Rising Talent: Connecticut 28s and 29s to Look Out For

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The 2026 high school girls' lacrosse season in Connecticut is underway. With plenty of returning talent and up-and-coming underclassmen, this season promises strong competition across the state. Here are six underclassmen to keep an eye on this year:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["70874"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-69bc670be0e2f"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Gordon sees the entire field and anticipates her opponent's next move, allowing her to stay a step ahead of the attackers. She has a knack for intercepting passes using her field awareness and speed, then quickly transitioning the ball to set up her teammates on attack. Gordon stops opponents on fast breaks, using anticipation and positioning to prevent quick scoring opportunities, and slows down their offense. Her combination of awareness and speed makes her a reliable defensive anchor for her team.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["70875"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-69bc670be0e9d"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Hite has amazing field awareness and thinks quickly, allowing her to anticipate the offense's next move. She times her slides perfectly, stepping in to shut down attackers and protect the goal. Hite excels in 1v1 situations, using quick reactions and smart stickwork to counteract opponents. Her ability to intercept passes and disrupt plays makes her a consistent defensive presence on the field.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["71071"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-69bc670be0eed"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">MacColl controls the offense at X, reads what's going to happen, finding opportunities for her teammates, or taking the 1v1 to the goal. She has the rocker dodge down to a science, easily being able to read which way her defenders are leaning and taking advantage to finish at the goal. She is also great at pulling the double team and quickly dumping the ball to her teammate for an open shot. MacColl moves the ball with precision and speed, snapping passes to her teammates and always finding the open gaps. She runs the offense, finding the best scoring opportunities for herself and her team.&nbsp;<br></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["70878"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-69bc691f2b179"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Petron is a Midfielder who excels at the self-draw and consistently creates immediate possession for her team. She typically pops the ball into the open space, quickly tracks it down, and finds the open player, giving her team instant control. Petron is quick-footed and glides through the defense with ease, creating angles to the goal and putting defenders on their heels. She's also a scoring threat from any spot, having the power and accuracy to finish from distance.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["70879"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-69bc691f2b1f3"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Ray is a triple threat, capable of making an impact anywhere on the field. She has explosive speed and a sharp change of direction, allowing her to get around defenders with ease. On attack, she uses her agility and quickness to break down defenses and create scoring opportunities. Her dodges are quick and deceptive, opening up space for a shot or pass. On defense, she locks down her player, applies constant pressure on the ball, and denies easy looks at the goal. In the midfield, she consistently comes up with ground balls in tough situations.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["70880"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-69bc691f2b26d"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Stimpson plays with tremendous intensity and speed, covering a lot of ground and influencing both ends of the field, helping her team push the pace and create scoring opportunities. She uses her speed to dodge around defenders and get an open look at the goal. Stimpson is in sync with her team, timing her cuts with precision and connecting on passes to get the best shot off.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->