2024 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 2024 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 2024'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

Alex Krusko, 2024, Choate (CT), LI Express

The smooth lefty attackman is poised beyond his years and it showed at the showcase. He always has his stick and his eyes up for a pass or to let one rip at any time. His enthusiasm for the game is fun to watch often celebrating his goals or his teammates displaying signs of his passion towards playing. I saw him operate off the lefty wing with ease often times coming over the top to scan the defense for his own lefty rip or to throw a skip pass to his teammates for easy finishes. The game seems to come easy for Krusko and as a result, it is a pleasure to watch him operate and dissect defenses at will. 

Honorable Mention:

Bryce Gunn, 2024, SSSA (VA), VLC
Cody Lam, 2024, Westfield (NJ), BBL
Ben Wick, 2024, Taft (CT), 2Way
Dylan Jaszcz, 2024, Episcopal Academy (PA), Brotherly Love

MIDFIELD

Paul Vanbastelaar, 2024, LaSalle (PA), Dukes

There were some stud midfielders at the 2024 class and Vanbastelaar was able to rise to the occasion. He is effortless when he runs and really excels between the lines. It seems like he gets to his right hand at will and when he shoots on the run he has a strong velocity for only a freshman. From the midfield line he is so effective at getting to his right hand and knows how to get his hands free with a defender on him. On defense, he uses his size to push around smaller players and then run effectively in transition to create instant fast breaks.

Honorable Mention:

Ryan Metz, 2024, Salesianum (DE), Brotherly Love
Stevie Davis, 2024, LaSalle (PA), Dukes
John Majka, 2024, Malvern Prep (PA), Brotherly Love
John Draley, 2024, St. John’s (MD), Next Level
Connor Nolen, 2024, Haverford School (PA), NXT

READ MORE: 2023 MANNEY'S MEN

DEFENSE

Aden Isika, 2024, The Woodlands (TX), Blue Star

Isika is the real deal and the young defensemen from Houston was a terror between the lines. His older brother Grant (Drexel) shined as a faceoff man at our events and now his younger brother looks to follow in his footsteps. Aden is constantly on hands as an LSM, loves to push the ball in transition, and has no probable cradling and making decisions with both hands. He is a one-man clear at times and so good off the faceoff wing. If he learns how to read fast breaks and be even more offensive he could be the real deal.

Honorable Mention:

Peri Dibartolome, 2024, Malvern Prep (PA), Brotherly Love
Marcus Acevedo, 2024, St. John Paul II (FL), Nationals
Carson Wakefield, 2024, LaSalle (PA), Dukes
Andrew Van Stone, LaSalle (PA), NXT

APPLY TODAY: SUMMER 2021 SHOWCASES

GOALIE

John Fisher, 2024, Battlefield (VA), VLC

At one point in time during the All Star game Fisher made 4 consecutive legit saves earning oos and ahhs from everyone in attendance. The best part is that he plays with such swagger he acts like it is just part of his routine. Fisher already has good size and is so good at shots low. His ability to make sprawling saves at his knees is uncanny as it was very hard to get the ball by the stud goalie. I love his stance and ability to make any save but also get the ball up and out to his midfielders to start transition the other way. If he becomes more vocal to back up his playing style the sky is the limit for Fisher. 

Honorable Mention:

Owen Salanger, 2024, Liverpool (NY), Orange Crush
Parker Day, 2024, Bergen Catholic (NJ), Patriot 

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