We reached out to club coaches around the state to find out which of their rising 9th graders are poised to make an impact in the 2023 season. These players were provided by those coaches and some by their High School coaches after tryouts had concluded. The list below does not intentionally leave anyone athlete or team out, we are only reporting the information we’ve been given!
Attack
Bridger Chayes – Pine Lake Prep
Arguably the top left handed finisher in the 2026 class in the Carolinas. Bridger imposes his will on defensemen with his size and strength. He does a great job muscling his way around goal line extended to get a quality look on cage. When he gets his hands free, he his one of the best left handed finishers in the state. There is no doubt that Bridger is going to be a key piece to the offense at Pine Lake Prep this Spring.
Mason Maher – Charlotte Country Day
Shifty, skilled, smart lefty offensive minded player. Mason Maher is a highly skilled and smart lefty attackman who has a knack for being in the right place at the right time. He uses his frame and explosiveness to get a step on defenders when dodging behind the goal. He’s got a great change of speed dodge that catches defenders off guard and his frame makes it very difficult for defensemen to get their hands on him. He is also a threat coming out of the box and dodging on short sticks.
Izzy Pierce – Davidson Day
Shooter. With 51 goals in her first year on varsity as an 8th grader, there is no denying Izzy has a way of finding the back of the net.
Midfield
Banks Cutter – Charlotte latin
Big, strong, athletic midfielder. He is a monster on the field and a pure menace when he gets a running start on the dodge. He has a cannon righty step down and shot on the run. He plays with a surprising amount of finesse as a bigger player making him a true match up challenge for opponents. As a Freshman at Charlotte Latin, Banks is poised to make an immediate impact.
Liam Grace – Weddington
Fast, shifty, skilled midfield. Liam is very quick and has a sudden change of direction on the dodge. His jab steps and deception when dodging can flat out embarrass defenders who don’t play hips. He has a solid SOTR with both hands and is deadly when getting to the middle of the field. He is an aggressive dodger always looking to score. He also has good IQ making him a feeding threat also. Liam will be a contributor for a hard nosed Weddington team this year.
Quinn Frood – Cannon
Quinn is the next dynamic athlete within the Cannon School midfield lines and will be their top freshman this Spring. Very similar to his older brother Cole (2024 committed to Brown), Quinn has a non-stop motor and makes hustles plays all over the field. With Will Crispino (Middlebury) taking a majority of the faceoffs for Cannon, Quinn will be used in a variety of ways this Spring as an athletic two-way midfielder. You’ll hear his name a lot over the next few years as he becomes a linchpin to Cannon School program.
Connor Best – Cuthbertson
Super athletic, great motor, a threat off the dodge or time and room.
Aidan Gallos – Providence Day
Will step in and add immediate depth the the Charger midfield. He is a tough two way midfielder, and he will be an integral piece on both sides of the ball.
Mollie Brown – Davidson Day
Dynamic. In her second year as a varsity player, you could find Molly’s name in the top three of nearly every stats category from draw controls to groundballs and goals.
Defense
Mason Graham – Charlotte Catholic
Big, physical, rangy defenseman. Mason Graham is an absolute workhorse. He throws hard checks, isn’t afraid to take the body when needed, has quick feet and has a nose for the ball when it’s on the ground. He can take the ball away, scoop up the GB and go the distance when the opportunity arises. He primarily plays close defense to shut down the other team’s top offensive player but could just as easily play LSM making him a versatile defender who can make an impact anywhere on the field. Mason will be a factor on a loaded Charlotte Catholic defense this spring. Expect him to back up senior Owen McAllister (Gettysburg Commit) at LSM to start the season.
Greg Kasza – Marvin Ridge
Tough, physical defender.
Ragen Giddins – Weddington
Multiple sport star that has the potential to be one of the best lockdown defenders in the state. Her athletic build allows her to maintain a low base and keep her body in front of even the shiftiest of attackers. Reagan’s speed and footwork gives her the ability to extend out on attackers and apply relentless pressure. She is a versatile defender who will make a big impact during transition and on her defensive unit.
Ella Turner – Weddington
Ella has the ability to quarterback the offense and has shown great IQ when the ball is settled. She attacks seams in the defense well and plays with her head up with an obvious ability to find the open player. She is able to spark an instant offense for her team right off the draw. A natural goal scorer with a work ethic that will immediately impact her team on both ends of the field.
Goalie
Jaeger Strange – Mountain Island Charter School
Big, Righty goalie who takes up a lot of space. Jaeger takes up a lot of the cage with his frame and has fast hands to steal saves and make it difficult for shooters. To score on Jaeger, you’re going to have to change planes and put the ball in low corners or shooters are in for a longer day. One of his strengths is his ability to communicate. He’s vocal and a true quarterback on the defensive end of the field. Jaeger can also turn defense to offense with good outlet passes and IQ in the clearing game. Jaeger will be asked to do a lot this Spring and will be one of the top 2026 goalies in North Carolina.