 - Christopher Alexis
#2 - Luke Danna
#3 - Pierce Montes
#4 - Jake Meyer
#5 - Zachary Rosenberg
DSLR expanded the spotlight on August 30 adding the next 19 prospects headlined by names like Josh Ameo, Dylan Furshman and Oliver Skeean, thus creating the Top 24 junior recruits in the Deep South. Now we expand the list even further adding 26 more players to spotlight, getting us to the Top 50 players we have seen in our region for the class of 2025. Keep watching DSLR over the next few weeks as we will be announcing another 50 names to round out the Top 100 and we will also list hundreds of additional recruits hoping for a chance to play at the collegiate level.
With the September 1 open period finally here, top recruits are being contacted by college coaches trying to get the verbals of their favorite players! We have taken a long, hard look at the junior class from all over our 9 states that comprise the "Deep South" to determine which players look like good prospects to play college lacrosse after they graduate high school. Please note, this is not a ranking of any sort, it is simply a list of the Top 50 kids who we have seen play and feel confident in saying that they have proven to have the skillset, talent and ability to play lacrosse at the next level.
So far the only 2025 from the south to commit to a service academy (open period began July 1 for service academies) has been Michael Read from Blessed Trinity Catholic in Roswell, GA who announced his commitment to play division 1 lacrosse for the United States Air Force Academy in August. Leyton Zorumski out of Saint Andrews School in Boca Raton, FL is committed to Bucknell and has re-classed so he is now considered a committed 2025 as well. The only 2 verbals given since the open period began have been Charlotte Christian's Griffin Fox committing to Grove City and Topsail's Parker Booton committing to Barton College. Other than Read, Zorumski, Fox and Booton the field is wide open for 2025's and there are a lot of great players in the class, so let's get right into who we feel will be the hottest recruits position by position from the Deep South this fall.
Attack
(Top 11 in alphabetical order)
Liam Banks Jr.
Attack
Inside Lacrosse 3-Star
Ward Melville High School in New York
McIntosh High School in Peachtree City, GA
Big 4 HHH
Powell Lacrosse
Nation United
WM Patriot Elite
A force around the crease Jr. sees the field well and will find his opportunity to cut to the crease for an easy quick-stick goal. With the ball in his stick he is a dangerous feeder who finds the cutter or open teammate for a good step down opportunity. Deceptive shooter when he gets the ball with a little bit of time and space. Also good at engaging in the 2-man game trying to create opportunities off of the pick and roll.
Brody Bessette
Attack/Midfield
Inside Lacrosse 3-Star
Holly Springs High School in Holly Springs, NC
Team 91 National
Team 91 South
Team 91 Carolina
Team South (National All-Star Games)
Lefty who does a lot of the little things well making him a serious threat offensively. Seems to be best attacking from below GLE where he can read the field and feed for an open step down, hit the cutter or back down his man and finish. Has a nice running shot when he is on the move with space and can bury it from deep. Has good size to absorb the physicality of his role. Earned 2 All-Star nods at One Percent Showcases. Bessette is also very good in the classroom carrying excellent grades which should attract much attention his way this fall.
Tre Carter
Attack/Midfield
Episcopal School of Jacksonville in FL
True National
True Florida
Baltimore Crabs
Florida Crabs
FC Crush
Team Florida (National All-Star Games)
Shifty dodger who likes to create separation with quick change of directions working his way into good scoring positions where he can become a threat to feed or roll underneath to get an even closer look. The righty finisher will also burn you if you don’t stay on his hands from the outside. Son of a coach Tre has good lacrosse smarts.
Justin Conly
Attack
Cardinal Gibbons High School in Raleigh, NC
Team 91 National
Team 91 South
Team 91 Carolina
Team South (National All-Star Games)
Well balanced feeder and shooter with quick feet and a good stick. The righty finished with 80 points for Cardinal Gibbons this spring helping them win a NCHSAA state title.
Zane Czeschin
Attack
Inside Lacrosse 3-Star
Vestavia Hills High School in Vestavia Hills, AL
Thunder National
Thunder Blue
Birmingham Lacrosse United
Vulcan LC
Team South (National All-Star Games)
Exciting lefty attackman whose quick bursts while changing directions on the dodge are difficult for opposing defenders to cover. Good field vision makes him a fairly balanced feeder and finisher. Heavy shot from out deep, but also makes some good off-ball cuts that he can turn into easy goals. Helped Vestavia Hills win a state championship this spring.
Luke Danna
Attack/Midfield
Inside Lacrosse 4-Star
DSLR #2 ranked 2025
Orchard Park High School in NY
The Woodlands High School in TX
Creekside High School in St. Johns, FL
Sweetlax Upstate
Florida Crabs
Sweetlax Florida
FC Crush Lacrosse
Florida Generals
North Florida Stars
Team Florida (National All-Star Games)
Such a great shooter on the run, Luke's speed is difficult to match and once he gets a step on his defender and gets those hands free, he will rip a hard shot that is usually well placed. Dangerous shooter from topside and the alleys while being an equally dangerous feeder from below GLE. His athleticism stretches defenses and he can really test goalies with his ability to rip corners. Danna also plays WR and DB for the varsity football team at Orchard Park High School. Originally out of the Jacksonville area, Luke has bounced around through high school moving to Houston and then Buffalo since his freshman year at Creekside. Danna resembles a young Connor Fields who grew up in Buffalo and went on to play at D1 UAlbany. You might’ve heard of Fields as he still plays professionally for Archers LC in the Professional Lacrosse League and the Rochester Knighthawks of the National Lacrosse League. Can’t wait to see how Upstate New York will influence Luke’s game and hope to see him play box lacrosse for development which is common around Buffalo. Luke may have a long future in lacrosse as his father has spent the last decade coaching in the NFL so we could envision him coaching sooner or later as well. Danna certainly will receive a lot of attention when the NCAA open period begins as he was ranked by the NLF as the #45 recruit nationally in the 2025 class.
Benjamin Kupstas
Attack
St. Thomas Aquinas High School in Fort Lauderdale, FL Baltimore Crabs
FLX Crabs
Stealth Legacy
Team Florida (National All-Star Games)
Talented lefty finisher who thrives on absorbing contact until he can roll out of it and get a strong look at the cage or find the open man. Seems to flourish when working with the ball from below GLE and can be a real handful when initiating offense from there as he likes to use his size and speed to dodge through defenders. Kupstas possesses a nasty quick stick when he’s open on the crease, although developing more consistency off-ball as he matures will help see Ben hit his ceiling. Size should fill out nicely when he’s in a college weight training program. He was a dominant offensive force for the Team Florida 2025's who finished 6-0 at the 2022 National All-Star Games. Former member of the Stealth Legacy team based out of Parkland (FL) that has been competing at national/elite tournaments for years. Helped get St. Thomas Aquinas to the FHSAA state championship game this spring after winning the state title with the Raiders as a freshman.
Hudson McCarthy
Attack
Inside Lacrosse 4-Star
Boys’ Latin School in Maryland
Christ Church Episcopal School in Greenville, SC
Team 91 South
Team 91 Charlotte
Next Level
Good x dodger from behind the goal, McCarthy can handle contact and still feed or get underneath to finish. First player out of South Carolina to earn a U.S. Lacrosse All-American as a freshman. Helped lead Christ Church Episcopal to the SCHSL state championship game the past 2 seasons and scored 5 goals in the 2023 title match. The IL rated 4-Star is committed to excellence as Hudson has been traveling to Charlotte for years to practice and play on the national level with Team 91 Charlotte.
Jameson “Jake” Meyer
Attack
Inside Lacrosse 4-Star
DSLR #4 ranked 2025
Wesleyan School in Peachtree Corners, GA
USA U-18 Team
Nations Best
3d Georgia
Hilltop Lax
Nation United
NLL Jr. Swarm
Heavy shot from the outside and smooth hands in tight make Meyer a threat from anywhere. You can see the influence box lacrosse has on his game giving him the ability to make quick decisions and use both hands even from far out. Has nice shooting form especially righty and uses his 6’2” frame to generate a lot of velocity. Absorbs contact on the dodge and redirects with good shot/pass vision. Uses his size well on the ride to force the ball carrier to move it. Will be lots of big time NCAA opportunities out there for such a hard working kid. Coaches love size and hands! Meyer was ranked by the NLF as a top 75 recruit nationally in the 2025 class.
Pierce Montes
Attack
DSLR #3 ranked 2025
Oak Hall School in Gainesville, FL
Florida Crabs
Sweetlax Florida
Florida Generals
Team Florida (National All-Star Games)
In a year where lefty finishers are scarce, Pierce has the potential to be one of the most exciting playmakers in the 2025 class. You might desire more size but you really won’t mind with Montes since he is tough as nails. High energy Attackman who uses contact to his advantage when dodging and rolling. Quick change of directions shake even the best defenders in the country who struggle to stay on his hands. Montes works equally hard without the ball, always in motion, cutting, looking for feeds while setting picks when the opportunity is there. Really understands where to go on the field to create offense. His vision both with and without the ball are incredible for a high school junior. Real good finisher and feeder who will give you everything he has on the ride and doesn’t fall asleep when it’s time to back up a shot. Very strong lacrosse IQ thanks to his dad who is absolutely one of the best x’s and o’s coaches in Florida. Like #2 recruit and friend Luke Danna, we are hoping Montes might have a bright future coaching when he is done playing. He certainly loves the game, you can see that from a mile away. Will make a positive impact on any program he joins.
Bear Soper
Attack
Salisbury School in Connecticut
Express North
MadLax Nationals
MadLax Capital
Palm Beach Revolution
Midnight Rider Box Lacrosse
Team New England (National All-Star Games)
Dynamic lefty Attackman who can finish in a variety of ways and will dazzle the crowd with his playmaking ability. Uses his speed when dodging to create opportunity on offense, absorbs contact and reads the field very well. Excellent off-ball player, Bear finds seams to expose and is very good playing the 2-man game, you can really see how playing box lacrosse and varsity soccer elevate his field vision. Developing more consistency will be key for Soper, but he is a grinder and DSLR fully expects to see this kid hit his ceiling as he matures. Star potential.
Midfield
(Top 19 in alphabetical order)
Christopher Alexis
Midfield
Inside Lacrosse 4-Star
Salisbury School in Connecticut
STX Sponsored Athlete
Sweetlax Navy
Sweetlax Florida
Sweetlax Leatherbacks
Team 91 Titans
Snipers Lacrosse
Lax Mafia
Eire
Dynamic. Blazing fast 2-way middle. A real difference maker. Shifty with the ball and creative getting it on cage. If he decides he’s taking it to the rack you won’t stop him. Hard to shake on defense, even if you get a step on him he will close that in the blink of an eye. Did we already say he possesses absolutely game changing speed yet? Probably need to mention it twice since he’s THAT fast. Has been the go to guy on his Sweetlax teams for many years, often being the kid to get the ball when they need a big goal late in the game. He doesn’t use his off-hand very often so development there would make him even more special if that’s possible. Christopher's phone should be ringing off the hook as he has been ranked by the NLF as high as the #2 recruit nationally in the 2025 class and currently sits at #27. Alexis had a great July after sitting out June due to injury, likely explaining his dip in ranking from spring to fall. The NLF 4-Star has all the potential in the world if he continues to develop and learn. Could be the most elite pure athlete in the entire class.
Josh Ameo
Midfield/Face-off/Attack/SSDM
Nation Ford High School in Fort Mill, SC
Team 91 South
Team 91 Charlotte
Carolina Gold
Put up 7 goals and added 2 assists in the SCSHL state championship game helping lead Nation Ford to their first ever lacrosse title. Finished with 84 goals on the season after scoring 50+ as a freshman. Also good off the wing, Ameo recorded more than 100 ground-balls for Nation Ford in 2022. Big time talent who has the ability to make jaw dropping plays from anywhere on the field. The dangerous dodger, feeder and finisher is also extremely versatile as he is an effective option for taking face-offs, and also plays short stick defense and attack. Ameo plays WR for the varsity football team at Nation Ford and also earned a US Lacrosse All-American Award playing lacrosse for the Falcons this spring as well. Definitely has what it takes to compete at the next level.
Evan Calkins
Midfield/Attack
The Lawrenceville School in New Jersey
Community School of Naples in FL
Sweetlax Florida
True Florida
Strong lacrosse IQ and good stick skills make Calkins a threat from anywhere in the offensive set. Good man up shooter, slings righty bombs from deep but can also be a threat with both hands if you ignore his left. Good field vision, he is able to pick apart seams and get the defense moving.
Jos Chois
Midfield/SSDM
Inside Lacrosse 4-Star
IMG Academy in Bradenton, FL
Tampa Preparatory School in Tampa, FL
Sweetlax Navy
Sweetlax Florida
Tampa Snooks
3d Florida
Langley Thunder
Fast, strong and agile, great 1 on 1 defender who is very hard to shake when trying to dodge against him. The IL 4-Star is also a good shooter with the potential to become a dynamic 2-way middle as he continues to mature.
Brandon DeBerardinis
Midfield/Attack
Lake Norman High School in Mooresville, NC
Team 91 South
Team 91 Charlotte
Carolina Miners
Team South (National All-Star Games)
Has quick feet and good balance, plays to contact on both ends of the field. Very powerful with the ball and has an array of dodges that he uses to get his hands free. Defenses have a very difficult time matching up against him due to his physicality and ability to shoot well with both hands especially when running down the alley. DeBerardinis earned a US Lacrosse All-American Award at Lake Norman this season and has impeccable grades in the classroom making him a very attractive option to D1 coaches this open period.
Wilson Frischhertz
Midfield/Attack
Jesuit High School in New Orleans, LA
Silverbacks
FTK
Good size, speed and hands makes Wilson a force to be reckoned with for opposing defenses. Can score in a multitude of ways. Buried the game winner on a righty step down from 12 during a fast break opportunity for Jesuit less than a minute into overtime to win the LHSLL state title for the Blue Jays earlier this year. Commits to training hard since he is from a non-traditional region. Frischhertz also plays competitive tennis and is becoming a white belt in Jiu-Jitsu. Might be a bit under the radar but we think he is going to get some serious looks this fall.
Ben Habel
Midfield
Christ the King Catholic High School in Huntersville, NC
Carolina Miners
Southern Stars
Team South (All-American Games)
Scrappy player who is always in motion, high energy 2-way middie that is capable of making plays all over the field. Can leg it in transition and is a big time threat shooting on the run. The righty has recorded 100+ points in his freshman and sophomore seasons at Christ the King Catholic where he also plays varsity football for the Crusaders. Invitee to the Team USA U-16 Select national combine this past summer.
Mason Hauseman
Midfield/Attack
Ponte Vedra High School in Ponte Vedra, FL
Baltimore Crabs
Team Florida (National All-Star Games)
Shifty dodger with good feet and a quick first step when he changes direction. Strong field vision and can snipe when he gets his hands free. Helped Ponte Vedra get to the FHSAA state championship game as a freshman and also plays varsity football for the Sharks.
Caden Hayes
Midfield
The Benjamin School in Palm Beach Gardens, FL
Sweetlax Florida
Florida Crabs
Florida Generals
FCA
Team Florida (National All-Star Games)
Righty midfielder with nice speed that he uses on the dodge to stretch defenses, forcing movement and creating seams. Hayes sees the field well and finds the open man when the defense does get a double on him. Nice little hitch and go gets the defenseman to buckle and his quick first step provides separation to feed or shoot. Good on the run shooter when he gets daylight. Hoping to see him thicken out a bit, but he is a tough kid who can take a huge hit, pick himself up and be back in the play quickly. Good competitor defensively who does a nice job to keep dodgers in front of him. Enjoyed a stellar freshman season at Benjamin where injury opened up a lot of minutes for him and he truly became a catalyst down the stretch helping lead the Bucs to the state championship game.
Andrew Jimenez
Midfield/Attack
Taft School in Connecticut
Oak Hall School in Gainesville, FL
Sweetlax Navy
Sweetlax Florida
Florida Generals
Productive lefty threat who helps facilitate offense in a variety of ways. Very strong off-ball player who will find open seams to get a finish, but he is also very capable with the ball finding cutters or moving it to the better matchup. Smart player who will rarely be caught out of position. Plays a gritty style of defense and is quite good at matching feet when isolated by a dodger.
Maxwell Kukuy
Midfield/Attack
Isidore Newman School in New Orleans, LA
Legends National
Rebels National
Scorpions USA
FTK
Silverbacks
Israel Lacrosse
Sha’ar HaNegev Seals
Change of direction dodger who can hit corners when he gets his look. Possesses a nice combination of finesse and physicality that gives him the potential to be a special player at the next level. Makes an impact all over the field. Earned a U.S. Lacrosse All-American Award at Isidore Newman School as a sophomore this spring.
Brown Parker
Midfield
Cardinal Gibbons High School in Raleigh, NC
Team 91 National
Team 91 Carolina
Likes to dodge using quick change of directions where he can get his hands free to unload a shot from the outside or send a pass to a teammate for a better look. Scored the OT gamer winner vs. Middle Creek in the state semifinal game while helping Cardinal Gibbons win the NCHSAA state championship this spring. All-Star at the One Percent Showcase this summer.
Tyler Rice
Midfield
Baylor School in Chattanooga, TN
Thunder National
Thunder Blue
Team South (National All-Star Games)
2-way middie with good speed and nice stick handling ability, the shifty dodger doesn't mind working through traffic to get his shot on goal. Fast enough to clear with his legs and very dangerous when running downhill in unsettled situations. Rice is the starting safety for the varsity football team at nationally top ranked Baylor School and also earned a US Lacrosse All-American Award playing lacrosse for the Red Raiders this spring as well. Tyler keeps high grades making him a very attractive option this open period.
Jacob “Jake” Rodriguez
Midfield/Face-off/Attack/Defense
Bishop Verot Catholic High School in Fort Myers, FL Florida Crabs
Team 24 Lacrosse
Florida LC
True Florida
Upstate Salt Kings
Rhino Lacrosse
Grinder who can fill many roles, mainly as a 2-way middie with good feet on the defensive side who will clear the ball with his legs and also be a dangerous option on offense. Great athlete who never seems to be out of position on the field. Comfortable using both hands and it shows especially when attacking the goal. Great versatility, Rodriguez will pick up a long pole when asked, competes well at the face-off dot if needed, and is used frequently to come off of the wing on draws. A silent leader who lets his play on the field do his talking. Jake plays CB on the varsity football team at Bishop Verot and has made the Florida Crabs Montes ’25 team this fall. Also takes care of business in the classroom, should have plenty offers to play at the next level.
Luke Shale
Midfielder
Lake Mary High School in Lake Mary, FL Sweetlax Navy
Sweetlax Florida
Florida Crabs
Lacrosse Club Orlando
Team Florida (National All-Star Games)
Enjoyed a huge sophomore season at Lake Mary scoring 33 goals and helping the Rams go 24-0 to become the first public school out of the Orlando area to win a FHSAA state championship. Shale is a fast 2-way middie who uses his athleticism and stick skills to setup scoring opportunities off of his dodging. Possesses a nice on the run jump shot but will also burn you on the step-down when he receives the ball in space. Shale is a 4 sport letterman at Lake Mary where he plays lacrosse, football, soccer and golf and is sure to garner much attention when the open period begins. Maybe his next coach can get a pointer or two for his golf game!
Dustin Sluszka
Midfield/Attack
Jupiter Community High School in Jupiter, FL True National Black
True Florida
Florida Crabs
WLTW
Very strong shooter on the run. The righty likes to use his speed to beat his man on the dodge before firing a missile on goal but is also very creative and has many different ways to get the ball into the back of the net. Sluszka will get open without the ball and possesses a nice accurate step-down shot. Dangerous from anywhere in the offensive set, he can make plays with his legs forcing the defense to stretch and opening up seams for his teammates. Dustin was the clear offensive catalyst for Jupiter in 2023 notching 42 goals on the season. He will need to become more consistent as he matures, but he is definitely a gamer who isn't going to take any plays off.
Nate Towers
Midfield
The Bolles School in Jacksonville, FL
Florida Crabs
Florida Generals
Team Florida (National All-Star Games)
Complete grinder, maximum effort at all times, very competitive 2-way middie who does so many things well. Defensively this kid is off the charts, very good speed and great field awareness help him easily keep dodgers at bay, you’re not going to need to slide very often when they go against Towers. A bit on the lean side but he still plays a very physical game. Can use his legs to get it across in transition and has superb hands making him a major threat after he crosses midfield. The righty is also a strong contributor in offensive sets who demands respect from the perimeter thanks to a heavy outside shot. So many ways you can use a kid like this, Nate is sure to get offers to play at the next level.
Jayden Vega
Midfield
The Benjamin School in Palm Beach Gardens, FL
Martin County High School in Stuart, FL
Florida Crabs
Sweetlax Florida
Sweetlax Leatherbacks
Jupiter Sails
Team Florida (National All-Star Games)
Slashing 2 way middle who is a true competitor and creates a lot of excitement with his playmaking abilities. His performance as a freshman for Martin County during the district championship against Vero Beach was one for the ages, kid led a 3 goal comeback in the last 4 minutes capped by his tying goal with less than a minute left to force overtime. Jayden even grabbed a pole to play defense on man down to help his team. They eventually lost in overtime but Vega showed us that he will go to any lengths to get his team a victory. Has great size and plays a physical style but with great discipline. A true magician with the ball he gets dirty and scores some very acrobatic goals. Real star potential if he decides to pursue lacrosse after high school. Vega is also a very good QB at The Benjamin School and is already getting D1 offers to play college football.
Campbell Zegras
Midfield/Attack
Oxbridge Academy in West Palm Beach, FL
Florida Crabs
Sea Dogs
Sweetlax Florida
SoCal Bulls
RC Lacrosse
Encinitas Mustangs
Team Florida (National All-Star Games)
Very good threat with the ball, sees the field well, fast and durable, nice on the run shot when he gets separation. Defensively very tough to get through, quick feet help him play good hip to hip defense. Dangerous in transition. Good size, will be a real handful as he matures and becomes a more consistent contributor. Zegras also plays varsity football at Oxbridge.
Face-off
(Top 2 in alphabetical order)
Dylan Furshman
Face-Off
Inside Lacrosse 4-Star
The Benjamin School in Palm Beach Gardens, FL
Jupiter Community High School in Jupiter, FL Sweetlax Navy
Sweetlax Florida
Florida Crabs
Team Florida (National All-Star Games)
Face-Off Academy
Dominant. Combination of size and speed helps him manhandle opponent after opponent. Displays quick, strong hands and excellent timing making it difficult to keep him from clamping, pinching and popping. Loves to run downhill when he wins it clean out the front door, and has a dangerous shot that he isn’t shy to let rip. Did we mention dominant already? Did it twice because he truly is. Can help swing tight games. Potential is there to score a bunch of goals at the next level. The varsity football player is very well disciplined on the lacrosse field and rarely lets his physical style cause his team to be penalized. Furshman was ranked by NLF as a top 75 recruit nationally in the 2025 class and should garner a lot of interest from top programs. DSLR has him rated as our top 2025 face-off specialist from the south.
Cannon Ridinger
Face-Off
The Hotchkiss School in Connecticut
Charlotte Catholic High School in NC
Charlotte Country Day School in NC
Team 91 South
Team 91 Charlotte
The Faceoff Academy
Possesses a bunch of good moves, has nice speed and an above average shot making him a scoring threat if you let him win it clean out the front door and then go downhill. Will make adjustments as needed and is good at countering and getting his wings involved. Well coached competitor at the face-off dot who should flourish into an elite specialist as he matures.
LSM
(Top 5 in alphabetical order)
Kyan East
LSM/Defense
St. Thomas Aquinas High School in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Spanish River High School in Boca Raton, FL Baltimore Crabs
FLX Crabs
Stealth Legacy
Team Florida (National All-Star Games)
Great wing option on face-offs puts his head down and gets GB's. Seems to be conditioned enough to be a pure LSM if needed but he also flourishes on defense with speed and aggressive checks. East will throw a controlled barrage of checks until the ball comes free and then it’s scoop and go time. Very good hands mixed with elite speed make Kyan a major threat in transition. He was a dominant force for the Team Florida 2025's who finished 6-0 at the 2022 National All-Star Games making play after play on the defensive end and being a complete beast in transition. Former member of the Stealth Legacy team based out of Parkland (FL) that has been competing at national/elite tournaments for years. Helped get St. Thomas Aquinas to the state championship game this spring. Should attract some serious attention from top programs this fall.
Connor O’Brien
LSM/Defense/SSDM
Jupiter Community High School in Jupiter, FL Sweetlax Navy
Sweetlax Florida
Florida Crabs
Team Florida (National All-Star Games)
Speedy LSM who is a whirlwind defensively, throwing barrages of heavy, legal (mostly) checks. A real joy to watch this kid attack ball carriers, get it to the grass, gobble it up and go down the field with it. O'Brien will score on you if you don't step up, but is smart enough to not force it either, he shows respect for the value of the possession. Good at grabbing GB's off the wing on face-offs. Spent time last summer playing SSDM and looked pretty good doing it, and as expected, he was a complete handful with the shorty running in transition. We have a real gem here and the kid has flawless grades as well.
Miles Sims
LSM/Defense/SSDM
Oak Hall School in Gainesville, FL
Florida Crabs
Florida Generals
Team Florida (National All-Star Games)
Matches feet well and uses his size and wingspan to disrupt plays with his stick. Sims will throw aggressive stick checks and can dig out GB’s when the ball hits the turf. Good hands make him a threat in transition. Versatile, Miles can be used as a true LSM, has played SSDM, is a good option at wing on draws and even won 15 face-offs while also scoring 3 goals as a sophomore at Oak Hall this spring.
Oliver Skeean
LSM/Midfield/Defense
Inside Lacrosse 4-Star
Walton High School in Marietta, GA
Thunder National
Thunder Blue
Team South (National All-Star Games)
Exciting lefty pole who has a knack for scoring goals. Excellent play off the wing Skeean is tenacious on ground-balls and has slick hands enabling him to get out of traffic with a couple of quick moves. His speed and stick skills make him a serious threat in transition where he torments opposing goalies showcasing a variety of different ways to score. He is simply dangerous from anywhere. Gotta love a kid with versatility, Oliver scored 30 goals as a midfielder in his freshman season at Walton and he earned a US Lacrosse All-American Award after his sophomore season. Also plays MLB for the Raiders varsity football team. Skeean has earned a 4-star status by NLF where they ranked him as the #29 recruit nationally in the 2025 class.
Nicholas Snyder
LSM/Defense
Pine Crest School in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Sweetlax Navy
Sweetlax Florida
Snipers Lacrosse
Quick LSM who terrorizes opponents with his speed and aggressiveness from the wing. Really good hands make him very dangerous in transition. Physical and skilled, Snyder won't shy away from doing the dirty work, even known to take an occasional face-off. Nicholas also plays varsity football at Pine Crest and his pure athleticism will make him a good prospect for many programs.
Defense
(Top 9 in alphabetical order)
Jackson Cooling
Defense/LSM
Cardinal Gibbons High School in Raleigh, NC
Team 91 South
Team 91 Carolina
Team South (National All-Star Games)
Really gets into ball carriers using his size to initiate contact while laying some aggressive stick checks. Good athleticism, very hard to get underneath near GLE. Helped lead Cardinal Gibbons to a NCHSAA state title this spring.
Ryker Kemp
Defense
Ponte Vedra High School in Ponte Vedra, FL
Florida Crabs
Sweetlax Florida
Team Florida (National All-Star Games)
Already possesses D1 size as a junior to go along with quick feet making him an intimidating force on defense. Uses his strength and speed to keep the attack from getting underneath him. Pushes the pace in transition, great stick and makes good decisions with the ball. Kemp also plays on the defensive line for the varsity football team at Ponte Vedra.
Lawson Marshall
Defense
Episcopal High School in Virginia
Woodward Academy in College Park, GA
Team 91 South
Team 91 Georgia
Team South (National All-Star Games)
Wide wingspan helps Marshall disrupt passing lanes and allows him to make checks you wouldn’t think possible. Moves well with the ball in transition and isn't shy about taking a shot if the defense doesn’t come up to stop him. Likes to use his size to his advantage which will help him do damage at the next level. Adding some bulk as he matures will help him physically control stronger players more effectively.
Alex Michaelides
Defense/LSM
St. Thomas Aquinas High School in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Florida Crabs
FLX Crabs
Stealth Legacy
Team Florida (National All-Star Games)
Team South (All-American Games)
Alex is another young, strong defenseman at Aquinas who has good athletic instincts, will take chances, a bit flashy, but he does everything to a high level on the field. Good cover guy always ready for a timely slide, he has nice hands for a defenseman, can transition with his legs and will shoot if you don’t step up on him. Michaelides has won state championships in 2 sports, as he helped lead St. Thomas Aquinas to a FHSAA title in lacrosse as a freshman and also plays RB for the varsity football team who have won 4 straight Florida state titles.
Xander Ring
Defense
Inside Lacrosse 4-Star
Christ School in Arden, NC Fort Mill High School in Fort Mill, SC
Team 91 National
Team 91 South
Team 91 Charlotte
Team South (National All-Star Games)
Good size with a great stick Xander thrives at working around GLE thwarting ball carriers from getting underneath for close looks. Physical defender who has a long wingspan helpful in blocking passing lanes and creating mayhem for the opposing offense. Seeing him thicken out a bit as he matures will give him more power when trying to control some of the stronger dodgers in the nation.
Noah Seabolt
Defense/LSM
Lassiter High School in Marietta, GA
Thunder National
Thunder Blue
Team South (National All-Star Games)
CTO machine whose 6’4” frame is a complete nuisance to opposing offenses. Uses his wide wingspan to shrink passing lanes and disrupt passes. Quick to scoop and get it going the other way. Good feet help him keep dodgers from sniffing prime real estate. Also plays varsity football. Seabolt earned a US Lacrosse All-American Award at Lassiter this season and keeps high grades making him a very attractive option to D1 coaches this open period.
Shane Sullivan
Defense
Cypress Bay High School in Weston, FL
Baltimore Crabs
Legends National
Stealth Legacy
Team Florida (National All-Star Games)
Sensational defenseman who moves very well for a big man, difficult to get underneath of him when dodging or to get a quick pass by him down low. Good timing when he doubles, Sullivan will disrupt the ball carrier before they have a chance to find the open man. Very physical, he loves to hit and does it clean. Shane maintains excellent grades and has the kind of size and athleticism that coaches like to see at the highest levels.
Owen Thomas
Defense
St. Thomas Aquinas High School in Fort Lauderdale, FL Florida Crabs
FLX Crabs
Stealth Legacy
Team South (All-American Games)
Team Florida (National All-Star Games)
Solid, steady contributor who almost effortlessly keeps dodging attackers from getting underneath him. Nice size and athleticism with excellent feet make him very hard to beat 1 on 1. Owen throws precise checks with a high rate of putting it on the carpet. Great hands for a defenseman, gets his fair share of ground-balls and finds the right teammate to move it to. Thomas will take it and go if there is real estate in front of him and doesn’t try to force things when he crosses midfield. Leader on defense who helps direct his teammates. Not very flashy, just an effective and consistent player. Former member of the Stealth Legacy team based out of Parkland (FL) that has been competing at national/elite tournaments for years. Helped get St. Thomas Aquinas to the FHSAA state championship game this spring after winning the state title with the Raiders as a freshman. His grades are off the charts which should help him attract some serious attention from top programs this fall.
Tommy Weber
Defense
Oak Hall School in Gainesville, FL
Florida Crabs
Florida Generals
Gainesville Redhawks
Sweetlax Florida
Team Florida (National All-Star Games)
A menace on defense he uses his big body to disrupt dodgers and makes good decisions when he has the ball in transition. His size and physicality make him a handful to deal with around GLE. Possesses the kind of athleticism that will make him a great candidate to play lacrosse at the next level. Weber also plays TE & DE for the varsity football team at Oak Hall.
Goal
(Top 4 in alphabetical order)
Jackson Lynch
Goalie
Viera High School in Melbourne, FL Sweetlax Florida
Florida Crabs
Florida Generals
Big Wave Lacrosse
Jupiter Sails
Team Florida (National All-Star Games)
Nice size, quick hands, Lynch is an imposing competitor who makes saves others can’t. Sparks transition on the clear with good, crisp passes and sees the field well. Vocal communicator who maintains a calm demeanor in cage. Consistency will be an important part of the maturity process for the young goaltender but he has the tools to be a star at the next level. Won defensive MVP at the Winter 2021 One Percent All-Star Game.
Zachary Rosenberg
Goalie
DSLR #5 ranked 2025
St. Thomas Aquinas High School in Fort Lauderdale, FL NSU University School in Davie, FL
Team 91 Maryland Fire
FLX Crabs
Stealth Legacy
Team South (All-American Games)
Team Florida (National All-Star Games)
All energy all the time, emotional leader who brings a positive vibe to his team. Vocal in cage choreographing his defense as if he’s in a chess match with the opponent’s offense. Quick hands, excellent form and great positioning make Zachary one of the most dominant goalies in the class and our top 2025 goalie. Very hard to beat him from deep but also has the knack for making multiple saves from in tight. Doesn’t seem to tire. Can see the field well on the clear and throws some nice crisp outlets passes. Smart and agile enough to spark transition with his legs when it’s available. Shows aggressiveness attacking passes near his cage and busts it towards the end line when shots go wide. Great lacrosse IQ, Rosenberg is a real student of the game and you can see his passion for the sport in the way he plays. Doesn’t seem to shy away from challenge. Former member of the Stealth Legacy team based out of Parkland (FL) that has been competing at national/elite tournaments for years. Helped get St. Thomas Aquinas to the state championship game last spring. All honors and excellent grades should make his phone ring early and often.
John Torpy
Goalie
Lake Norman High School in Mooresville, NC
Team 91 South
Team 91 Charlotte
Carolina Miners
Southern Stars
Carolina Gold
Carolina Xtreme
Team South (National All Star Games)
Makes amazing saves look easy. Sees the ball really well and has quick reactions off release. Limits rebounds and hustles to the end line to chase down wide shots. Makes quick decisions, finds his open man right away after making a save to get transition started quickly. Already a seasoned competitor as he has been playing at the national/elite level quite a few years. Torpy earned a US Lacrosse All-American Award at Lake Norman this season and was ranked by the NLF as a top 75 recruit nationally in the 2025 class. Sure to get some attention this fall.
Braswell Vachon
Goalie
Deerfield Academy in Massachusetts
Culver Academies in Indiana
Baylor School in Chattanooga, TN
Next Level
FCA
Thunder National
Thunder Blue
Eighteen
Goaliesmith
Reset
We actually haven’t caught up with Vachon recently as he has been playing up north for quite awhile now, but after reviewing his latest tapes it looks like he is indeed progressing very nicely. Great reaction time and good ability to read a shooter make him one of the best ball stoppers in the 2025 class. On the clear he is a quick decision maker who throws strong, accurate outlet passes helping to spark the transition game. We remember a goalie who did a nice job at commanding his defense from a young age which likely is still one of his intangibles today. We expect Braswell to receive plenty of attention from college coaches this fall.
Some will be committing very soon, some not for awhile, listen to your gut, if you got the offer of your dreams and you know it, go ahead and commit, if you're not sure, be patient, let time help your consideration process. Good Luck 2025s! Check back in soon as we will be expanding this list to the Top 100 recruits in the coming weeks as well as sharing hundreds of names of other talented prospects.
Top 50 prepared by Larry Palumbo
Top 50 powered by Team 24 Lacrosse, who provide skills camps, strengthening programs, specialized training and tournament play in Fort Myers, Fort Lauderdale and Upstate New York. Learn more at www.TheGameOfCrosses.org
All photos provided courtesy of www.CoyoteMagicActionShots.com
Article released on Wednesday, August 30, 2023 @ 21:15 EST (Updated to Top 50 on 9/9/2023)
All rights reserved, 2023 copyright by Deep South Lax Report
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