The Baltimore Showcase is this Thursday, June 14th, and marks the unofficial start off the summer recruiting season.

The Baltimore Showcase attracts elite talent and college coaches from across the country to the campus of perennial NCAA tournament participant Towson University. Last years Baltimore Showcase attracted 165 athletes and 35 college coaches from the Division l, ll and lll level. With a 4:1 player to coach ratio, the athletes will be able to maximize their exposure to college coaches. Each team will be lead by a college coach as well as a prominent high school coach from the area. The showcase will feature athletes from the 2019, 2020, 2021 and 2022 graduation years.

After a rigorous selections process, top high school players from the mid-atlantic and nationwide have been selected to compete this Thursday, June 14th. The players will compete on only two, fully lit turf fields at Towson University. Featured below are a few players to keep an eye on throughout this one-day event.

JORDAN OPADAHI | GOALIE | 2021
St. Andrews Episcopal School - DC Express 2021 Black

Jordan is a quick-reaction goalie who has the ability to take over a game between the pipes. Part of a stacked DC Express team, Jordan is a solid goalie who should show well at the showcase and make his mark at the event.

NICKNAME: Jordie
FAVORITE TV SHOW: Big Bang Theory  
BIGGEST PET PEEVE: Not signaling when turning!
FAVORITE QUOTE: “It’s not over till it’s over.”
PREGAME RITUAL: Wetting my gloves
SUPERPOWER: To fly
ANIMAL: An American eagle because I am very patriotic.  
HASHTAG: #patriotic

BRADY LONG | DEFENSE | 2021
Lenape High School - Duke’s Lacrosse
View highlight reel

It was only a few years ago when we watched Brady as part of our New Jersey All Star team. There are many familiarities with his game from when he competed in our past event except his growing frame. Braden plays hard and aggressive, which makes him a pest to play against. Opposing attackmen usually leave bruised playing against the tough defender from South Jersey.

NICKNAME: Brady
FAVORITE TV SHOW: The Office
BIGGEST PET PEEVE: Loud talkers
FAVORITE QUOTE: “Don’t give up, don’t ever give up.” - Jimmy V
PREGAME RITUAL: Listen to music
SUPERPOWER: Super speed
ANIMAL: Dolphin
HASHTAG: #FamilyandFaith

TEDDY RUSSELL | DEFENSE | 2020
Gonzaga College High School - Next Level

Teddy is an athletic defenseman who has been a stud since we first saw him play in the eighth grade. He plays for the prestigious Gonzaga College High School which will only help his game grow. I look forward to seeing how much his game has improved in the past year.

NICKNAME: T-Russ
FAVORITE TV SHOW: It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia
BIGGEST PET PEEVE: Turf pellets in my socks
FAVORITE QUOTE: “Some call it luck, I call it dedication”
PREGAME RITUAL: Watch BTB Lax
SUPERPOWER: The ability to fly
ANIMAL: A dog because they chill all day
HASHTAG: #sooogood

RYAN KINDEL | MIDFIELD | 2020
Patriot High School - VLC

Kindel shined last year at the showcase racking in MVP honors with his big frame and ability to shoot on the run. We expect him to produce the same as last year if not more with another year of high school under his belt.

NICKNAME: Laser Beam 
FAVORITE TV SHOW: Rick and Morty 
BIGGEST PET PEEVE: Loud chewing 
FAVORITE QUOTE: “Fear kills more dreams than failure ever will”
PREGAME RITUAL: Arrive to the field early with my earbuds in to get some practice shots
SUPERPOWER: Super strength
ANIMAL: A giraffe because my friends always make fun of me for having a long neck
HASHTAG: #ShootToThrill

KYLE McREADY | ATTACK | 2020
Archbishop Spalding - Annapolis Hawks

A returning All Star, McReady is a lethal shooter from the wing, and if you leave him open, goalies usually turn and rake the ball out of the net. The lefty sniper should put up plenty of points at the Showcase.

Follow us throughout the weekend on instagram and twitter for event highlights!
Showcase Twitter: @NXT_Showcase
Showcase Instagram: nxt_showcase
Showcase Facebook: Showcase Lacrosse • @nxtshowcaselacrosse