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The next wave of high school talent was on full display at the nation’s premier winter showcase, NLF at IMG. We got a peek at what is to come from the young bucks in the 2025 and 2026 classes and they didn’t disappoint. A weekend filled with college-level instruction, high-level tournament play, and an ultra-competitive culture – these future stars were able to dial in their skills to prepare them for an upcoming spring campaign.
MVP
William Hayes, LSM, New Canaan (Conn.) / Eclipse
Hayes was a force all over the field for champion Team 3, collecting MVP honors in the process. The pole from one of the top Connecticut public schools was constantly physical in coverage and showed terrific footwork and positioning. Pair that with a good frame for the position and a good stick, he was dominant throughout and locked down opposing midfielders, particularly in the final. Hayes also stood out on faceoff wings.
Other Standouts
Patrick Hiebert, defense, Brunswick (Conn.) / Team 91 LI
Hiebert started building his case to be the best defenseman in the ‘25 class. Hiebert’s combination of sheer size and aggressiveness makes him known among his attackmen counterparts. The ones that are unfortunate enough to be matched up against Hiebert don’t seem to enjoy having the ball in their sticks for long. Hiebert’s senior-like confidence in his play will be sure to earn him some quality time this spring.
Connor Kuttin, attack, Chaminade (N.Y.) / LI Express & Mike Ortlieb, attack, Malvern Prep (Pa.) / Big 4 HHH
Kuttin and Ortlieb served as the backbone of a loaded Team 3 offensive group that dominated all weekend. The duo was able to exploit ball-watching defensemen with laser-like feeds and draw slides on command to generate offense. It was this tandem that put up video game numbers in the championship to take home the crown – Ortlieb with four goals and three assists to go with Kuttin’s two goals and three assists. Kuttin is a cerebral QB type who feeds as well or better than he shoots. Ortlieb is a lights-out finisher. Neither might see the field right away as freshmen because they play for two of the best teams in the country, but make no mistake about it, they’re future superstars.
Christian Peterman, faceoff midfield, La Salle (Pa.) / Big 4 HHH
Easily the most dominant ‘25 face-off athlete at the event, Peterman was able to consistently beat his opponents to the clamp and secure the ball. Throughout tournament play, Peterman showed his versatile exiting ability that allowed him to find space and gain his Team 5 squad another possession. Uncharacteristic of many face-off specialists, Peterman also demonstrated great ball-handling skills that resulted in little to no turnovers.
Oliver Skeean, LSM, Walton (Ga.) / Thunder
Skeean is a perfect example of which direction the LSM position is going – excellent on-ball defense on down-hill dodging middies, wicked good stick skills, and a knack for running transition and scoring goals. The lefty pole seemingly scooped up any loose ball within his reach and got the ball going the other way. The Georgia native is sure to be one of the premier players in the state in the coming years.
Ethan Train, goalie, Noble & Greenough (Mass.) / Laxachusetts
Part of a loaded ‘25 goalie group, Train emerged as one of the most solid tenders at the event. Train, who helped backstop Laxachusetts to an NLF Summer Kickoff title in June, set himself apart from the rest with ball-tracking ability for short-range shots, demanding style of communication, and crisp outlet passes that led to transition offense. These abilities, plus a desire to learn and improve, have helped him establish himself as one of the premier ’25 goalies.
Honorable Mention
John Stenberg, midfield, St. Sebastian’s (Mass.) / Laxachusetts
Teddy McKeigue, defense, St. Sebastian’s (Mass.) Laxachusetts
Eric MacMillan, SSDM, Malvern Prep (Pa.) / Big 4 HHH
Preston Evans, attack, Belmont Hill (Mass.) / Laxachusetts
Anthony Raio, midfield, Half Hollow Hills West (N.Y.) / Team 91 LI Shock
Brady Goetz, midfield, Pittsford (N.Y.) / SweetLax Upstate
Dylan Baumgarth, faceoff midfield, Northport (N.Y.) / Team 91 LI Shock
Frank Argilagos, defense, Rumson-Fair Haven (N.J.) / Leading Edge
Miguel Iglesias, midfield, Somers (Conn.) / Prime Time
2026 Standouts
Ryan Inzer, Goalie, DC Express – MVP
Nicholas Pagnotta, Goalie, SweetLax Florida
Brody Richert, Midfield, Express
Shovan Erikkson, Attack, Stealth
Cade Sturdivant, Midfield, Crabs
Brendan Peno, LSM, Laxachusetts
Drew Maloney, Midfield, Thunder
Tyler Curry, attack, Laxachusetts
Declan Helig, Midfield, Big 4 HHH
Kieran Walsh, Goalie, Express
Ethan Bramoff, LSM, Express
Jason Lane, Defense, MadLax
Joseph Whitehouse, Midfield, Leading Edge
Braiden Delacy, Attack, Tigers XXVI
Joseph Kim, FO, Crabs
Christopher Doshna, Midfield, Sweetlax
Andrew Vercher, LSM, Team 91 Georgia
Noah Han, Attack, MadLax
