I always have enjoyed covering the National High School Lacrosse showcase. The event is unique in that their are no club teams. It is strictly just high school teams. The players have been playing for their clubs and in individual showcases the past month, so seeing them play for their schools, in July is fun. Plus the dream matchup between several of the schools is very entertaining.

The NHSLS is now in its fifth year and was put together by coaching legend Bobby Shriver and McDonogh head coach Andy Hilgartner. Now recently retied Rick Brocato from St. Paul’s school is now helping out with the event.

The event is broken up into two sessions. The first session is from July 7–9. And the second session is from the 9th-11th of July.

For the first sessions had a total of 46 schools. The states that were represented were, Texas, Ohio, Florida, Georgia, New York, Massachusetts, Washington, Virginia, Indiana, Michigan, Connecticut, New Jersey, Illinois, Pennsylvania, and the District of Columbia. Teams from the MIAA-A conference, IAC, WCAC, and a public school team represented Maryland.

“NHSLS is by far the best HS Showcase Tourney we play in,” said Paul VI coach Robert Waters. “Love getting opportunity to play some of the top teams from across the country each year:). Great test for our guys and a good barometer for where we are (and work required to get to where we ant to be) heading into the off-season.”

Some of the notable victories from Saturday were, Victor (NY) beat Boys’ Latin (MD), 6–5.

St. Paul’s (MD) picked up a 7–6 victory in overtime over Ridgewood (NJ). The Crusaders looked solid under new head coach and alum, Trey Whitty.

McDonogh (MD) gutted out a 6–5 win over Georgetown Prep (DC).

The session 1 semifinals are set for Sunday as, Victor will face McDonogh. And in the other semifinal, the 2017 MIAA and IAC champions will face-off as Calvert Hall battles Landon.

Here are the TOP 10 players who impressed on Saturday: (No Particular Order)

Chase Overton, Bellevue HS (WA), 2018, Defense, Overton is a tall kid that is very athletic and can move the ball up field on clears. He doesn’t panic when he clears. Loved his checks and footwork when playing D.

Thomas Rousseau, Westlake (TX), 2018, LSM, Another athletic kid who loves having the ball in his stick. Terrific check that caused a turnover in the Chaps game against Moeller (OH).

Bridges Neville, Bishop O’Connell (VA), 2019, Attack, Bridges is a nifty attackman who moves his feet well and ridges to the cage pretty well. Always moving the ball and help create a shooting lane. Good Lax I.Q.

Klay Stuver, Fairport (NY), 2020, Midfield, Stuver had a beautiful shot on cage for a goal against Paul VI (VA). Another good athlete with tons of speed and good Lax I.Q.

Thomas Graham, Georgetown Prep (MD), 2018, Midfield, Graham had the opening goal against McDonogh. Has good height and muscular frame. A really good lacrosse player. Easily a top level Division 1 athlete.

Elliot Nelson, Highland Park (TX), 2018, Attack, Nelson shows confidence and great foot speed. Made a couple decent shots on goal. Fun to watch play the game.

Seamus Fagan, Lincoln Sudbury (MA), 2018, Goalie, One of the best goalies seen all day. Fagan made some tough saves against Highland Park. And he hits his outlet passes to defenders on the clear really well. Not rattled after giving up a goal. Really enjoyed watching this kid play between the pipes.

Jack Stuzin, Gilman (MD), 2020, Defense, Have heard great things about this kid. He is as good as advertised. Loved how vocal he is on the field, especially as a rising sophomore playing with his HS. Stuzin picks the ball up off the turf really well.

Malachy McAvoy, Ward Melville (NY), 2018, Attack, McAvoy had a great goal against the Patriots game against Bellevue. Loved his dodges and he worked well with his fellow attackmen. He looks like he does a lot of wall ball.

Josh Cho, Paul VI (VA) 2020, Midfield, Cho does the little things right. Hustles uo and down the field. Draws the pick well. Is solid on transition. The lax I.Q. is good.