2024 High School Boys' Lacrosse Preseason All-American Watch List

Before every high school season, USA Lacrosse Magazine’s writers check in with coaches from their respective regions to help identify five boys and five girls each from the Northeast, Mid-Atlantic, South, Midwest and West who have player-of-the-year potential.

This year, we’ve rebranded this content as the All-American Watch List — not to be confused with the formal USA Lacrosse All-American program administered by area chairs with nominations from high school coaches.

Here are 25 high school boys' lacrosse players to keep an eye on this spring.

NORTHEAST

Hudson Hausmann, Sr., M, Brunswick (Conn.)

Hausmann is a future Virginia middie after de-committing from Brown. After missing all but five games last year due to a stress fracture in his back, Hausmann will anchor a new-look midfield for Brunswick.

Matt Jeffery, Sr., M, Cheshire (Conn.)

Any list of players to watch for the 2024 season has to start with Jeffery, the top-ranked player in the Class of 2024 by Inside Lacrosse. The Notre Dame-bound star had 55 goals and 42 assists last year in helping lead Cheshire to the CIAC Class M championship.

Liam Kershis, Sr., A, Shoreham-Wading River (N.Y.)

Kershis is also bound for the ACC, set to join Duke in the fall. Kershis (pictured above) is the alpha at Shoreham-Wading River (N.Y.), where he had 59 goals and 38 assists last year and guided the Wildcats to the Suffolk Class C title. He’ll be the top public school player on Long Island.

Gary Merrill, Jr., M, St. Anthony’s (N.Y.)

Merrill hasn’t played a varsity lacrosse game, but he’s already committed to North Carolina. The junior’s tremendous athleticism was on full display this fall as the St. Anthony’s quarterback. Merrill, ranked No. 2 in the Class of 2025 by Inside Lacrosse, will get to showcase that for one of the top high school lacrosse programs in the country.

Brady Pokorny, Sr., A, Darien (Conn.)

Pokorny will be teammates with Jeffery next year in South Bend, but first comes a senior season at Darien after a junior season that saw him score 48 goals and 40 assists. Need a big play? Go to Pokorny, who scored the last-second winner against Brunswick (Conn.) last year.

— Dylan Butler 

MID-ATLANTIC

Ryan Duenkel, Sr., A, St. John’s (D.C.)

Duenkel has been a star for the Cadets since leading them in scoring and putting up 38 assists as a freshman, then following up with an 80-point sophomore year. Now a senior committed to Virginia, he is one of the most reliable attackers in the country. A complete player with the ability to change direction and dodge with the best of them, he has a high IQ and is dynamic playmaker.

Peter Laake, Sr., D, Loyola Blakefield (Md.)

A physical defender with next-level footwork, Laake has been a notable presence since his freshman year. A scary on-field injury that year is well behind him, and Laake has continued to develop as a formidable on-ball defender who will play for Maryland next year. The 2021 U16 USA Select and 2022 U18 USA Select member understands the game and his role better than most.

Ben McCarthy, Sr., FO, Haverford (Pa.)

McCarthy has blossomed into a top faceoff man in the country. He’s been taking draws for the Fords since his sophomore year and has evolved into a standout who uses multiple moves and counters to win more than 70 percent of his attempts. The Duke commit has the ability to trigger the offense and can defend more than capably when he does lose.

Brendan Millon, Jr., A, McDonogh (Md.)

Considered the No. 1 player in the Class of 2025, Millon comes off a sophomore campaign during which he had 47 goals and 33 assists. He’s been a major reason that McDonogh has back-to-back MIAA championships. His impact was felt freshman year when he returned from injury for a title run. His ability to both score and make plays in a plethora of ways sets the Virginia commit apart.

Graham Stevens, Sr., G, Pingry School (N.J.)

Stevens has performed well under pressure with some of his biggest numbers coming in the toughest games, like a 20-save game in a one-goal loss last year. He has length and quickness at 6-foot-2 and moves extremely well. He also clears the ball as well as any goalie in the country. Stevens is slated to continue his career at Harvard.

— Justin Feil

SOUTH

Sean Browne, Sr., M, Episcopal School of Dallas (Texas)

Say what you will about Browne, but it’s hard to miss him on the field. The 6-5 attacking midfielder had a 56-goal, 40-assist campaign a year ago.

Caden Harshbarger, Sr., M, Lake Mary (Fla.)

The senior committed to North Carolina is coming off being the region’s player of the year, and there is no reason to think he’ll take a step back. He is one of the top-rated players in the Class of 2024, coming off a year in which he scored 42 goals and 19 assists, but it was his defensive effort that set him apart.

Daylin John-Hill, Sr., A, Bolles (Fla.)

As a junior, John-Hill came ever so close to winning a state championship, having that dream dashed by St. Andrew’s (Fla.). The Jacksonville recruit had 155 points in 2023, making him one of the most prolific scorers in the region.

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

Having one of the most legendary coaches in the country, it is hard not to envision Testa continuing his explosive development. As a freshman, he had a team-leading 75 assists. Despite his ability to distribute, he is also an incredible scorer, as he picked up hat tricks in four of St. Andrew’s first five games of 2024. Given that he remains uncommitted, it’s safe to say he’s a clear target for many top programs.

Brevin Wilson, Sr., A, Cannon School (N.C.)

The talented scorer will remain in state next year, playing for North Carolina. While standing only 5-7, he uses his low center of gravity to elude defenders, scoring numerous highlight-reel goals.

— Justin Boggs 

MIDWEST

Khalif Hocker, Jr., A, St. Xavier (Ohio)

Hocker has emerged as one of the top players in the nation and is committed to Ohio State. Little wonder after Hocker compiled a whopping 122 points (80 goals, 42 assists) as he led the Bombers to the state title game last year. He is a member of the 2023 USA U16 Select team.

Drew Lockwood, Sr., M, Hartland (Mich.)

As a junior, Lockwood ensured the Eagles remained on an elite level despite the graduation of his older brother, Bo. With his 85 goals, 75 ground balls and 40 assists, the Northwood University commit helped Hartland get back to the state tournament and should keep the Eagles in Mitten State title contention this season.

Luke McNamara, Sr., A, Rockhurst Jesuit (Mo.)

McNamara produced at a remarkably high level as a junior, recording 103 goals and shot 69.6 percent. McNamara also proved highly adept at scooping up ground balls (42) and facilitating (20 assists). At one point, the Utah commit tallied five-plus goals in nine straight games for the state champion Hawklets.

Nik Menendez, Sr., D, Culver (Ind.)

A Duke commit, Menendez has long been regarded as one of the nation's top prospects. One example of the Menendez effect? He had nine ground balls and eight caused turnovers over just three spring break games last year. Another example? Culver allowed just 119 goals in 20 games last year while playing an absolutely grueling schedule.

Tade Wynn, Sr., G, Culver (Ind.)

An Army commit, Wynn shined when in net as the talented Eagles split between Colin Vickrey, now at Princeton, and Wynn. Among his 2023 highlights, Wynn had 13 saves and allowed just six goals in a win over Western Reserve Academy (Ohio), one of the nation's top teams.

— Jonah Rosenblum

WEST

Joey Bambrick, Sr., M, Bellarmine Prep (Wash.)

Bambrick is a load to handle. Between his imposing 6-2, 215-pound frame and his ability to go either way, the Notre Dame commit is tough to stop. Bambrick creates turnovers on the defensive end and scoring opportunities on offense. Also two-time MVP of the Bellarmine football team, his athleticism is a plus for the Lions.

Andrew Cook, Sr., G, Torrey Pines (Calif.)

The backstop for the five-time defending San Diego Open champions, Cook has been consistent for a stingy defense, maintaining his composure in the toughest spots. He’s fast to react, and excels at catching shots and not allowing rebounds. Cook gets transition started for the Mustangs with his sharp clears. He will continue his career at Johns Hopkins.

Ian Dykes, Sr., A/M, Sacred Heart Prep (Calif.)

A big, strong two-handed midfielder, Dykes is part of an impressive 1-2 punch along with Blake Hetherington. Dykes has range with his shot, and he’s tough and can finish with either hand in close. A righty, he showed his versatility last year by moving to the left side on attack and producing 80 goals and 31 assists. The Duke commit is a menace on the defensive end with a strong on-ball presence.

Blake Hetherington, Sr., M, Sacred Heart Prep (Calif.)

The other half of Sacred Heart Prep’s dynamic duo, Hetherington can score on the run or when given space to set his feet. He is quick to move by defensemen to create an advantage and is an accurate finisher. He will take those skills along with strong leadership traits as a multi-year captain to Harvard next year.

Austin Hicks, Sr., A, St. Margaret’s Episcopal School (Calif.)

Another Duke commit, Hicks is back to lead the Tartans offense after supplying a team-high 84 points last year. He imposes himself physically and can score any number of ways. Hicks makes his own scoring chances, and when he gets free, he has a rocket of a shot. Opponents have been forced to help on him, which opens avenues for others.

— Justin Feil