2023 MANNEY'S MEN

Year 12 of the Nike Boys Philly Showcase brought no shortage of talent (and good weather) to United Sports last Saturday. Widely regarded as the nation's premier recruiting event, the Showcase hosted over 650 athletes from the 2021, 2022, 2023, and 2024 recruiting classes. 

The athletes broke out into teams based on grad year and competed in three games over the course of the day. In the afternoon college coaches looked on as faceoff midfielders had the chance to compete in the King of the X prior to the All-Star and MVP announcements. 

The annual Fab-40 All-Star Games concluded the day under the lights. Every all-star selection was given a Nike all-star gear pack that included a Nike jersey, shorts, shirt, head, and a specially designed all-star hoodie. Only 120 were produced by Nike and were reserved exclusively for the Nike Boys Philly Showcase All-Stars.

The class of 2023 featured committed and uncommitted athletes looking to catch the eye of the college coaches both in attendance and watching the live-stream. Below are the 2023's that stood out above the rest to Brett Manney. 

Brett Manney, is a 13-year professional lacrosse player, captain of the New England Blackwolves, and two-time captain for the USA National Indoor team, 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.

ATTACK

Hunter Bisbee, 2023, Greensboro Day (NC), NC Fusion

There is not a lot of flash to Bisbee’s game he just gets the job done. Mostly operating from behind the gage he has a great right to right split dodge to get over the top or underneath his defender. He excels at dodging 1v1 to get quality looks from inside 5 yards which oftentimes lead to easy goals for him. He is not afraid to dodge at the cage hard to get a good look knowing punishment is usually on its way. With an added outside shot and some muscle to his frame, Bisbee will be a nightmare for defenders in the future.

Honorable Mention:

Luke Davis, 2023, Franklin (MA), Piatelli
Nash Perry, 2023, Buford (GA), ThunderLB3
Matt Pepe, 2023, Seton Hall Prep (NJ), Tri State
Marco Firmender, 2023, Fairfield Prep (CT), CT Wolves

READ MORE: 2022 MANNEY'S MEN

MIDFIELD

Brendan Poirier, 2023, Rivers (MA), Fighting Clams

Good size. Check. Good speed. Check. Toughness. Check. The New England middie plays the game in a rough way often using his size and skills to his advantage to get to the net. Poirier often would initiate a dodge and finish with authority or draw slides to set up his teammates. Whether it was using his athletic ability to get to the net or sheer will, Poirier was the best middie on the field in all of his games. He has such a quick release on his shot but what is most impressive is he slices through the defense to take a 5-yard shot instead of settling for a 12-yard shot. The young midfielder is already very well polished and put together making him an intimidating challenge for any defenseman 

Honorable Mention:

Chrishawn Hunter, 2023, Westtown School (PA), 3d Upstate
Jackson Greene, 2023, St. Anthony’s (NY), Team 91
Chris Grimaldi, 2023, Corning (NY), Orange Crush
Ryan Cunningham (FO), 2023, Salesanium (DE), Brotherly Love

APPLY TODAY: SUMMER 2021 SHOWCASES

DEFENSE

Luke Robinson, 2023, Wilbraham and Monson (MA), Piatelli

When looking for a defensemen, does it get any better than athleticism, IQ, and stickwork? It does not and Robinson has all of them. Robinson can cover anyone on the field, take the ball from them, and then has the whereabouts to make the right decision with the ball as well. In addition, he is comfortable with the ball in his stick bringing it up the field without him being a liability. The young defenseman has a bright future with a high ceiling!

Honorable Mention:

Llyod Ziparo, 2023, Christian Brothers (NY), Orange Crush
Ben Caccavo, 2023, Chaminade (NY), Shore 2 Shore 
Logan Meighan , 2023, Archbishop Spalding (MD), DC Express
Aiden Bodonyi, 2023, Western Reserve (OH), Resolute

GOALIE

Connor Foley, 2023, Thayer Academy (MA), Laxachusetts

One of my former teammates Ben Ruebor has the luxury of being the head coach at Thayer Academy. Why? He gets to have Foley as his goalie for the next three years. The young netminder is a stud between the pipes who is not afraid to mix it up as well. In one possession he ended up making a save and racing down the field to attempt a behind-the-back shot which ultimately missed but it took some huge courage to pull that off. The lefty is confident in the net and consistently makes easy saves. At one moment I was on one field and could hear Foley communicating to his defense on the opposite of the other field. His communication makes himself and his teammates better which is the ultimate goal.

Honorable Mention:

Matt Tully, 2023, Noble and Greenough (MA), Piatelli
Nick De Cain, 2023, Radnor (PA), NXT

--

For full Nike Boys Philly Showcase coverage follow us on social media:
Showcase Twitter: @NXT_Showcase
Showcase Instagram: nxt_showcase