(Photo Courtesy of Christ Church Episcopal Athletics)

When looking forward in the recruiting cycle, many eyes are drawn towards the class that will be next up to begin the recruiting process. Last week I did just that, highlighting 30 sophomores (2024s) from the South who stood out during the 2022 spring season.

Those who were Sophomores this spring will see the recruiting process open in just under four months when September 1st rolls around and college coaches are allowed to contact players in the class of 2024.

Even further away is the start of the recruiting cycle for the class of 2025, many whom were the greenest on their team as freshmen this past spring. With three years of high school lacrosse left, there is still a lot of growth to be had for those that took the field as high schoolers for the first time in 2022. Their skills and lacrosse IQ will only get better, and maybe most important of all, the speed, size, and athleticism of those in the class of 2025 will only be developed further in the coming years.

But as always, there were many freshman that broke through the fray and emerged as impact players on their high school teams this past spring.

I am certainly not one to take too much stock in how one did or didn’t perform as a freshman due to those aforementioned remarks regarding development. Nonetheless, being able to make an impact as a freshman on the varsity level is both impressive and notable.

So, here is an early look at six players in the 2025 class who made big impacts this spring across the South.

Josh Ameo, M, Nation Ford (S.C.)

Perhaps no freshman did more or made such an impact for his team than Ameo. Impressing nearly every time out with eye-popping plays, Ameo made an impact on the offensive end both behind the cage and up top while also taking faceoffs and playing defense from time to time. Simply put, he was all over the field and seemed to make a difference at every spot he was asked to play or situation he found himself in. The 6-foot, 175-pound Ameo led Nation Ford with 53 goals and 40 assists en route to a 93-point season. He also collected 104 ground balls. Ameo was a 5A First-Team All-State selection.

Hudson McCarthy, A, Christ Church Episcopal (S.C.)

Another Palmetto State product, McCarthy did something that not too many freshmen do: notch a 100-point season. McCarthy ended the year with 72 goals and 28 assists and was a 4A First-Team All-State selection and named the Upperstate Attackman of The Year. Often playing behind the cage at X and not being on the winning side of the size battle between he and his defender, McCarthy uses his quickness to get past defenders and get above GLE and on the inside for quality looks.

Dylan Furshman, FO, Benjamin (Fla.)

The faceoff position is one of the hardest to adjust to when moving up the various levels of the sport. The 6-foot, 210-pound Furshman, however, made a pretty seamless transition to high school lacrosse. As the only freshman named an FSLCA All-State Selection, he dominated at the faceoff dot with a 78% win percentage. Often getting clean offensive exits, Furshman can his speed, size, and physicality to take the rock into the heart of the defense himself and score. He had 16 goals and one assists. Fushman is also a standout running back and linebacker in football.

Luke Danna, A, Creekside (Fla.)

Playing alongside senior Mana Wilhelm (Air Force signee) at attack, Danna emerged as a leader of the Creekside offense this past season. The freshman led the Knights in goals with 64 while also dishing out 15 assists for a grand total of 79 points.

Tyler Price, A, Lake Norman Charter (N.C.)

Helping lead Lake Norman Charter to a 1-3A state championship this past season, Price put up a whopping 130 points off 77 goals and 53 assists.

Connor O’Brien, D, Jupiter (Fla.)

Making a big contribution on the back end for the Warriors this spring, O’Brein showcased his skills as a good cover man as well as somebody who can take it across the midline himself. He grabbed 36 ground balls and caused 19 turnovers.