It was immediately apparent to us early in the day that this showcase was not just going to be about a few elite level players having their way with the average masses.  With over 500 kids playing lacrosse on eight fields we set out into the fray looking for some kids who would catch our eye.  It wasn’t easy. There are lots and lots of good lacrosse players here in Jupiter.  The first game we watched was dominated by good, sound, fundamental defense.  We found several solid face off guys, and as the day wore on the top level goal scorers started to show their stuff.  But they had to work for it today. It’s clear that the tide is rising in Florida. But there are a few guys who managed to attract some attention, even in the very crowded field of solid lacrosse players. U-15 Trey Page – Lake Highland Prep, Drew Shaw of St. Augustine High School, Andrew Packer from Benjamin all had great outings today.  Nate Gillan from Timber Creek High School and Trevor Pellaetier from Gulliver Prep both looked good at attack. U17/19 Group Jerry O’Connor from The Benjamin School looked strong as did Winter Parks Clark Thatcher and St. Thomas Aquinas attack Kyle Mamane.  McCoy Berger from Pine Crest played solid defense all day and Thomas Vassallo, Cardinal Newman middie, impressed.  Columbus Catholic had a couple of strong middies at the event, Nickey Quintairos and Cody Brais both looked sharp. We thought Spanish River’s Jonathan Spevaek had a great day.  He controlled the ball at the Face Off X and looked powerful moving the ball down the field.  Max Parker, of course, was also a dominant force at the X.  Ponte Vedra’s  Tom Destalla showed himself to be part of the conversation of top face off guys in the state. Some young guys looked very comfortable out there today.  Barron Collier’s Austin Miller and Timber Creek’s Stevie Torres both moved the ball well on attack and scored plenty of goals.  Keith Mahler was a stud out there today, no surprise to any St. Andrew’s fans and Stephen Chase of Maclay did plenty of scoring today.  Two other 2015’s who looked great on attack today were Ryan Ormerod from Seminole High School and Miles Silva from Ponte Vedra.  The first kid who really struck me as having a great day during the first couple of games was 2015 attackman from Benjamin, Chris Erdmann. There were lots and lots of talented athletes out there and it’s just not possible to list them all.  But the college coaches were impressed and attentive all day.  The level of talent from top to bottom is fantastic.  We are looking forward to tomorrow and will publish the All-Star list when we get it.  We have three photographers out there working hard and getting tons of great photos from every field, so we will be posting hundreds of pictures on Monday.