Jake Reeds Nike Blue Chip Rising Juniors: Monday Recap

252 rising juniors took the field last night and again today at Jake Reeds Nike Blue Chip Lacrosse Camp held at UMBC.

There were a plethora of coaches on hand to take in the action today. Over 80 coaches including 60 representing Division I institutions were in attendance.

It was a hot, humid day in Baltimore, and players battled the heat as much as each other. However, after an evening shower playing conditions were much more favorable for the night session under the lights.

We will post our Featured Five after tomorrow morning’s rising junior portion concludes, but here a few players that stood out during the three sessions today.

Matt Kane LSM Deerfield Academy (MA)

Kane impressed both last night and this morning with his outstanding stick and high lacrosse IQ. He was a ground ball machine in the middle of the field, sparking transition numerous times. He scored two goals in a game last night, and was again involved offensively this morning, showing excellent handle and awareness in the box.

Matthew Donovan M Ridgewood (NJ)

A standout athlete with excellent speed, Donovan is a great two-way middie that impressed on both ends of the field. Offensively, he showed the ability to get a step when dodging down the alley. Defensively, he was excellent at the point of contact near the top of the box, engaging the dodger and driving him down the sides.

Andrew Pettit A Tower Hill (DE)

Pettit has outstanding hands and consistently impressed when we watched him play. He catches anything thrown his way, and displayed crafty handle inside to beat goaltenders. While his ability to score was notable, we also liked his motor, hustling after 50/50 ground balls and saving possessions near the sidelines.

Jack Tigh M Chaminade (NY)

A fluid athlete with excellent speed, Tigh showed why he was able to contribute at Chaminade as only a sophomore. He was constantly involved in the action, and showed an extremely high lacrosse IQ.

Brandon Stern M Cherry Hill (NJ)

Stern is very quick and has excellent speed through the midfield. He is a fluid player who showed good ability to shoot on the run with power, utilizing the lower half of his body to generate power. In addition to shooting with power, he was also accurate, placing the ball in corner areas of the cage.

W. Truett Davis A Regis Jesuit (CO)

Davis had at least two goals in the morning session that we saw, showing good poise inside. However, what impressed the most was his off-ball play. He was constantly moving to open areas on the crease, and followed slides very well, making it very difficult for defenders to cover him.

Joshua Kirson G The Rivers School (MA)

Kirson had a solid day in the cage. He tracked the ball very well and made some impressive saves. He was also precise on his outlets passes, and was adept at getting the ball right to the defender where the shot came from, which sparked a few transition opportunities.

Note: Be sure to check back for our Featured Five and others who impressed tomorrow after the rising junior sessions conclude.

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