2026 High School Boys' Preseason All-American Watch List

Before every high school season, USA Lacrosse Magazine’s writers check in with coaches from their respective regions to create the All-American Watch List.

Below, we've identified 25 players — five each from the Northeast, Mid-Atlantic, South, Midwest and West — who have player-of-the-year potential.

Note, this is not part of the official USA Lacrosse All-American program administered by area chairs with nominations from high school coaches.

NORTHEAST

Tedy Frisoli, Sr., A, St. Sebastian’s (Mass.)

The Duke-bound attack, ranked No. 5 in the Class of 2026 by Inside Lacrosse, has Michael Sowers-level explosiveness, “beat you now” quickness and will play the Chris Gray role in the St. Seb’s attack, according to first-year head coach and former Boston University associate head coach and offensive coordinator Mike Silipo, as a feeder who will also initiate off the carry and catch and score with both hands. The five-year starter could be the Independent School League all-time leading scorer when it’s said and done.

Lucas Garcia, Sr., A, Brunswick (Conn.)

The Virginia-bound attackman, one of Brunswick’s three captains this year, is uber-athletic, explosive, and quick. A year ago, the All-American had 49 goals and 22 assists as a junior and was, along with Loomis Chaffee’s (Conn.) Rowyn Nurry, the top two offensive talents in the New England West 1, according to Brunswick coach David Bruce. Garcia is ranked No. 2 in the Class of 2026 by IL.

James Gillis, Sr., M, Chaminade (N.Y.)

The Duke commit, ranked No. 1 in the Class of 2026 by Inside Lacrosse, has been a tremendous leader in the offseason, according to first-year head coach Greg Kay. The power lefty, who had 42 goals and 19 assists a year ago, can win any matchup, has incredible vision, and is an elite shooter. Gillis can also ride like the Kavanagh brothers, who wore the Flyers jersey before him.

Bennett Matthews, Sr., M, Bedford (N.H.)

Matthews enters the season five points shy of becoming Bedford’s all-time leading scorer. But it’s more than just the gaudy numbers (254 career points on 164 goals and 90 assists) that make the Duke commit, No. 3 in 2026 by IL, elite. The two-year captain sets the tone with his leadership and work ethic, from extra wall ball to the weight room, according to head coach Steve Gaudreau.

AJ Theodorakakos, Sr. D, Penfield (N.Y.)

What attributes make up a next-level defender? Size, strength, a mean streak, stick skills, and ability to score — Theodorakakos checks all those boxes. The West Point commit, ranked No. 4 in the Class of 2026 by Inside Lacrosse, also possesses tremendous leadership skills and dedication, a “generational talent,” according to Penfield head coach John Schembri, who has coached Theodorakakos in various capacities in both lacrosse and football since he was 8 years old.

— Dylan Butler

MID-ATLANTIC

Jace Banks, Sr., M, Hill School (Pa.)

Banks’ productive offseason will make him an even tougher matchup than normal. He’s added 20 pounds to his 6’2” frame and retained all his stickwork and ability to break down and run by defenders. He opens up the field for teammates, and he’s a gamer. His best performances come against the best competition. He’s committed to Notre Dame.

Brad Barber, Sr., A/M, Springfield-Delco (Pa.)

Barber was a part of last year’s 3A state championship team that Springfield coach Tom Lemieux called the best they’ve ever had. Barber, who was the second-leading scorer last year behind fellow Maryland commit Pat Flaherty, will have a lot on his shoulders this year after Flaherty and a big senior class graduated. He’s ready. He’s physical with good stick skills and a quick release on a variety of finishes.

Noah Han, Sr., A, Georgetown Prep (Md.)

Versatile enough to go to goal from anywhere, Han will give the Hoyas an explosive and dynamic dodger on attack this year. His first step gives him an advantage in any matchup, and his quickness is elite. The Princeton commit will garner plenty of attention from opposing defenses.

Hunter Metz, Sr., A, McDonogh (Md.)

Metz put up 40 goals and 31 assists last year as a junior for a talented Eagles team. He’ll step into a larger leadership role and face increased attention from defenses. He understands how to impact the game and plays with great pace. A gym rat who’s always working at his game, he brings a high lacrosse IQ to McDonogh. He’ll continue his career at Notre Dame.

Jett Stake, Jr., G, Lawrenceville (N.J.)

Opposing teams have repeatedly left games praising the play of Stake, who’s still just a junior. He’s quick and athletic, perfect for the Big Red’s 10-man ride. He’s incredibly active in the cage and you can count on a couple incredible saves every game. He’s strong with the ball too and has been the ideal backstop in a loaded Lawrenceville D. He’s committed to North Carolina.

— Justin Feil

SOUTH

James Finch, Sr., A, St. Thomas Aquinas (Fla.)

Entering 2026, Finch is the Raiders’ all-time leader in goals, assists, and points. The Ohio State commit posted 76 goals and 76 assists last season while causing 22 turnovers and helping secure a state title.

Jake Ivancevic, Jr., LSM, Benjamin (Fla.)

Ivancevic played a key role in Benjamin’s state title run, anchoring the defensive unit. The long-stick midfielder reclassified to the 2027 class and has also impressed with a short stick while competing with the U.S. U16 squad.

Jack Kelleher, Jr., M, Benjamin (Fla.)

Kelleher was instrumental in Benjamin’s 2025 championship run, scoring 68 goals with 55 assists as a sophomore after a 75-goal freshman season. The 5-foot-11 junior is committed to Yale.

Cole Stankavage, Jr., M, Ardrey Kell (N.C.)

Stankavage is regarded as one of the top attackers in the 2027 class after committing to North Carolina. Despite missing the first month of the season, he still produced 45 goals and 27 assists in 2025, following a freshman campaign of 76 goals and 44 assists.

Nick Testa, Sr., A, St. Andrew’s (Fla.)

The Johns Hopkins signee represented Puerto Rico at the Men’s U20 World Lacrosse Championship in South Korea. That experience followed a 2025 season in which he recorded 43 goals and 120 assists. After winning a state title as a freshman, Testa looks to lead the Scots back to the top.

— Justin Boggs

MIDWEST

Kellen Bladon, Jr., A, Western Reserve (Ohio)

The Penn State commit is regarded as one of the top recruits in his class. It’s easy to see why as Bladon is a lethal lefty scorer for the Pioneers.

Bodhi Harmon, Jr., G, Culver Academy (Ind.)

Harmon was another leading star from last year’s MSLA Tournament title run, including 15 saves in the championship game against WRA. Expect the Duke commit to be as stingy as ever in net.

Draden Torline, Sr., G, Rockhurst Jesuit (Mo.)

For all the Hawklets’ offensive prowess, the Harford Community College commit has been equally key to their success, saving 64 percent of the shots he’s faced en route to a 49-4 career mark. Last year, his save percentage rose to a program- and Lacrosse Association of Kansas City-record 66.7.

Ben Waechter, Jr., D/LSM, Brother Rice (Mich.)

Waechter is one of the best defenders in the area, and, yes, he can score, too. The Duke commit proved that in last year’s state title game with the game-winning goal in overtime against Detroit Catholic Central.

Riley Woods, Jr., A, Culver Academy (Ind.)

One of the top recruits in the Class of 2027, Woods is ready to star for the Eagles in 2026. The Princeton commit certainly showed what he could do as a sophomore, including a hat trick in the Midwest Scholastic Lacrosse Association Tournament title game against Western Reserve Academy.

— Jonah Rosenblum

WEST

JT Cross, Jr., A/M, Valor Christian (Colo.)

The most advanced offensive player in the region. Cross isn’t just a top recruit, he’s the focal point of a contender and someone defenses have to game-plan around. He can score, facilitate, and control tempo with his size and vision. Notre Dame getting him makes sense, he already plays like a college offense runs through him.

Benji Davoll, Sr., M, Cherry Creek (Colo.)

A steady, do-everything midfielder who gives Cherry Creek balance. Davoll plays fast, defends, and contributes offensively without forcing the game. He fits into winning structures, which is why Colgate made him a priority.

Will Howard, Sr., D, Cherry Creek (Colo.)

A true shutdown defender on a top-tier team. Howard’s impact comes from taking away an opponent’s best option and letting Cherry Creek control matchups. He doesn’t chase stats, but the film is clear. Quinnipiac is getting a defender who understands his role and executes it at a high level.

Joe Ligas, Sr., D, Whitney (Calif.)

A physical, disciplined defender who does his job and wins his matchups. Ligas is consistent and tough, and you know what you’re getting every shift. His commitment to Notre Dame says a lot about how college staffs value defenders they can trust.

Rush LaSelle, Sr., M, Valor Christian (Colo.)

Often overshadowed by flashier names, but his value shows up in tight games. LaSelle finishes possessions, punishes short sticks, and gives the offense a reliable outlet when things stall. That kind of player translates, and Cornell knows exactly what it’s getting here.

— Sonorah Hunter