Brett Manney has made his 2022 Philly Summer Showcase Manney's Men selections. Top-tier talent could be seen from 27 different states plus Canada. These are players that stood out above the rest throughout the day.

70 college coaches were there to catch the action, including coaches from Princeton, Penn State, Saint Joe's, and many more. 

Brett Manney, is a 15-year professional lacrosse player, captain of the Albany FireWolves, and two-time captain for the USA National Indoor team. Brett also serves as the VP of Recruiting at NXT. He won two bronze medals with the USA National Indoor Team. He played on Delaware's 2007 Final Four team, captained the 2008 team, made the North-South All-Star Game, and is the driving force behind Showcase Lacrosse's nationally-known events. Manney sees players from all over the country at NXT events. 

2023/2024

ATTACK

Evan Leonardo| 2024
Buford (GA), Team 91 GA

This dodge-to-score attackman from down south sure knows how to light up the scoreboard. Leonardo has a lefty sidearm rip that he will use when he is covered or when he is wide open the goalie might as well turn and run. The Georgia native operates mostly from the righty wing and below to get to the middle of the field to increase his scoring opportunities. In odd-man situations, he was deadly with his feet set or hitching to get by defenders. On 6v6 he was fearless attacking any defensemen to get to his right hand most of the time over the top or using an inside roll. Leonardo left it all out on the field even evident when he cramped up after scoring a goal in the all-star game to cap off his performance!

Honorable Mention

TJ Underhill, 2023, Palos Verde (CA), UNRL
Joshua Younger, 2024, Calvert Hall (MD), Six Star
Chase Perryman, 2024, Honeoya Falls Lima (NY), Grizzly
Luis Gonzalez, 2024, Eugene Ashley (NC), Nationals

MIDFIELD

Asa Beach| 2023
Darien (CT), Eclipse 

This talented midfielder is a water bug in the middle of the field and knows how to make plays. Despite his smaller stature, Beach is a 2x All-Star at our events and his play between the lines is a major reason why. This lefty is not afraid to play defense and really excels in transition. Beach easily blows by defenders and uses his great stick protection to get to the net or create an easy scoring opportunity for one of his teammates. Hopefully, Beach finds a home soon as he could help any program with his skill, athleticism, and energy.

Honorable Mention

Stephen Pileggi, 2024, SCH (PA), NXT LC
Tate Kuster (FO), 2023, Williston Northampton (MA), 3d NE South
Riley Jenkins, 2023, Mountain Vista (CO), Six Star
Quinn Coughlan, 2023, Landon (MD), VLC

DEFENSE

Gabe Epstein | 2024
Montclair (NJ), NJ Riot

The MVP of the day was barely a blip on anyone’s radar a year ago but what a difference a year makes. Already standing 6’2, Epstein has great size for a defender and will only get bigger and stronger as he gets older. Epstein has an active stick which he uses to tip passes or pick them off for easy transition for his team. In addition, when he guards the ball he has a timely trail check causing multiple turnovers and using his size and reach to his advantage. The ceiling is high for the young defensemen who is certainly on a lot of people’s radars now.

Honorable Mention

Kaden Freelove, 2024, Holderness (NH), 4Leaf
Jacob Smith, 2023, Milford (OH), Resolute
Mason Moore, 2024, Hill School (PA), Annapolis Hawks

GOALIE

Heath Mann | 2023
St. Paul's (NH), 4Leaf

Heath is an active goalie but not in the way you think between the pipes. Heath is very
comfortable out of the cage making a save and quickly getting up the field in some cases. Other than his ability with the ball in his stick, Mann is a consistent stopper who makes the plays you expect in regards to being a good ball stopper.

Honorable Mention

Ian Williams, 2023, St. Mark’s (TX), Iron Horse
Jason Rubenstein, 2023, Green Farms (CT), CT Wolves

                           25/26

ATTACK

Jack Smiley | 2025
Detroit Central Catholic (MI), Dominate

The young lefty from Michigan was lights out at the Showcase on Friday. With a crowded group of talented players, Smiley’s knack for getting to the net was a huge reason why he won the MVP. A varsity starter as a freshman, Smiley’s experience paid off in his ability to turn the corner and finish with ease. He will not wow you with a powerful shot or any flash, Smiley just gets the job done and a lot of the time makes it look easy. He has great shot placement and accuracy which allows him to rack up goals. In addition, when he turns the corner he always has his head up looking for his teammates for easy cutting goals or crease finishes. As he develops, he is certainly one to keep an eye on moving forward.

Honorable Mention

Owen Watts, 2025, Berkeley Prep (FL), 3d Florida
George Reider, 2025, Valor Christian (FL), 3d Colorado
Bryce Coletta, 2025, SCH (PA), NXT

MIDFIELD

Vincent Gaylord| 2025 (FO) 
Christian Brothers (NY), Orange Crush

Despite being a face-off man, Gaylord had the biggest impact of any midfielder in the younger age group. He would have held his own and maybe even made the All-Star Game in the older group due to his dominance at the X. Gaylord is already a well put together face-off guy who uses his strength to win many clamps throughout the day. He was easily winning them to himself but also won face-offs resulting in fast breaks. Gaylord would also win it back to his wing midfielders and counter to win them to himself. I know the Faceoff Factory coaches were high on Gaylord and so was I.

Honorable Mention

Colton Pawak, 2025, Fossil Ridge (CO), 6 Star
Elijah Gill, 2025, North Surrey (WA), CitySide
Caden Hayes, 2025, Benjamin School (FL), Florida Crabs

DEFENSE

Parker Barhydt| 2025 
Valor Christian (CO), 6 Star

What I like about Barhydt is that is he tactical, (physical and plays great angles). Barhydt hails from the same high school as former Showcase MVP Lance Tillman (UNC/Team USA), and this young defenseman represents Valor Christian well. I love how he can play behind the goal covering attackman or above the cage forcing midfielders to their weak hands. Barhydt is fundamentally sound in his approach and closing gaps with great cross-checks and lifts to create a turnover or disrupt an offense. There were some solid 6 Star players from that rising club but Parker was a pest all day.

Honorable Mention

Nolan Worgan, 2026, Rice Memorial (VT), 802
Hudson Waldorf, 2025, Darien (CT), 2Way
Reno Vorderlanwehr, 2025, Mill Creek (GA), 91 Georgia

GOALIE

Michael Jannotte| 2025 
Massapequa (NY), True Blue

The young netminder might not look like your prototypical goalie but he more than makes up for it with his quick hands and reflexes. Jannotte made several saves at the event due to his quickness and ability to quickly move post to post. If he picks up his communication to match his saving ability the long island native will be a force for years to come.

Honorable Mention

John King, 2025, Governors Academy (MA), NE Twisters
Colin Stephens, 2025, Brebeuf Jesuit (IN), True IN