Who are the top-ranked high school lacrosse players for the class of 2023. What skills and attributes make these athletes stand out on the field. How do college recruiters evaluate top lacrosse prospects.
McCabe Millon: The #1 Ranked Attackman in the 2023 Class
McCabe Millon has established himself as the top-ranked attackman and overall player in the 2023 high school lacrosse class. The 5’10”, 167-pound attacker from McDonogh School in Maryland has committed to play at the University of Virginia. Millon comes from an impressive lacrosse pedigree as the son of two Hall of Fame players.
What makes Millon such a highly-touted prospect? Scouts praise his exceptionally high lacrosse IQ and cerebral style of play. He displays advanced field vision and decision-making abilities rare for a player his age. Millon can effectively dodge and create offense from multiple positions on the field, including:
- Behind the goal at X
- On the wings
- Up top
His ability to find even the slightest separation from defenders allows him to get his hands free to shoot or feed. While known primarily as a scorer, Millon has developed into an excellent passer as well. This versatility makes him a dual-threat that defenses struggle to contain.
Millon’s Offensive Skillset
How has Millon elevated his game to become such a well-rounded offensive threat? He has focused on improving his feeding and playmaking abilities to complement his scoring prowess. As Millon explains:
“When I was younger, I always just thought of putting the ball in the net, but as I’ve matured a little bit more, I’ve started to learn that passing can really open up opportunities, not only for your teammates but for yourself, too, because if they’re not going to slide to you, you’re going to be able to have a field day. I’ve definitely tried to pass a lot more and I think of myself as a well-rounded attackman that can pass or score.”
This evolution in his game has made Millon nearly impossible to defend. He can beat teams as a pure scorer or distributor depending on how the defense plays him. His high lacrosse IQ allows him to consistently make the right read.
Intangibles Set Millon Apart
Beyond his physical tools and offensive skills, Millon impresses with his intangibles and work ethic. In a showcase game, scouts noted how he sprinted past two defenders and dove for a loose ball near midfield to maintain possession for his team. These “hustle plays” that don’t show up on the stat sheet demonstrate Millon’s competitiveness and team-first mentality.
With his combination of physical gifts, offensive prowess, lacrosse IQ, and intangibles, it’s easy to see why Millon sits atop the 2023 rankings. He projects as an immediate impact player at the college level with potential to be a generational talent.
Owen Duffy: Dynamic Attackman Climbs to #3 Overall Ranking
Owen Duffy has surged up the 2023 rankings, now sitting at #3 overall according to the National Lacrosse Federation. The 5’10”, 170-pound attackman from St. Anthony’s in New York has committed to the University of North Carolina.
Duffy made a major statement with his play during the summer showcase circuit, impressing college coaches with his versatile skillset. One assistant coach remarked, “To me, he’s the No. 1 guy based off of the summer.” Another added, “He can play with or without the ball and he puts himself in the right spots.”
Duffy’s Offensive Evolution
What has sparked Duffy’s rise in the rankings? A few key factors stand out:
- Position change from midfield to attack
- Physical growth spurt
- Improved confidence
- Development of a complete offensive arsenal
Duffy has transformed into a true quarterback of the offense from his position at X attack. He demonstrates the ability to both dodge to score and find open teammates with precise feeds. His high lacrosse IQ allows him to read defenses and make smart decisions with the ball.
During his sophomore season at St. Anthony’s, Duffy showcased his balanced offensive game with 25 goals and 24 assists. He elevated his play in big games, including a 7-goal outburst against rival Chaminade.
Scouting Report on Duffy
How do scouts and coaches describe Duffy’s game? Key attributes that stand out include:
- High lacrosse IQ
- Excellent field vision
- Precise feeding ability
- Variety of dodges and moves
- Ability to play on or off-ball
- Still growing into his frame
Evaluators praise Duffy’s polished all-around game and note his high ceiling as he continues to physically mature. His diverse skill set and cerebral style of play make him a perfect fit for the modern game that emphasizes versatility.
Evaluating Top Lacrosse Recruits: What Coaches Look For
The evaluation of high school lacrosse recruits has become increasingly sophisticated. What key factors do college coaches consider when scouting the top prospects? Several important attributes stand out:
Physical Tools
While not the only consideration, a player’s physical profile is certainly important. Coaches assess:
- Height and frame
- Speed and agility
- Strength and physicality
- Shooting power and accuracy
Players with exceptional physical gifts often have higher perceived upside. However, coaches also project how a player’s body may develop over time.
Lacrosse IQ and Decision-Making
A player’s mental approach to the game is equally crucial. Coaches evaluate:
- On-field decision making
- Ability to read defenses/offenses
- Situational awareness
- Tactical understanding of the game
Players who consistently make good decisions with and without the ball are highly valued. This “lacrosse IQ” often translates well to the college level.
Skill Level and Versatility
The modern game emphasizes well-rounded players. Coaches look for:
- Stick skills and ball control
- Shooting from various angles/distances
- Dodging repertoire
- Off-ball movement
- Defensive ability
Players who excel in multiple facets of the game provide lineup flexibility for coaches. Versatility is increasingly important in recruiting.
The Impact of Showcase Events on Lacrosse Recruiting
Showcase tournaments and camps have become a crucial part of the lacrosse recruiting landscape. How do these events influence player rankings and scholarship offers?
Concentrated Talent Evaluation
Showcase events bring together elite players from across the country, allowing coaches to evaluate a large talent pool in a short time. This concentrated format enables side-by-side comparisons of top prospects.
Performance Under Pressure
The high-stakes nature of showcase events tests players’ ability to perform under pressure. Coaches can assess how recruits handle adversity and rise to the occasion in competitive environments.
Exposure to New Competition
Showcases often match players against unfamiliar opponents from different regions. This allows coaches to see how prospects adapt to various playing styles and levels of competition.
Networking Opportunities
Beyond on-field evaluation, showcases provide valuable face-to-face interaction between players, families, and college coaches. These personal connections can significantly impact the recruiting process.
The Role of Club Teams in Player Development and Exposure
Elite club programs like Team 91 have become instrumental in the development and promotion of top lacrosse recruits. How do these organizations impact a player’s growth and recruiting prospects?
Year-Round Training and Competition
Club teams provide structure for off-season training and tournament play. This allows players to hone their skills and compete at a high level throughout the year.
Exposure to College Coaches
Established club programs have strong relationships with college coaches and attend major recruiting events. This exposure is invaluable for players seeking scholarship opportunities.
Professional Coaching and Development
Many club teams employ experienced coaches, including former college and professional players. This high-level instruction accelerates player development.
Playing with Elite Teammates
Top club teams concentrate talent, allowing elite players to compete alongside and against other highly skilled athletes. This elevates the overall level of play and pushes players to improve.
The Evolution of Lacrosse Recruiting: Trends and Changes
The landscape of lacrosse recruiting continues to evolve. What are some of the key trends and changes impacting how players are evaluated and recruited?
Earlier Recruiting Timeline
The recruiting process has accelerated in recent years, with many top players committing to schools during their sophomore or junior years. This puts pressure on athletes to develop and showcase their skills at a younger age.
Emphasis on Multi-Sport Athletes
Many college coaches now prefer recruits who play multiple sports in high school. This trend values overall athleticism and diverse skill sets over early specialization in lacrosse.
Impact of Technology
Advanced metrics, video analysis, and social media have changed how players are evaluated and promoted. Recruits can now easily share highlights and connect with coaches online.
Growing Geographic Diversity
As lacrosse expands nationally, recruiters are looking beyond traditional hotbeds to find talent. This has opened doors for players from emerging lacrosse regions.
Projecting Future Success: Challenges in Ranking High School Players
While player rankings provide valuable insights, projecting future success remains an inexact science. What challenges do evaluators face when ranking high school lacrosse players?
Physical Development
Players mature physically at different rates. A dominant high school player may plateau, while a late bloomer could make significant strides in college.
Level of Competition
The quality of a player’s high school and club competition can vary widely. This makes it difficult to compare statistics and game performance across different regions and leagues.
Positional Transitions
Many players change positions as they progress to higher levels. A high school midfielder might project as a college defenseman, complicating evaluation.
Mental and Emotional Factors
A player’s work ethic, coachability, and ability to handle adversity are crucial for long-term success but challenging to quantify in rankings.
System Fit
A player’s success can depend greatly on how well they fit into a particular team’s style and system. This fit is difficult to predict at the high school level.
While player rankings offer valuable insights into the top lacrosse recruits, it’s important to remember that development is an ongoing process. The landscape of college lacrosse is constantly evolving, and today’s top-ranked high school players will need to continue refining their skills to make an impact at the next level. As the Class of 2023 prepares to transition to college lacrosse, fans and recruiters alike will be eager to see how these talented athletes perform on the bigger stage.
McCabe Millon – National Lacrosse Federation
Home McCabe Millon
Committed to:Virginia
- Position
- Attack
- Year
- 2023
- High School
- McDonogh, Md.
- Height
- 5’10”
- Weight
- 167
- Current Team
- Team 91 MD
- Rating:
NLF March 2021 Super 60 Rankings
Ranked No. 1 overall, No. 1 attackman
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Rating: 98
Lead feature
The son of two Hall of Famers, Millon is an incredibly cerebral, high-IQ attackman with the ability to dodge from X, the wings or up top. He knows how to create even the slightest separation to get his hands free. His passing ability is understated and he’s getting to the point where he can beat you exclusively as a scorer or feeder, let alone both. Millon can run some midfield if needed, too.
Team 91 Maryland vs. Crabs ’22 Standout
Millon, the son of Mark Millon, figures to be one of the most sought-after recruits in the ’23 class. It’s clear that he got his father’s lacrosse IQ and offensive abilities, and he put up a goal and four assists to pace the 91 offense. He’s an attackman that’s comfortable anywhere on the field, showing the ability and vision to run things from X, pop out to the wing or even get downhill from up top, like he does in the video below to set up teammate Jake Bair (St. Paul’s, Md.) for a goal.
… and you can also see Millon operating well behind the cage to set up Haydn Sommer (Bridgeland, Texas / No. 47 ’22) for the game-tying goal to send the game to overtime.
“When I was younger, I always just thought of putting the ball in the net, but as I’ve matured a little bit more, I’ve started to learn that passing can really open up opportunities, not only for your teammates but for yourself, too, because if they’re not going to slide to you, you’re going to be able to have a field day,” Millon said. “I’ve definitely tried to pass a lot more and I think of myself as a well-rounded attackman that can pass or score.”
One of Millon’s most understated plays, though, didn’t show up on the stat sheet. He sprinted past two Crabs and dove for a ball that was headed for the midline, knocking it loose to a teammate to help 91 Maryland keep possession. Those types of plays never go unnoticed.
Major Accolades
2021 All-MIAA
2020 Maverik Showtime All-Star
2019 Maverik Showtime All-Star
instagram.com/p/CDj1KyGBa-C/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading” data-instgrm-version=”13″>
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Stud ‘23 McCabe Millon (@MCDLaxScores) evens it up at 3 with a long-range rip. pic.twitter.com/ERGQWjv2OI
— NLF (@natlaxfed) June 27, 2020
Owen Duffy – National Lacrosse Federation
Home Owen Duffy
Committed to:North Carolina
- Position
- Attack
- Year
- 2023
- High School
- St. Anthony’s, N.Y.
- Height
- 5’10”
- Weight
- 170
- Current Team
- Team 91 LI
- Rating:
NLF Fall 2021 Rankings
Ranked No. 3 overall
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Rating: 98
Nobody had a better start to the summer than Duffy, and that came on the heels of an excellent sophomore campaign for a stacked St. Anthony’s team. Posting a balanced 25-goal, 24-assist stat line highlighted by a 7-goal outing against rival Chaminade – he scored 11 times and added 3 assists in three games against the Flyers – Duffy showed that he could thrive without the ball in his stick as well as when he has it.
“To me, he’s the No. 1 guy based off of the summer,” one college assistant coach said.
“He can play with or without the ball and he puts himself in the right spots,” another added.
Duffy was excellent at the NLF National Championships, scoring goals in a bunch of different ways. He’s still relatively new to the attack position after starting his career as a midfielder, too.
Feature story
A high-IQ X attackman who commands the offense, Duffy can beat his man off the dodge but also find open teammates with precise feeds. He hit a big growth spurt that gave him a ton of confidence, as did a move to attack from midfield. Duffy is plenty athletic and still coming into his own, and he’s got a ton of different moves that keep defenders guessing. Extremely high upside.
All-Star. An extremely polished attackman with a complete skill set, Duffy orchestrated his team’s offense with his ability to score and feed with ease. He has a very high lacrosse IQ and gave his matchup a ton of different looks, whether it was inside rolls, question marks and a handful of other moves. He did a great job of understanding what the defense was throwing at him and zipped passes through tight windows to open men.
Major Accolades
2020 One Percent Showcase All-Star
2020 Nike National Long Island All-Star
2019 Maverik Showtime
2018 Maverik Showtime
2017 Maverik Showtime
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Everyone knew that there was going to be some turning and raking going on when ‘23 Bandits Jack Ponzio (Connetquot) got matched up on a short stick at X at the @Inside_Lacrosse Invitational.
Owen Duffy (Westhampton Beach) with the finish. pic.twitter.com/Pt66JLjFsN
— Team 91 (@team91lacrosse) June 17, 2020
Ross School
a country: | USA |
age: | 11-18 years old |
minimum age of foreign students: | 12 |
location: | East Hampton and Bridgehampton, New York |
language of instruction: | English |
school type: | private school |
classes: | 1-12 |
program type: | middle school, high school |
number of students: | 583 |
composition of students: | 41% – foreign students |
teacher/student ratio: | 1/7 |
accommodation type: | boarding house, other |
duration: | 1+ weeks, academic semester, 1+ years |
start date: | autumn winter |
school website: | www. ross.org |
The Ross American Boarding School was founded in 1991 in East Hampton, New York by the Ross family as a general education institution from kindergarten to high school. The school is accredited by NAIS, NYAIS, TABS.
The large 90-acre Ross High School campus is located in a cozy town called East Hampton, historically considered the home of wealthy families. East Hampton is home to many parks and recreational areas, making for a great environment for learning. Also not far from the campus are some of the best beaches in America, many cafes and shops.
The city is located on the south coast of Long Island in the state of New York, 2 hours from New York City. The nearest airports are JFK and La Guardia. There is also a small airport for private jets near the school.
More than 450 students are taught in this private American school every year. Of these, 60% live in a boarding house. Including several people from Russia, Ukraine and Kazakhstan.
School benefits:
Foreign children have the opportunity to study starting from the 6th grade.
You can also come to school for 1 semester .
The Ross School prepares its students to study at US universities, to meet modern requirements and responsibilities. In this American boarding school, education takes place according to a carefully designed program together with the best US universities.
There are an average of 16 children in a class.
All Ross School teachers are highly qualified professionals with extensive experience who teach students, taking into account the individual characteristics, interests and requirements of each.
The school is based on the scientific works of Howard Gardner, including the “evolution of consciousness”, teachers and director are sure that every child can achieve success, there are no restrictions in the education of a student, and each of them is unique.
A large amount of material, excellent school equipment and numerous activities make the educational process rich, interesting and exciting.
The school offers 10 subjects Advanced : Advanced American History, Advanced Art History, Advanced Biology, Advanced English, Advanced European History, Advanced Spanish Language, Advanced Spanish Literature , Advanced Studio Art, Calculus AB, Calculus BC, Statistics, Advanced Chemistry, Advanced Environmental Science, Advanced French Language, Advanced Physics.
The core subjects at Ross are cultural history, mathematics, science, art, media research, technology and physical education.
This private school in the USA offers additional English lessons for foreign children ( ESL ) both during the academic year and during the summer.
School specialization: sports
National Rank: 138th Best Boarding School in the US
Program Senior Grades : AP American High School Diploma
Academic results of the school:
Universities where graduates go:
100% of students receive offers from top colleges and universities, including Ivy League universities. Of these, many graduates also receive scholarships of about 3 million USD per year (in total)
Famous alumni : Alexa Ray Joel, singer; Scott Disick, reality TV star; Victoria de Lesseps, artist; Tessa Gräfin von Walderdorff, socialite; The grandchildren of Dame Julie Andrews (Hope Hamilton and Sam Hamilton)
Programs:
Summer programs:
The school offers many courses for the summer – English, sports and others.
Summer Field Academy – Summer Program in Photography. Graduates will be able to immerse themselves in professional fashion photography, master the latest skills in studio lighting, finding the perfect location, as well as post-production classification and composition. Students must carry a single-lens digital reflex (DSLR) camera. Eligible Models: Canon 60D or above, Sony A6000 or above. If students do not have their own camera, the school will rent a camera for an additional fee. Studio equipment, props, models and lenses, and desktop computers with photoshop are provided. Students must have an external hard drive to store their work.
The Ross School Tennis Academy offers RSTA programs. The RSTA combines an exciting global curriculum with the highest level of competitive tennis training. Designed for USTA/ITF players in grades 5-12. Located on the campus of the school, the RSTA is part of the school’s accredited day program. The program includes training and an academic program:
10-month Tennis Practice with Elective Academic Program for USTA/ITF players in grades 5-12
10-month tennis training for ATP and WTA players only
15 hours of individual and/or group tennis lessons per week
four hours of tennis with a coach per week
personal video analysis and player review
individual competition calendar
full preparatory program for higher education with academic advice
STEAM is a certified program for students who want to enhance their educational experience by including coursework in STEAM – science, technology, engineering, art and math. The program is based on the principles of innovation and creativity to link student learning in the critical areas of science, mathematics, technology and engineering with the practice, elements and design of the arts. The maximum duration of the program is 4 years. The program was developed jointly with Intel, Yamaha and R/GA Interactive.
Aviation Academy offers summer programs in partnership with Coastal Air for high school students and those interested in a career in aviation. Students are trained every day in the unique interdisciplinary core program of the Ross School, after which in the afternoon they are divided into flight and ground school. Upon successful completion of the course, students will accumulate approximately 75 hours of flying time and fly the aircraft safely alone.
S olo Aviation – the program provides students with the knowledge, skills and experience necessary to pursue aviation for a career or hobby. Program features:
- Primary flight training
- Introduction to Flight (Ground School)
- Teaching materials
- 75 flight hours
- Individual flight experience (subject to age restrictions)
- Minimum age for solo flight is 16 years old
PRIVATE PILOT’S LICENSE. Upon successful completion of this course, students will be awarded a private pilot’s license to fly single-engine aircraft carrying passengers in visual flight rules (VFR) weather conditions.
- Private Pilot Flight Training FAA
- FAA Private Pilot Ground School
- Teaching materials
- 75 flight hours
- FAA Exam Fees
- FAA Private Pilot License at the end of the course (subject to age restrictions)
- Minimum age for private pilot examination 17 years old
INSTRUMENT RATING. The course is intended for students who hold a private pilot license and wish to obtain an instrument rating. The extra flight time allows students to develop basic instrument skills as well as add experience with Instrument Flight Rules (IFR). Course features:
- FAA Flight Training Rating
- FAA Ground School Ranking Tool
- Teaching materials
- 75 flight hours
- FAA Exam Fees
- FAA instrument rating certification at the end of the course (subject to age restrictions)
Secondary school. The program for students 12-16 is designed with the study of all basic subjects: mathematics, cultural history, literature, theater arts, physical education and sports, natural sciences, applied sciences. You can choose from various electives – from photography to the development of the Model UN. There is also a special English language course ESOL, presented in three difficulty levels.
Advanced Placement. College or university preparation program for high school students. Students study a mandatory list of disciplines: English, mathematics and electives, as well as the humanities and natural sciences and at least one creative direction. The final research project of teaching at school is approved with the teacher, and a whole year is given for preparation.
Residence:
Children live on campus, which has all the necessary amenities for a comfortable stay. On the territory of the school there are houses with kitchens, bedrooms, a living room, as well as study rooms. Up to 12 students and a teacher live in each house. Rooms for children are designed for 1-2 people. In addition, school staff who are responsible for the safety of students also live on campus. Meals at school – only natural products.
Technical equipment of the school:
The educational institution has an excellent infrastructure for the comprehensive development of children: scientific laboratories, modern classrooms, a library, creative workshops, art studios and its own photo laboratory.
The sports infrastructure of the Ross School includes 3 athletics fields, baseball and basketball courts, tennis courts, and a sports center. In it, in addition to the gym and training rooms, there is a cafe and a room for meditation.
The school has a strong tennis academy, as well as opportunities for surfing and rowing , since the ocean is nearby.
Sports:
Basketball
Baseball
Volleyball
Golf
Rowing
Lacrosse
Athletics
Sailing
Surfing
Softball
Tennis
Football
Cheerleading
Extra-curricular activities:
The Ross School offers students courses in theater, visual arts, music, dance, singing, filmmaking, museum education and photography. In addition, the school provides programs in architecture and media.
Tuition, accommodation and meals per year: from 80 830 USD
Additional charge:
Academic support $7,500 per year
Additional language classes $3,000 per year
Tennis Academy USD 16,880 per year
Scholarships: no
Brier thinks it’s time for him to take care of his family
VOURHIS – Daniel Brière made the decision to leave the NHL for two reasons: realism and selfishness.
He has been in the league for 17 seasons and has not been able to force himself to train in the summer, mentally and physically prepare for the new season in order to get a contract in a club where he will be assigned a minor role, as he was last season with the Colorado Avalanche “.
“I can’t count on more, I’m realistic about my chances,” Brier said Tuesday at his press conference at the Philadelphia Flyers practice rink.
Brière also couldn’t bring himself to be away from his three sons for the third consecutive season. He couldn’t play his favorite game and neglect his fatherly duties to Calan, Carson and Cameron.
“They are already in high school. They don’t spend much time at home and I don’t want to lose it anymore,” said Brier.
Nevertheless, Brier did not just come up with such a decision. He could not decide for a long time and only a couple of weeks ago he put an end to it. He announced the news on Monday in a French-language newspaper published in his hometown of Gatineau, Quebec.
Brierou retires from the NHL at age 37, 27 games short of 1,000 games. He scored 307 goals and 696 points with the Arizona Coyotes, Buffalo Sabers, Philadelphia, Montreal Canadiens and Avalanche. He scored 116 points in 124 playoff games and earned himself a reputation as one of the best hitters in the Stanley Cup, but never managed to win it.
“I still love hockey and would love to play more, but it’s not just about me and the game,” Brier said.
“I have no doubts. I am completely satisfied with this decision. My time has come and I have made the right choice.”
On Tuesday, he recalled the main milestones of his career.
As a player on the “Drummondvill” youth team of the Quebec Youth Hockey League, he collected articles in which NHL managers, experts, former players said that he was very small (height – 5.9 feet; weight – 174 pounds), too fragile for the NHL.
“And every time things didn’t go well, I took them out and read them,” Brière said.
“It motivated me, I had to prove them wrong.”
Brier remembered how difficult it was for him in the NHL in the first seasons. He played 64 games for the Coyotes in 1998-99 and 43 games in the next two. Most of the time he played in the AHL.
“We’ve all heard that it’s one thing to get into the NHL, it’s another thing to stay there,” Brier said.
“I learned what the NHL was early on in my career, and the NHL was taken away from me. It took me 3 years of ups and downs to finally gain a foothold there. There were difficult moments, I was put up for a waiver draft and no one took me. But I fought, did not give up, fought for my dream.”
Brière established himself in the NHL in 2001/2 when he scored 32 goals and 60 points in 78 games for the Coyotes.
His scoring record (95 points) he set in “Buffalo” in the 2006/7 season. After him, he signed an 8-year, $52 million contract with Philadelphia, who finished in last place in the 2006/7 championship.
Brier helped the Flyers to the Eastern Conference Finals of the Stanley Cup in his first season and to the Stanley Cup Finals in his third when he scored 30 points in 23 games. He scored 72 points in 68 playoff games with Philadelphia.
“We could have taken Gomez, Drury, but we spent most of our time with Danny,” said Philadelphia President Paul Holmgren, who was the club’s general manager when he signed Brière.
“He came to my office and said, ‘Thank you!’ I said, ‘Thank you.’ We didn’t have a good season the night before and Danny’s arrival changed everything for us.”
Brier’s life has also changed.
Philadelphia is Brière’s home. His fiancee was from the suburbs of Philadelphia. His children go to school here. Calan and Carson are playing hockey. Cameron is in lacrosse.
Brier held his press conference on Philadelphia grounds because he retained close ties to the city and the club despite buying the last two years of the striker’s contract in the summer of 2013.