2019 MANNEY'S MEN
ATTACK
Kevin Pimental | Chaminade (NY) • LI Express
It was evident that Pimental was ready to play from the first game. Right off the bat, he put numbers on the scoreboard and was the playmaker for his team. While most players were trying to find their groove, it was the Chaminade product who flew around the opposing defenses for the better part of the day. Pimental is tough, fundamental, and makes opposing defenders pay if he gets anywhere near the goal. I do not expect him to be uncommitted for much longer.
Honorable Mentions
- Mitch Moyer | Archmere Academy (DE), NXT
- Tyler Dillon | Cape Henry (VA), Dukes
- Jack Wood | Governors (MA), 3d
- Andrew Brim | Dublin Jerome (OH), Resolute
MIDFIELD
Connor Brook | Colorado Academy (CO) • 3d Lacrosse
Connor got off to a slow start but after he found his rhythm, he was blazing through defense all day. Brook showcased his ability to get the ball upfield and dodge in a variety of ways, making him dangerous all over the field. If he is able to work on his left hand and move off-ball more effectively, he will be even more dangerous. His speed from defense to offense and aggression to get to the rack makes him one of the more underrated prospects in the 2019 class.
Honorable Mentions
- Blake Lori | Hudson (OH), Resolute
- Michael Farrell | Manhasset (NY), LI Express
- Jack Kavanaugh | Gonzaga (MD), Blackwolf
DEFENSE
Ian Murray | Brunswick (CT) • 2Way
There is never an easy second for an attackman when Murray is guarding you. One of the most annoying traits for an attackman is a defender who is relentless with nagging them. Murray sent many attackman home after pestering them all day. He is constantly on hands and when there is contact he is not afraid to cross check and slash. One of favorite parts of his game is that he is not afraid to take the ball up the field and play fast. Murray is a versatile close defenseman that made his presence known all day.
Honorable Mentions
- Blake Rogers | St. Mark’s (TX), Iron Horse
- Kyle Aldermann | St. Ignatius (CA), Alcatraz Outlaws
- Greg Bulzacchelli | Gould Academy (NJ), Patriot
GOALIE
J Elliot Lagorce | Pingry (NJ) • Patriot
Usually goalie stands out by making dramatic saves consistently over and over, but it was Lagorce’s poised, balance stance, that helped his succeed. He always is in an athletic position, hugs the pipe well when dodges come from X, and is as solid as they come. He made some impressive saves on outside shots and had quick reflexes inside, but what I love most is his approach to every shot.
Honorable Mentions
- Connor Green | Princeton Day School (NJ), Tri State
- Cole Hiller | Tatnall (DE), NXT
2020 MANNEY'S MEN
ATTACK
Lucas Bennice | Ballston Spa (NY) • Albany Power
One thing is certain when Bennice plays lacrosse and that is he has the ability to take over any game. From his first game to the last, Bennice contributed every minute, whether he made a great individual play or found an open teammate, opposing defenses quickly learned that Bennice was a player to keep an eye on. Bennice has a huge upside that should make a big splash this year for Ballston Spa.
Honorable Mentions
- Jacob Coleman | Pleasantville (NY), LI Express North
- Nate Mazurek | Don Bosco Prep (NJ), NJ Riot
- Ben Dimento | Memphis University (TN), No Excuses
MIDFIELD
Ryan Mackenzie | Christian Brothers (NY) • Upstate Salt Kings
If any defender wants to stop Mackenzie, their only hope is that he passes the ball. Mackenzie has a cannon for a shot and can shoot accurately with both his right and his left hand on the run. His fearless approach to dodging is what stood out the most. He was not fazed by long-stick midfielders or defenders hedging to slide to him. It seems that his mental toughness is almost as good as his shot down the alley. If Mackenzie starts to see the field more when he dodges, Christian Brother’s Head Coach Ric Beardsley might not miss former Showcase alum and now Michigan Wolverine Alex Calkins as much.
Honorable Mentions
- John Crehan | Pingree (MA), 3d
- Tim Murray | Bronxville (NY), Predators
- Cole Erickson | Boys Latin (MD), Crabs
DEFENSE
Jack Devlin | Westminster School (CT) • 2Way
I’ve watched Devlin for what seems like years now and I’m still drawn to watch him play for many reasons. There always seems to be a black and gold helmet running around the field causing havoc, getting ground balls, and throwing hard checks intimidating players before they step on the field. Devlin is already a good 6’4 and should only add to his strong size. A great kid to boot who once he steps on the field becomes a terrorizing monster for attackman.
Honorable Mentions
- Tim Barrett | Manhasset (NY), FLG
- Joey Waldbaum | Kent Denver (CO), 3d
- Camerion Mann | Salesianum (DE), Mann Up
- Tommy Drago | West Essex (NJ), BBL
- Mark Witt | Phillips Academy (MA), New England Twisters
GOALIE
Andrew Kuhlman | Regents School (TX) • Iron Horse
Iron Horse breeds successful goalies in the Lone Star state. Kuhlman showcased his quick reflexes and solid outlet passes throughout the whole day. I love how quick he moves from pipe to pipe and his confident, risk-taking approach in the cage. He tends to play a high arch but makes up for it with his reflexes. If Kuhlman works on his balance and communication, he will be a star.
Honorable Mentions
- Alex Oximana | Bishop Blanchet (WA), CitySide
- Walker Wallace | St. Christopher’s (VA), Amped
YEAR OF THE X
Leading into the tenth year of Showcase, expect the noise to be turned up over the next year. Big things to come as Showcase enters it's first decade of existence.
