Lehberg, Azelby Among Western Standouts at Adrenaline High Rollers

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(Photos by Austen Doster/Adrenaline, full event album can be found here.)

Inside Lacrosse Article written by Geoff Shannon (Original source can be found here.)

More than 100 top lacrosse recruits gathered in sunny San Diego for the annual Adrenaline High Rollers event this weekend. A bevy of top players came together on eight different teams, showcasing both top-tier lacrosse skills and quality athletic talent. Here’s a look at some of the top standouts according to IL. Check out full evaluations on the event’s page.

Joseph DeDonatis | 2021 | M | Sante Fe Christian School (Calif.) | SoCal Bulls
He was the player of the weekend. DeDonatis looked great Saturday, then had a High Rollers best performance Sunday with at least five goals scored in one game while helping his squad, the Raiders finish undefeated. DeDonatis keeps his head up, moves with purpose and has a tremendous right-handed shot that finds the cage with authority. There’s no hesitation when he lets it rip. His shot is potent anywhere from the top of the box to right GLE. If he adds a left he’ll be doubly dangerous.

Xander Welty | 2021 | M | Brophy Prep (Ariz.) | True National
Asolid athlete who runs superbly the middle of the field. He drives down hill well, attacking the right side with purpose. His shots weren’t falling this weekend — some more time and focus on perfecting that shot on the run will only help. He also showed versatility playing on the wing.

Colton Lehberg | 2022 | FO | Santa Fe Christian (Calif.) | RC Legends/Team 12
Best of show among the face-off midfielders at the event. Lehberg showcased both good techniques on draw and strong center of gravity and leverage off groundballs. Figuring out strong moves after winning the groundball, and working with his teammates more consistently will be his next development steps.

Logan Ip | 2022 | M | Corona Del Mar (Calif.) | Mad Dog
Had an excellent Saturday; what he did showcase during his time was impressive. Strong righty shot on the run, good athleticism especially driving down the left lane  and the ability to rip off goals in spurts.

Joe Azelby | 2021 | LSM/D | Eastlake HS (Wash.) | West Coast Starz
A fascinating player who showcased playing LSM, close defense and some wing. He communicates loudly and with purpose, can force caused turnovers against the right opponent and gets moving in transition quickly. He liked to take shots on cage, which was fun to watch, but his best moments were when he wasn’t worried about offense but instead did the little things like scoop groundballs and lead clears.

Luke Jones | 2021 | Blue Valley Southwest (Kansas) | Team KC Lacrosse/Midwest Top Gun
Quick, fast lefty attackman who worked his side of the cage well. Drove to the cage smartly, found space often and was able to change plains deftly for quality shot opportunities. He’s still growing so expect him to become more physical as time goes on.

Cade Ebbers | 2021 | Midfield, La Costa Canyon (Calif.) | So Cal Bulls 
One of the standout athletes at the event. Ebbers played from the top of the box, and showcased a strong dodge and quick step to space, where he was able to rip off a strong right-handed shot scoring multiple goals. He’ll need to add more to his arsenal as time moves on but the physical talent is there.

Gage T. Adams | 2021 | A | Lake Washington (Wash.) | Seattle Starz
Adams was one of the top lefty attackmen at this year’s High Rollers event. Does all the little things around the cage to contribute, including moving in space, attacking from behind and setting up teammates for opportunities.

Sam Cooper | 2022 | G | Santa Fe Christian (Calif.) | West Coast Starz
In an event like this you’re looking for a goalie who can build good communication quickly with his teammates while also being able to hold the line against a barrage of shots. Cooper did well, standing tall against shots from center to right GLE. Like it when a goalie doesn’t flinch.

Ryan Craig | 2021 | A | Mission Hills (Calif.) | SoCal Bulls
Strong righty shooter who was doing good things running through the box during his time on offense. Works smartly on the inside, and knows what the best shot angle is, even if it’s behind his head.