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There’s always a ton of talent on the West Coast Starz.
It’s the ultimate collection of Western talent coming together to compete against the best competition in the country. That said, the geographic diversity and distance in between where players are from doesn’t always lend itself to having the most chemistry due to a lack of practice.
There’s something different with the Starz’ 2027 team, though. The team has all the familiar talent makings of a great Starz team that trusts the process that director Jono Zissi and his coaches have instilled. But there’s also a certain X-factor with this team that explains why they’ll be a contender in every event this summer.
“I just think it’s the camaraderie that we have,” attackman/midfielder Tripp King said. “For most of us, we’ve been playing together since fifth or sixth grad and stayed together. We go to the best tournaments and we play the best teams, and every single game is a battle. We don’t go into any game thinking that it’s going to be a light one.”
Versatile Gamebreaker
King might be the best of the bunch, too. He’s played a ton of midfield for the Starz, but he thrived as an X attackman for Loyola (Calif.) this spring as an X attackman. He helped the Cubs to a 21-3 record on the strength of a whopping 73 goals and 42 assists. It’s not just the offensive numbers that helped him set himself apart, though. King also snagged 65 ground balls and caused 16 turnovers, a nod to the overall strength of his game.
King doesn’t have a preference as to where he plays. He just wants to be on the field, and his game’s diversity will undoubtedly make him a hot commodity this fall.
“I don’t think I have a preference. I like playing both sides of the field and I like playing defense as well. You just have to keep your mind open as to where to play,” King said.
Zissi sees King as a future college gamebreaker no matter where he ends up playing.
“Tripp’s a true quarterback type as an X attackman. He’s two-handed and was Loyola’s best player this spring, and you can argue that they were the best program in the West,” Zissi said. “Tripp can play attack, he can play midfield. He’s going to go wherever he wants to go.”
Just keep trusting the process. It works well for the Starz.
West Coast Starz Top Uncommitted 2026s
Dylan Krannich, defense, Judge Memorial Catholic (Utah)
Arguably the best player in Utah, Krannich is receiving Division I interest and has top grades to go with it. At about 6-1, 200 pounds, he has a great frame, and he’s got the physicality and mean streak to boot.
Chase Hellie, LSM/defense, Loyola (Calif.)
Part of a stingy Loyola defense that led the Cubs to a 21-3 record, Hellie combines great athleticism with plenty of aggressiveness. He’ll pursue guys out to the parking lot and camp out on opponents’ hands.
Kodi Haan, attack, St. Ignatius Prep (Calif.)
A lefty attackman, Haan doesn’t have prototypical size but is an excellent finisher with a hard shot. He is seemingly always open and can rack up the goals in a hurry. He also has outstanding grades.
Aarush Navin-Chandler, midfield, St. Francis (Calif.)
A big, physical midfielder that’s a threat to score with either hand, Navin-Chandler is another uncommitted ’26 receiving Division I interest. He also has outstanding grades.
West Coast Starz Top 2027s
Tate Starr, midfield, Lawrenceville (N.J.)
Starr got some burn early as a D-middie for the Big Red before missing time with an injury. He was expected to play a big role for Lawrenceville. One of the premier midfield shooters in the class, he also helps elevate his teammates’ play with his contagious energy. He’s an excellent scorer who shined bright the last time he suited up for the Starz in the fall.
Harry Jacobsen, midfield, Torrey Pines (Calif.)
An aggressive two-handed slashing midfield dodger, Jacobsen offsets his lack of size with a rocket of a shot. The younger brother of Dartmouth ’26 Ross Jacobsen, he’s another high academic type.
Teddy Oh, goalie, Taft (Conn.)
Oh’s been a major presence on the ’27 circuit for years and cemented himself as one of the best goalies in the class after starting as a sophomore for the Rhinos. Armed with a great frame and plus athleticism for the position, he’s another one with exceptional grades.
Harrison Penn ’27, defense, Roswell (Ga.)
If you let Penn get his hands on you, the ball will end up on the ground. Simple as that. He is a takeaway machine that throws hard checks and has the requisite surly disposition for a defenseman. An All-State pick in Georgia as a sophomore and the winter One Percent Defensive MVP, Penn profiles well as a strong No. 2 defenseman in college.
West Coast Starz Top 2028s
Sawyer Bligh, midfield, Brunswick (Conn.)
Bligh showed off a whole new side to his game this spring when he earned playing time for the Bruins as a SSDM. He’s usually a lights-out X attackman for the Starz, and the team is completely different when he’s in the lineup. Bligh has excellent vision and makes good decisions with the ball in his stick. His added versatility is a huge bonus for his recruiting stock at this time next year.
OJ Ika, attack, Loomis Chaffee (Conn.)
The Utah native made waves this spring as a contributor to top-5 Loomis Chaffee. He’s a versatile lefty attack/middie with plenty of toughness and a box-esque skill set.
Ben Smith, attack, Garden City (N.Y.)
Smith, who splits his time between the Starz and Long Island Express, has had a big season for Garden City. He’s set the Trojans freshman scoring record with 60 points and counting as GC chases a state title. Smith is a dynamic shooter from the wing, but, as his 21 assists attest to, he can find the open guy, too.
