Oregon high school boys lacrosse: Meet the top stars of 2023

By René Ferrán 

SBLive Oregon is highlighting several of the top boys lacrosse players in the state.

Our list was created based on nominations made by Oregon high school lacrosse coaches. Many coaches did not respond. We invite fans to send us names of players they feel should be added. 

Photo by Chase Allgood

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Attack

Parker Ackerman, Canby, junior

Ackerman missed last season because of injury but has become a critical player in the Cougars’ attack this spring with 15 goals, 10 assists and 10 ground balls through late April. He’s drawn interest from TCU and Baylor. “He has a team-first attitude and makes everyone around him better,” coach Trey Bellmore said.

Kade Barvitz, Aloha/Southridge, senior

Barvitz made the all-Metro first team last spring, and the William Jewell College commit has been a bright spot for the Warrior Hawks this season with 36 goals, 12 assists and 36 ground balls. “A tough, physical dodger with a cannon of a shot,” coach Ryan Kingsbury said. “He’s an absolute team player who does everything that’s asked of him and brings great energy to everyone around him.”

Luke Bayne, Jesuit, junior

Bayne missed the Crusaders’ run to the state title last season with an ankle injury, but he leads the team in scoring this spring with 38 goals and six assists through late April, scoring on 52% of his shot attempts. “Luke has a serious knack for finding open space in the opponent’s defense,” coach Michael Marcott said. “He’s getting better every game.”

Eric Brostek, Bend/Caldera, senior

Brostek made the all-High Desert first team last season and was selected to the OHSLA all-star game. He committed to the University of Dubuque in Iowa during the offseason, and through 11 games, he led the Lava Bears in goals (32) and assists (20), averaging 4.73 points per game to go with 30 ground balls and seven caused turnovers.

Peter Doorn, Summit, senior

Doorn, a second-team all-High Desert pick a year ago, scored 21 goals with seven assists through eight games this spring before an injury sidelined him. “Peter had a hot start anchoring the offense from behind the cage,” Storm coach Luke Hansen said. “The team is looking forward to him picking up where he left off prior to injury.”

Harrison Edwards, West Linn, senior

Edwards was a first-team all-state selection and a USA Lacrosse All-American last season, when he had 54 goals and 50 assists for the Lions. He has committed to St. Joseph's University in Pennsylvania.

Elliott Fee, Grant, senior

Fee, a Dartmouth College commit, made the all-state second team last spring and helped the Generals get off to a 13-4 start and first place in the Columbia League this season.

Benjamin L'Hommedieu, Lincoln, sophomore

L’Hommedieu made the all-Columbia second team as a freshman last season, and he hasn’t missed a beat this spring with 25 goals, 21 assists and 15 ground balls in his first 10 games. “Benjamin is one of our most talented young players who has had to take a bigger role with the youth of our team,” said Cardinals coach Adrian Macalalad. “Along with being our highest point scorer, he is the quarterback of our offense. He is a balanced scorer and the one who wants the ball in his stick at the end of the game and in clutch moments.”

Porter Malkiel, Jesuit, junior

Crusaders coach Michael Marcott described Malkiel as “the scariest matchup in the state for all teams to cover,” and his accolades back him up. Malkiel is a top-50 national recruit who has committed to Ivy League champion Princeton following a sophomore season in which he earned USA Lacrosse All-America honors. He had 18 goals and 33 assists through late April in leading Jesuit into USA Lacrosse’s most recent West Region rankings at No. 10. “The best maturation in his game has been his ability to find open teammates this year,” Marcott said. “He is becoming a true quarterback of the offense.”

Maxwell Odom, Sunset, junior

Odom has participated with Nike National, ADVNC National Development Program, and Legends National teams in the past, and he spearheads the Apollos' attack with 21 goals, nine assists and 14 ground balls in the season's first six weeks. Coach Chad Stelling called his second-team all-Metro pick “a big, hard-dodging attackman with an elite left-handed shot. He thrives with the ball in his stick. He has excellent athletic prowess and speed that also makes him a force to deal with for clearing defensemen.”

Gavin Pope, Jesuit, senior

Pope had a solid junior season for the state champion Crusaders, earning second-team all-Metro honors. The Colorado College signee had 16 goals with two assists through late April. “Gavin balances out our attack line with a slick left hand and is about as reliable as they come,” said coach Michael Marcott.

Ryan Simmons, Newberg, senior

Simmons was a first-team all-Northwest and honorable mention all-state selection last season for the Tigers. Through late April, he had a team-high 33 goals and 25 assists to help them start the season 10-3.

Ryder Story, West Salem, senior

Story tied for the most points on the Titans last season, when he earned all-North Valley honorable mention, and the Beloit College commit is well on his way to doing so again this spring with 25 goals and 10 assists through late April. “Ryder is a constant on our team,” coach Jody Story said.

Ryder Swanson, Oregon City, junior

Swanson is a two-way all-league lineman for the Pioneers in the fall, but after missing last lacrosse season because of injury, he's back with a vengeance this spring with 30 goals, eight assists and 40 ground balls through late April. “Ryder lifts weights like a football lineman but moves like a running back,” coach Jeff Bell said. “He is a rare combination of strength and athleticism and has a rocket of a shot.”

SSDM (Short Stick Defensive Midfielder)

Ben Lewis, Jesuit, senior

Lewis was a first-team all-state selection for the OHSLA state champion Crusaders last season, and coach Michael Marcott notes how he “is picking right where he left off” as the anchor of a defensive unit that has allowed 89 goals in 15 games (5.9 per game). The US Coast Guard Academy commit has two goals, two assists and 29 ground balls. “Ben is a physical presence on the field, and he uses his size, speed and strength all over the place, routinely shutting down his matchup,” Marcott said. “He takes most face-off wings, guards big-time midfielders, and clears the ball to our offensive end to spark transition opportunities.”

Eli Sanford, Sunset, senior

Sanford was a second-team all-state selection last spring and has signed with Drew University in New Jersey. Through late April, he had 10 goals, three assists and 20 ground balls. “His incredibly high lacrosse IQ combined with a grinder mentality blend to make Eli one of the best two-way midfielders in the Metro League,” said Apollos coach Chad Stelling. “His willingness to engage opponents while off ball sets him apart from his peers.”

LSM (Long Stick Midfielder)

Jacob Brammer, Newberg, junior

Brammer, a second-team all-Northwest selection last season, has caused 30 turnovers and won 50 ground balls this spring while chipping in three goals and an assist.

Alex Hagen, Sunset, senior

Hagen will play for Arizona State in the MCLA Division 1 next spring, but the second-team all-Metro selection has had a big spring for the Apollos during their 11-3 start with 18 caused turnovers, 46 ground balls and five goals. “Alex is a vocal leader with a fiery disposition and unyielding motor, making him the ultimate competitor,” said coach Chad Stelling. “He is continually placed in a variety of positions, including the face-off unit, and excels in all aspects.”

Cooper Keesee, Lakeridge, senior

Keesee was a first-team all-state selection last season, finishing with 84 forced turnovers, 109 ground balls and a 61% face-off win percentage to help the Pacers reach the OHSLA state final. He has committed to Drexel University.

FOS (Face-off Specialist)

Thor Jackson, Central Catholic, senior

Jackson took over face-off duties from first-team all-Columbia pick Ryan Anthony this spring and hasn’t missed a beat, winning draws at an 88% clip while scoring 12 goals in the Rams’ first 10 games.

Luke Johnson, Jesuit, junior

Johnson was a first-team all-state and USA Lacrosse All-American selection last spring, when he helped the Crusaders win their first state title. This season, he’s posted a 70% win percentage on face-offs while scoring four goals and winning 51 ground balls. “LJ is a huge asset for the program, as he drastically tilts the possession advantage for his team every game,” said coach Michael Marcott. “He is as tough as they come, and you can always rely on him to make difficult plays.”

Wyatt Lyon, West Albany, senior

Lyon is a two-time all-North Valley selection who has won 75% of his face-offs this spring (118 of 157) to go with 26 goals, 15 assists and 117 ground balls. He will head down the road to attend Oregon State, where he’ll study mechanical engineering and perhaps continue his lacrosse career with the MCLA Division 1 Beavers.

Eric Ramirez, West Salem, senior

Ramirez, a William Jewell College commit, was a first-team all-North Valley and honorable mention all-state selection a year ago. This spring, he had 25 goals, 13 assists and a 74% face-off win percentage through late April. “Eric is a leader on our team both by example and verbally,” said Titans coach Jody Story.

Midfield

Christian Buck, Jesuit, junior

Buck has developed into a key cog in the middle of the Crusaders attack this spring after earning all-Metro honorable mention for the first-time state champions last season. He committed to Yale in the offseason and had scored 24 goals with six assists through late April. “Christian is one of the best midfield dodgers in the state, who has a unique ability to use his speed and strength to his advantage,” said coach Michael Marcott. “He has a tremendous outside shot and unique ability to put himself in advantageous spots on the field.”

Romy Burrow, West Salem, senior

Burrow, a first-team all-North Valley pick a year ago, was the leading tackler at free safety for the football team in the fall and has helped the Titans start the spring 13-3 with 31 goals and 15 assists while also taking face-offs.

Jack Duncan-Bloom, Jesuit, senior

With all the talent in the Crusaders lineup, it’s Duncan-Bloom — a first-team all-state selection and Virginia Military Institute commit — who was selected by his teammates as the solo captain. He’s rewarded that faith with 26 goals, 17 assists and 39 ground balls. “Jack is the best do-it-all midfielder in the state,” coach Michael Marcott said. “He is the lifeblood of the program.”

Tanner Hahm, Sunset, senior

Hahm, a second-team all-state selection last season for the Apollos, tore an ACL in the preseason and will miss his senior season — although it didn’t keep him from signing with the New Jersey Institute of Technology to play next spring. “Tanner is the heart and soul of Sunset lacrosse,” said coach Chad Stelling. “He possesses all of the elite lacrosse skills necessary to play at the highest level, but it's his leadership, love and drive to make our team and program better that is his most important contribution to our group.”

Micah Hall, Central Catholic, sophomore

Hall is one of several youngsters who helped the Rams get off to a 6-4 start, scoring 35 goals during that span.

Gage Hurych, West Linn, junior

Hurych is not only an all-state placekicker for the OSAA 6A state champion Lions football team, but he's also a standout on the lacrosse field, earning first-team all-state as a sophomore.

Marcus Jordan, Oregon City, senior

Jordan blossomed on the gridiron for the Pioneers in the fall, making the all-state second team. Now, the first-team all-Three Rivers midfielder looks to have a similar impact on the lacrosse team this spring — in his first 11 games, he had 32 goals, 12 assists and 55 ground balls. “Marcus has another gear that most athletes don't,” said coach Jeff Bell. “If you look up heart, there will be a picture of Marcus.”

Tyler Konold, Canby, junior

Konold is better known as an all-state running back for the Cougars football team, but he also shines on the lacrosse field, where he was a second-team all-Three Rivers pick a year ago and had 20 goals, eight assists and 40 ground balls while winning face-offs at a 60% clip through late April this season. “He overpowers people on the lacrosse field,” said coach Trey Bellmore.

Jake Lopez, Oregon City, senior

Lopez plans to play lacrosse at Utah Valley State following his two-year mission to Brazil, and the honorable mention all-Three Rivers selection is having a strong senior season with 32 goals, 20 assists and 40 ground balls in the Pioneers’ first 11 games. “Jake is everything you hope to find in an athlete, only to find his character is better,” coach Jeff Bell said.

Calvin Macy, Lake Oswego/Riverdale, senior

Macy was an all-state linebacker for the Lakers in the fall and has committed to play for the Air Force Academy next season. In the meantime, he'll enjoy a final season on the lacrosse field, where he was a first-team all-state selection last year.

Rob Pope, Jesuit, senior

Pope has shown tremendous improvement between last spring, when he was an honorable mention all-Metro selection, and this season, when he signed with Bellarmine University in Kentucky and had scored 14 goals with three assists through late April. “Rob is really hitting his stride in his senior season,” said Crusaders coach Michael Marcott. “He is an impossible matchup for most teams to defend, using his size, speed and skills all to his advantage.”

Jackson Schlicker, Grant, senior

Schlicker, a first-team all-state selection last spring, has committed to play for UMass Lowell next year.

Camden Schnebly, Lincoln, sophomore

Schnebly tore an ACL as an eighth grader and spent all last spring rehabbing and working in the weight room, returning late in the season to help the Cardinals win the Cascade Cup. This season, he had a team-high 30 goals, four assists and 21 ground balls in 10 games. Still, coach Adrian Macalalad said “his biggest impact is his leadership and maturity beyond his years. Our team is very young, and for a sophomore to take the leadership reins only speaks to the type of player he is and what his impact is to his teammates.”

Landon Sprague, Canby, senior

Sprague was a second-team all-Three Rivers pick a year ago who had 10 goals, five assists and 20 ground balls through late April. He plans to attend Oregon State next year. Cougars coach Trey Bellmore called Sprague “the hardest worker on the team and our team leader.”

Sam Stephens, Summit, junior

Stephens played an integral role in the Storm’s 5A state football championship run in the fall, and after winning first-team all-High Desert honors last season, he’s come up big in several games for the lacrosse team this spring — scoring the tying goal against Grant with less than 10 seconds left in the season opener and the game-winner against Lake Oswego with 18 seconds left. Through 12 games, he had 16 goals, 13 assists and 26 ground balls.

Hank VandeBrake, Newberg, senior

VandeBrake, a second-team all-state selection last spring, has built upon that performance this season with 43 goals through late April.

Ari Villano, Summit, sophomore

Villano made the all-High Desert honorable mention list a year ago, and he’s taken on a bigger role this spring with 21 goals — including the game-winner in overtime against Grant in the season opener — 24 assists and 18 ground balls in 12 games.

Brady White, Bend/Caldera, sophomore

White was another all-High Desert honorable mention pick as a freshman who has blown up this spring, becoming the Lava Bears’ top-scoring midfielder with 24 goals and four assists through 10 games. He has won 15 ground balls.

Defense

Austin Baker, Bend/Caldera, senior

Baker is better known as a standout linebacker for the Lava Bears, earning second-team 5A all-state and committing to Wesleyan University in the fall. He also is a standout defender on the lacrosse field, earning first-team all-High Desert last spring and leading the team with 17 forced turnovers and 29 ground balls this season through late April.

Tully Carrillo, Hillsboro, senior

Carrillo took it upon himself during the offseason to make up for the absence of all-leaguer Stephen Szarowski, who moved to Texas over the summer for his senior year. Carrillo had 65 ground balls and 84 caused turnovers through late April for the Spartans. “Tully has been our anchor for our defense this year,” said coach Carl Almquist. “He has trained all offseason to fill in the shoes of becoming the deadliest defensive player of our team.”

Davis Hagen, Canby, senior

Hagen, an honorable mention all-Three Rivers pick a year ago, recently returned from injury and has helped solidify the Cougars defense. “He has an incredibly high motor and is very smart in the classroom,” coach Trey Bellmore said.

Blake Hurley, Sunset, junior

Hurley was an all-state honorable mention selection and the Apollos’ defensive player of the year last spring. This spring, he’s led a defense that has allowed just 5.3 goals per game, with 44 ground balls and 33 caused turnovers through late April. “He’s a multisport athlete who brings elite athleticism and toughness to the defensive unit,” said coach Chad Stelling. “Blake excels on the ball and is continually matched up against the best attackmen our opponents can offer.”

Jacob Hutchinson, Jesuit, junior

Hutchinson took last season off from lacrosse to focus on solidifying his starting role at quarterback for the Crusaders football team. He decided to turn out this spring, and coach Michael Marcott entrusted him with taking on the opponent’s best attacker. Hutchinson also has 18 ground balls and 10 caused turnovers through late April. “His defensive IQ and skill are hard for anyone to compete against,” Marcott said.

Harrison Jennrich, Bend/Caldera, junior

Jennrich, a first-team all-High Desert selection who is pursuing nomination to the US Naval Academy, leads the Lava Bears defense with 49 ground balls and 10 caused turnovers through late April. He also has chipped in two goals and two assists in the attack.

Evan Kuroski, Sunset, senior

Kuroski forms a formidable 1-2 defensive wall with Blake Hurley for a unit that has allowed just 5.3 goals per game, including 28 during a recent eight-game win streak. Kuroski has committed to play for Illinois Wesleyan. “Evan continues to be a true leader and ambassador for our program and for our sport,” coach Chad Stelling said. “His quiet, lead-by-example demeanor is balanced with a ferocious and insatiable appetitive to compete and win.”

Alexander L'Hommedieu, Lincoln, senior

While younger brother Benjamin scores the goals, Alexander’s job is to prevent them — a job he did well for last year’s Cascade Cup champion, when he earned first-team all-Columbia League honors. This spring, the Oberlin College commit has 60 ground balls and 33 caused turnovers. “Alexander is the hardest worker on the team,” said coach Adrian Macalalad. “He puts all his passion into his play and leads by how hard he goes every play. If the ball is on the carpet, we know Alexander will come away with it.”

Hudson Lewis, Jesuit, junior

Lewis has stepped in after the graduation of all-state defensemen Michael Rincon and Aiden LeBlanc to anchor the Crusaders’ back line. The University of Vermont commit has 11 ground balls and 15 caused turnovers through late April for a defense that allows fewer than six goals per game. “Hudson has taken a huge step forward in his junior year, helping lead a tough-nosed defense,” said coach Michael Marcott. “He is routinely the most physical defender on the field and one of the loudest leaders of the team.”

Kael Loun, West Linn, senior

Loun, a first-team all-state selection as a junior, played a key role in the Lions' 11-2 start, helping them allow just 77 goals (5.9 per game). He has committed to Le Moyne College in New York.

Jackson Nichols, Jesuit, senior

Nichols committed to Marquette University this spring, but before then, the honorable mention all-Metro defender will continue to be an active force on the Crusaders back line. “Jackson is all coaches’ dream in a defender,” said coach Michael Marcott. “He is tall and can cover so much space on the field. There is no matchup that Jackson doesn't attack with full intensity.”

Kaden Silva, Canby, junior

Silva was an honorable mention all-Three Rivers selection last season and has become the Cougars’ primary lockdown defender. He had 22 caused turnovers, 15 ground balls and two goals through late April. “A leader of the defense who guards the other team’s best attackman,” coach Trey Bellmore said.

Goalies

Ashton Cavender, West Albany, senior

Cavender has played all over for the Bulldogs during his career. He was a first-team all-North Valley goaltender as a sophomore during the COVID-shortened 2021 season, then moved to the attack last spring, when he was again a first-team all-conference selection. He moved back in net this season, and through late April, he had a .652 save percentage (137 saves) to go with 28 ground balls — and he’s even scored three goals. “Ashton has been a natural leader on this team all four years,” said his coach and father, Matt Cavender. “He coaches up and keeps the team going in difficult situations.”

Logan Corley, Canby, sophomore

Corley, an honorable mention all-Three Rivers selection last spring as a freshman, had a 70 save percentage through the first half of the season for the Cougars. “His future is super bright and is only getting better,” coach Trey Bellmore said.

Lucas Dieter, Grant, senior

Dieter was a second-team all-state selection a year ago and helped the Generals get off to a 13-4 start this season, during which they allowed just 88 goals.

Carson Nashem, Summit, junior

Nashem was a first-team all-High Desert selection a year ago who through 12 games this spring had a 63 save percentage (117 saves) and had chipped in a goal and an assist in attack. Storm coach Luke Hansen said that Nashem “has the potential to be the best player on the field in any game, which he showcased earlier this year vs. Lake Oswego (a 10-9 victory). Carson checks all the boxes required to be a quality goalkeeper.”

Keegan Putney, Sunset, freshman

Putney arrived at Sunset with club team honors galore (ADVNC National Development Program, Nike National, West Coast Starz) and took over in net this spring. He’s hardly looked like a freshman, posting a 4.66 goals against average and 61 save percentage against in-state opponents, with wins over the Nos. 3, 4, 5 and 10 teams in the rankings. “An outstanding freshman campaign for one of the best goalie prospects on the West Coast,” said coach Chad Stelling. “He consistently makes high-level, timely saves and delivers the ball with precision in the clearing game.”

JT Sildorff, West Salem, senior

Sildorff made the all-North Valley honorable mention list last spring and this season backstopped the Titans to an 8-2 start with 88 saves in 10 games, allowing 7.3 goals per game. He also sings in the choir and plays bass in multiple band ensembles.

Brady Smith, Jesuit, junior

Smith backstopped the Crusaders to their first state championship last spring, and this season, the honorable mention all-state selection and Hobart College commit had 82 saves and a 56 save percentage as they extended their win streak against in-state opposition to 24 games. “Brady is a big leader in net for his team,” coach Michael Marcott said. “He is an athletic and explosive goalie who routinely makes difficult saves. He understands defense at a high level and is the true quarterback of the defense in front of him.”