LI Lacrosse Journal
September 13, 2025
2 min read
Five Class of 2027 Defensemen to Spotlight
September 13, 2025
2 min read
For the college coaches looking for playmakers on their defensive end: The Class of 2027 has you covered. There was a surplus of talented defensemen on the summer circuit this year, with a few players in particular who really raised the bar to another level. Let’s bring some of those names to light, shall we?
Andrew Dengler – Garden City HS/Shore 2 Shore
Dengler showcased his pure athleticism on the field this summer, displaying his great foot work and recover ability when he was covering the ball. Wherever there was a loose ball pile, the Garden City native was in the mix of it – and usually came away with it, too. Dengler brings a scrappiness to his game that is imposing on other teams, and a major value to his own. He is an enticing recruit in the 2027 class.Patrick Forthofer – Wantagh HS/Express
Forthofer is a stick of dynamite down low on defense. The rising junior made numerous attackmen pay the price on the crease this summer with his physical slides. His comfort carrying the ball in the open field is evident in his awareness and decision making, often finding outlet passes leading to transition opportunities. Forthofer has all the intangibles to be an excellent college player.Angelo Lanteri – West Islip HS/Legacy
Lanteri stood out on the recruiting trail for his cover skills one-on-one. The rising junior has quick reflexes on defense with a knack for forcing turnovers consistently. He’s got a hunter’s mentality on the field, making him an intimidating player to be stuck on an island with as an attacker. Lanteri’s malice will be quite an attraction to college coaches.Luke LaRocca – Sachem North HS/91 Machine
There weren’t many defensemen in this summer cycle with better stick skill than LaRocca. The Sachem North product uses it to his strength in the middle of the field, pushing fast breaks with the swagger of an offensive player. LaRocca possesses great IQ and it’s visible on the defensive side of the ball as he’s instinctive on slides and ground balls. There’s a lot to like about LaRocca’s game.Logan McCaffrey – Comsewogue HS/91 Machine
McCaffrey’s war chest of savvy stick checks were on full display this summer with Team 91 Machine. The defensemen preys on opposing ball carriers when he’s on the field with the talent to take the ball away at will. McCaffrey’s added ground ball ability makes him a versatile player who can impact a game from the wing and between the restraining lines. Already ranked as a four-star recruit in his class, the Comsewogue product is only enhancing his stock.
Recent Posts
Weekly Crossbar 2026 High School Season Episode 3
Apr 4, 2026
Anchoring the Huskies: Abby Beran’s Breakout Junior Season Leading UConn’s Defense
Mar 26, 2026
Weekly Crossbar 2026 High School Season Episode 2
Mar 24, 2026
Weekly Crossbar 2026 High School Season Episode 1
Mar 17, 2026
No. 1 Ranked St. Anthony's Friars Team Preview
Mar 13, 2026