We're just a month away from September 1st where colleges can then contact lacrosse prospects in the class of 2025. Long Island is filled with 2025 talent across the board and I will be breaking down prospects that will instantly make a program better. Here are a few underrated players, a couple of star athletes and more! Part 2 comes out soon.
Alex Ruddy- (St Anthony's) Ruddy was a big part of one of the greatest junior varsity teams ever assembled this past spring at St Anthony’s. He has a cannon of a right handed shot but where Ruddy thrives is unsettled situations. Ruddy seemed to always be the beneficiary as both a passer and a feeder. He was a terrific dodger off ball movement as well, Ruddy is great in transition and as a downhill dodger. I loved the fact that he made an impact in so many areas this spring, he was effective on the wing, as an inside guy and showed he could play defense as well.
Blake Cascadden- (Garden City) One of the best pure athletes in this class here on Long Island. I saw him at the LILJ 2025 all star game and he was a clearing machine. He’s an exciting between the lines player with a lot of toughness. Cascadden will get you ground balls, clear it with ease and also deliver some great defense. I’m expecting him to be a great two way midfielder for Garden City in the future, and he has Division 1 level athleticism. I’d expect him to get a bunch of calls on September 1st.
Richie Metzger- (Carey) Metzger is a big game player and that’s what you love in a goalie. This spring he posted a 62% save percentage and he had the game winning save for Carey in their upset win over Syossst. Metzger has quick hands and terrific fundamentals in net. His underrated athleticism is accompanied by his leadership skills. He’s led a terrific Igloo Northface Defense for multiple years now. He’s the type of goalie that will be All County next season and is an All Long Island Caliber net minder by the end of his high school career.
Peter Gerbasi- (Chaminade) Some of the best wing play from an LSM you’ll see. Gerbasi is groundball machine and he successfully cleared the ball a ton for the Flyers during the spring. The Chaminade product throws hard and accurate checks to cause turnovers. He’s a good 1v1 defender but what I loved about him was how he’d cause turnovers right after the faceoff. Gerbasi hounds the opposition and he’s certainly one of the stronger and more physical players in this class. He’s not the flashiest LSM, but he does his job and is nightmare to beat 1 on 1. Look for him to gain plenty of attention.
Anthony Raio- (Hills) He had the best high school season out of any sophomore on Long Island. Raio stepped up for a young Hills team and made them contenders in Suffolk Class A. He registered 90 points and he was one of the best dodgers on Long Island. Whether it was dodging down the alley or getting right handed sweeps, he was making it look easy. His quick and smooth release, along with the velocity on his shot terrorized goalies in the spring. Raio also made smart decisions and set up teammates. He’s a prototype high level division 1 midfielder with size, speed and exceptional goal scoring ability.
Gary Merril- (St Anthony's) After this summer some people think Merril is the top midfielder in the entire 2025 class and I don’t blame them. He helped Team 91 Shock to a national championship and he’s everything you want in a number one midfielder. He has good size at 6’1 170 and his athleticism and dodging versatility is special. Getting his hands free was never a struggle and Merril is an elite two handed shooter on the run. There there were very few players in the nation that were able stay with him this summer. Look for Merril to be an elite goal scorer for St Anthony’s the next two years
Tyler Strohm- (Comsewogue) The Comsewogue defender has ridiculous measurables for a 2025 prospect. Listed at 6’5 and 215 pounds, Strohm is one of the biggest defenders on the island. He’s an intriguing prospect as when I’ve seen him in person I liked his stick skills a lot. Strohm did a great job picking up GB’s and was terrific at handling the ball. He made great passes and was able to move the ball well, and he threw some solid stick checks. Once his footwork and lateral quickness get better over time, we’re looking at a legit defender at the next level. His ceiling is extremely high, I think coaches will love working with Strohm.
Derek Busking (West Islip) What statement Busking made this spring, he registered 41 goals and played a huge role in West Islip’s Suffolk County Championship. His first step and explosiveness made him so difficult to guard. He was excellent working from X, Busking constantly created separation which allowed him to score and dish out the rock. I loved his ability to catch and finish along with being the initiator and finding cutters inside. He’s listed at 5’8 150 but he plays bigger than he is, Busking finished through contact a ton and he’s an overall hard nosed attackman with a ton of skill.
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