Baltimore Sun reporter Glenn Graham picks the boys lacrosse players who are worth keeping an eye on this season.
AJ Barretto
St. Paul's, goalie, senior
The Crusaders have the luxury of knowing exactly what they will get in the cage: all the saves that should be made — plus some that are dazzling and game-changing — quality clears and vocal leadership. A three-year starter and captain, Barretto (Army) stopped 62 percent of the shots that came his way and had 181 saves last season.
Scott Bruner
Howard, attackman, senior
Claiming the Howard County championship and reaching the Class 4A-3A title game, the Lions enjoyed a breakthrough 2014 season and Bruner (Siena) was the catalyst on attack. A three-year starter and four-year varsity player, Bruner (98 career goals) can score from anywhere, bringing a lethal shot from the outside and crafty moves closer to the goal.
Craig Chick
South River, defenseman, senior
Pivotal in the Seahawks' run to the Class 4A-3A state title last season as a long-pole midfielder, Chick (Lehigh) likely will take his versatile skills to close defense this season to solidify the back. One of three area underclassmen to earn All America status from US Lacrosse, he plays the game smart and fast with fine instincts and a nonstop approach.
Robert Clark
McDonogh, attackman, senior
Having lost three of their top four scorers from last season, the Eagles will look to Clark (Georgetown) as their primary threat on attack. He's more than qualified. The four-year starter can score and distribute, as evidenced by his 22-goal, 28-assist junior season.
Ryan Conrad
Loyola Blakefield, midfielder, senior
The area's most dominating player, Conrad (Virginia) can affect a game a number of ways at his midfield spot with his skillful and rugged play. Ranked by Inside lacrosse as the No. 1 recruit of the class of 2015 since his sophomore year, the four-year starter takes 134 career points (71 goals, 63 assists) into his senior season.
Carter Flaig
St. Paul's, attackman, senior
A four-year starter, Flaig (36 goals, 31 assists last season) has developed into one of the area's most consistent attackmen with fine dodging skills and good vision. With 196 career points, Flaig (Princeton) is 50 short of breaking 1998 graduate Conor Gill's mark of 245 to become the program's all-time career leader.
Timmy Kelly
Calvert Hall, attackman, senior
The area's most dangerous offensive threat is highly skilled, explosive and gritty — a combination that sets a tremendous pace for the Cardinals attack. In earning All-Metro first-team honors as a junior, Kelly (North Carolina) produced 48 goals and 39 assists despite playing most of the season with a cracked rib. He has 178 points in his first three varsity seasons.
Chad Patterson
Westminster, defenseman, senior
A four-year varsity player, Patterson (Towson) has all the assets found in a quality close defenseman. He's smart with positioning; uses his skill, quick feet, size and strength as an excellent takeaway defender; and makes quick decisions on slides and double teams. Also, the ball always is safe in Patterson's stick with his effective clears.
Patrick Spencer
Boys' Latin, attackman, senior
After graduating a stellar class from last year's perfect season, the Lakers will lean on Spencer (Loyola Maryland) as he's primed to build on his 30-goal, 30-assist junior season. Also the point guard for the Lakers basketball team, he's a naturally gifted athlete who, at 6 feet 3, uses skill and impeccable game sense to run the offense.
Alex Woodall
St. Mary's, midfielder, senior
Possession is a valuable commodity, and the strong and crafty Woodall (High Point) provides it with his dominating work at the faceoff X for the Saints. Last season, he won draws at a 72 percent clip to earn All-Metro second-team honors. He continually creates momentum for the Saints and deters opponents'.
Other notables
Addison Abramson, Franklin
Matt Baxter, Glenelg
Ryan Bell, Archbishop Curley
Connor Benhoff, Dulaney
Ben Bittner, Hereford
Robby Black, McDonogh
Gary Bodden, Winters Mill
Jake Bowling, John Carroll
Pat Brennan, Chesapeake-AA
Shane Brookhart, Mount Hebron
Casey Brown, Havre de Grace
Jon Canepa, C. Milton Wright
Brad Casale, Bel Air
Bryan Costabile, Mount Saint Joseph
Hunter Davis, Westminster
Brian Decker, River Hill
Nick Esser, Fallston
Cody Ford, Howard
Alex Gipe, Century
Mitch Gordon, St. Paul's
Jack Halpert, Gilman
Timmy Hardy, St. Mary's
Henry Hill, Annapolis
Adam Howard, City
Ted Kasper, Friends
Grant Maloof, South River
Dylan Mansur, South River
Andy Matthews, Gilman
Blake McDermott, South Carroll
Alex McGovern, St. Paul's
Burke, McManus, Dulaney
Billy Nolan, Arundel
Bilal Omar, Edmondson
Tyler Perreten, Severn
Matt Pezzella, Archbishop Curley
Jack Pezzulla, Boys' Latin
Alex Roesner, Loyola Blakefield
Gunnar Schmolar, South River
Devin Shewell, Boys' Latin
Jacob Stover, McDonogh
Ryan Troxell, Westminster
Brett Wilson, Havre de Grace
Kevin Wilson, Centennial