Welcome to episode 1 of the Uncommitted 24 presented by Team 24 Lacrosse where today we are going to look at some of the top uncommitted rising seniors in our region. We will keep adding '22s in installments of 24 over the course of the month so keep checking back on the website often to follow the complete list. We will also be posting our Uncommitted 24 for the class of 2023 sometime before the September 1st NCAA open period begins so you won't want to miss that either.
We have taken a long hard look at the rising senior class from all over our 9 states to determine who is still left uncommitted and currently looking for that perfect match of studies and athletics. This is not a ranking of any sort, it is simply a list of kids who we have seen play and have proven to us that they have the talent to compete in college. There is still a ton of great talent left in the Deep South from the 2022 class so let's get right into who we have seen play well over the last 12 months of lacrosse:
Attack (3):
Danny Kesselring from Lambert High School GA, Atlanta Empire, Thunder - Danny is a favorite of ours for '22s who are still uncommitted, the lefty Attackman is nearly unstoppable when he decides to dodge down low and his lack of size does not seem to prevent him from getting to the right spot to shoot or feed and taking the abuse for working in those areas. Fearless and unpredictable are 2 words that describe Danny when he decides it's time to go to the goal.
Trace McDonald from St. Thomas Aquinas High School FL, Florida Crabs - Trace is another shifty lefty Attackman who likes to engage off dodge and uses quick cuts to get free space to shoot and pass.
Gavin Reid from Franklin High School TN, No Excuse - Gavin uses his size when dodging to get better angles to shoot, we really wish we could've gotten more looks on this kid because he is fun to watch work his way towards the goal. He plays Center and Long Snapper on the varsity football team at Franklin as well.
Midfield (3):
Zack Bender - Creekside High School FL, 3d National - Zack is a 2 way midfielder who uses his athleticism to draw slides and create opportunities offensively. He likes to run downhill from up top where he doesn't need much separation to let go of a strong shot on the run. As dynamic as his offensive skillset is, he really digs in and plays strong man defense, always grinding to get the ball on the ground and battling to make sure his team goes the other way with it. He does so many little things right all over the field, a real workhorse who never seems to tire and gets himself in the right spots often. Bender also plays varsity soccer at Creekside.
Tommy Butrus from Mountain Brook High School AL, Thunder National, Nation United - Tommy is a physical midfielder who isn't shy to initiate contact on either end of the field and will usually make the smart play in transition.
A.J. Stratton from The Benjamin School FL (formerly at Martin County High School FL), Sweetlax Krakens - A.J. is another 2 way middie who usually finds his spots to contribute offensively but really shines on the defensive side of the ball. He is a shorty you won't be so inclined to isolate against.
Face-Off (1):
Adam Stowell from the Oxbridge Academy FL, Sea Dogs - Adam has a fast first move and good hands which help him create quick exits leading to potential odd man rushes on unsettled situations for his teams. Trusted to come out with the ball on critical possessions. Stowell likes to compete and has played soccer and ran cross country at his school.
Defense/LSM (2):
Amare Ford from Hilton Head High School SC, Break-Thru - Here's a guy we feel may be a bit under the lacrosse radar, Amare Ford. 3 sport varsity athlete in wrestling, football (Middle Linebacker/Fullback) and lacrosse. Not sure if he's getting recruited for football but we bet he is. Ford has got real nice size and great athleticism, plays with lots of energy and is very physical. If you have the opportunity to see him play you won't want to miss it.
Carter Grubbs from Chapel Hill High School NC, Team 91 National - Carter is a force on the defensive side of the ball causing turnovers and setting up the transition game. He seems to move the ball forward up the field with a certain calmness and finesse that you don't see too often in a kid of his size. He communicates well off ball, long reach and good feet make him appear under control and balanced on ball. Keep your eyes on this one.
Goaltending (2):
Wade Lamon from St. Thomas Aquinas High School FL, Florida Crabs - Wade is a very energetic goalie, really moves throughout the cage, fast hands, strong step in attacking the shot, and if it goes wide he always hustles to try to take possession with his speed. What he might lack in size he makes up in athleticism and is the consummate hustler. The southpaw drops nice crisp outlet passes in transition and has good hands and quickness making him a threat to move with the ball himself, if needed.
Brock Roe from The Benjamin School FL
Brock is a another lefty 'keeper who we believe is a very solid candidate to play at the next level, good vision, always seems in control, clears the ball well. Helped lead The Benjamin School to a very strong 2021 campaign and anchored a strong defense that will look to build more consistency coming back in 2022.
While we have seen the rest of the boys compete whom are listed below, we'll need to see more of them to confidently describe their game. While we aren't ready to describe them yet, we can say that we have seen enough of them to know that these boys should be on the radar of college coaches nationwide:
Attack (5):
Ryan Black from Johns Creek High School GA, 3d National
Kodi Martin from Lambert High School GA, Atlanta Empire, Thunder
Tyler Morris from Cambridge High School GA, Thunder National
Andrew Sledzik from The Bolles School FL, 3d Florida (plays varsity soccer)
Tyler Trygg from Roswell High School GA, 3d Georgia
Midfield (2):
Michael Cooper from Weddington High School NC, Team Carolina
Robert Pilla from Bishop England High School SC, Rock, Charleston Elite
Face-off (1):
Dylan Rupprecht from Creekside High School FL, 3D Florida, Florida Crabs, North Florida Stars
Defense/LSM (3):
Ryker Demarest from Plant High School FL, 3d National, 3d Florida
Will Hedley from The Hotchkiss School CT, True National, Team 91 Charlotte 24/7, Team Carolina (plays varsity football and ice hockey)
Graham Kelly from Avon Old Farms School CT (re-classed from Bishop England High School SC), True National, Break-Thru
Goaltending (2):
Owen Baxter from Marvin Ridge High School NC, Team 91 Charlotte 24/7 (plays varsity football)
Hunter Klosterman from South Forsyth High School GA, 3d Georgia
We don't expect these 24 kids to stay uncommitted for very much longer. Check back in soon to catch the next wave of '22 players who show up in episode 2 of the Uncommitted 24.
Uncommitted 24 prepared by Larry Palumbo
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Article released on Thursday, August 12, 2021 @ 08:00 EST
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