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Players Open Girls Recap + Standouts Heading to Juniors Open
This past weekend the second annual Players Open Girls Showcase was held at Iron Peak Sports in Hillsborough New Jersey, featuring up to 88 of the games’ premier players from across the country in each of the classes from 2027-2031. As part of the Open Series, Players Open brings together top amateur lacrosse players to learn, develop and be coached by some of the best college coaches and professional players in the world, with full coverage by the Long Island Lacrosse Journal. On display was the unique combination of instructional experience and elite competition with an outlet for both college coaches and pro players to lead through direct coaching. With Juniors Open 2025 on the horizon, this was also an opportunity for rising juniors and sophomores in the class of 2027 and 2028 to be evaluated for remaining spots next summer. Check out the standouts from Saturday in these two classes who are taking their talents to Juniors Open next June, as well as the curriculum throughout the day and amazing staff that was on hand over the weekend!
Presenting the LILJ Class of 2027 Boys Watch-List
The Class of 2027 is next in line to be on the eyes of college coaches as they are now in their sophomore year. Some of these sophomores already have varsity experience under their belts at their respective high schools, while many will be aiming to earn a spot on varsity in the spring or will be playing JV at the highest level. The 2025 spring season looks to have plenty in store this class! Check out the first Class of 2027 Boys Watch-List down below.
LILJ High School Tune-up Recap Powered By Supreme Lacrosse Academy
On Monday the Supreme Lacrosse Academy hosted its third high school tuneup session for girls laxers coming from across the island which saw nearly 80 in attendance. Tailored for players in graduating classes of 2030-2026, this training series led by St. Anthony’s Girls Assistant Coaches Corey Winkoff and Christian Michaels is designed to help them prepare to play at the varsity level in the spring by being in a competitive atmosphere learning team oriented, up-tempo drills and sets. In addition to the varsity preparation and the opportunity to continue to better their skills, players are also seen by the Long Island Lacrosse Journal as well. Below is a recap of the different stations and drills that were the focal point of this session, as well as the attendees and the MVP’s of the day!
Presenting the LILJ Class of 2028 Girls Watch-List
The Class of 2028 has just begun high school, starting the next chapter of their lacrosse careers. Now as freshmen this class looks to elevate their game another notch on the club circuit as they play at the high school level. Some have already have a year of Varsity experience under their belt while most are preparing for what will be their first season on JV or Varsity coming up in the spring playing for their respective school teams. The LILJ looks forward to continuing to cover the 2028 class throughout their high school journey across leagues, tournaments, and showcases. Below is the first Class of 2028 Girls Watch-List.
Presenting the LILJ Class of 2028 Boys Watch-List
The Class of 2028 has just begun high school, starting the next chapter of their lacrosse careers. Now as freshmen this class looks to raise their game another notch on the club circuit as they play at the high school level and prepare for what will be their first season on JV or potentially Varsity coming up in the spring playing for their respective school teams. The LILJ is excited to continue covering the 2028 class over the course of the next four years across leagues, tournaments, and showcases. Below is the first Class of 2028 Boys Watch-List.
LILJ High School Tune-up Recap Powered by Supreme Lacrosse Academy
The Supreme Lacrosse Academy put together another stellar training experience for girls laxers from around the island. This training series is geared towards preparing 2030 to 2026 players for the varsity level by taking part in an up-tempo, team-oriented, and competitive practice environment. In the midst of getting better, this series is a great opportunity for these players to get exposure from the Long Island Lacrosse Journal too. Below is a recap of Sunday’s High School tune-up and a list of players who came out to get better!
Presenting the LILJ Class of 2029 Girls Watch-List
With the Class of 2029 beginning the eighth grade, they’re getting set for their final year of middle school lacrosse before opening up a new chapter of their young lacrosse careers playing at the high school level for their respective schools and club teams. As the growth of coverage in this class continues across leagues and events, the LILJ presents the first Class of 2029 Girls Watch-List.
Reliving South Side’s 2024 State Championship Season with Head Coach Steve DiPietro
The 2024 high school season was one for the ages for the South Side Cyclones, going 21-1 and winning their first state championship in 20 years with some improbable comeback wins in the playoffs that makes their run so memorable. After knocking on the door the past few years of coming out of Nassau County, the 2024 team which had 27 seniors on it came together and created a historic season which included them winning their final 15 games of season to go the distance. At the helm for the Cyclones is Head Coach Steve DiPietro who was an assistant coach the last time the Cyclones were state champions back in 2004, and won his first state championship as head coach.
Presenting the LILJ Class of 2029 Boys Watch-List
