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Mike Chanenchuk‘s been at this for a while, so when the Long Island Express director drops an impressive nugget about a player, it jumps out.
Express has produced countless high-level alums that have gone on to thrive at the next level. To hear Chanenchuk say it, Ethan Bramoff could very well be the next great one.
“I’ve been coaching club lacrosse for almost 20 years,” Chanenchuk said. “He is one of the hardest-working, most tenacious players that I’ve ever coached. He has the potential to be up there with some of the best guys we’ve ever put in college. No defensive player can take over the game the way he can. He takes the ball away, picks up every ground ball, covers the opponent’s top scoring threat and often outscores them. Ethan’s the total package and he’s a pure winner.”
Sophomore Starter for the Friars
It’s rare to see a sophomore start at St. Anthony’s these days. The Friars are such a powerhouse that young players almost always have to bide their time until they’re upperclassmen to even show up on the varsity depth chart, let alone start. But Bramoff was out there in the season opener against powerhouse Culver (Ind.), alternating runs with ’25 five-star Parker McDonald (Team 91 LI / North Carolina) and scoring once and setting up another goal.
That’s after being utterly dominant at NLF at IMG, where he made a habit of sending sticks into orbit and showcasing his offensive flair. Name an event that he’s played in, and Bramoff has lit it up. He’s consistently excellent, a trait that often eludes sophomores, particularly those on the defensive end. Friars coach Keith Wieczorek sees immense potential in Bramoff, especially with his all-around game.
“Ethan’s a complete high-level player,” Wieczorek said. “He runs the field like a midfielder, is a relentless on-ball defender and has excellent stick skills. He’s a complete player at the LSM position and has a motor that doesn’t stop.”
Scouting Report
Bramoff sure checks off a lot of boxes for what you want out of an LSM. He has elite stick skills, the ability to consistently cause turnovers and the offensive mindset of a midfielder. It’s not rare to find him with the ball in his stick behind the opponent’s cage. Bramoff is also much better in coverage than the average LSM. Some of the best offensive players in the class have struggled to gain separation from him in 1v1 situations when he’s patient with his stick. Sometimes, he’ll go for the big play and it can cost him, but he makes a lot more plays than he gives up.
There have also been situations where Express has moved him to close defense to take out an opposing attackman. That’s no issue for him, and he understands angles and approaches down low as well as he does up top. His stick is so active that he’s constantly able to make guys uncomfortable when they’re dodging, leading to turnovers and poor shots. If there’s a ball on the ground, it’s his on the first try just about every time. He’s part of a terrific All-Friars rope unit for Express alongside faceoff midfielder Robbie Johnson and Jake Johnston. Together, they’re almost unstoppable, but Bramoff’s ability to not only get the ball, but turn it into instant offense, is special.
