Who are some players to watch out for in the c/o 2027? Seems to be a pretty heavy talent drop from the 25/26 classes.
To mention just 14 players from the Class of 2027:
James Love - goalie, Citrus Valley
Morgan Crichton – goalie, Mater Dei
Jett Taylor – center defender, Cathedral Catholic
Nate Greenberg – center defender/attacker, Archie Williams
Harry Safaris – center defender/center, Harvard Westlake
Richard Runge - center defender, Los Gatos
Braylen Axline – center/attacker, Cathedral Catholic
Logan McGann – center, Santa Margarita
Eamon Bruhn - LH attacker, Cathedral Catholic
Dexter Black – LH attacker, La Jolla
Will Maguy – attacker, Campolindo
Gates Gamble – attacker, Sacred Heart
Ellis Culleton – attacker, Campolindo
Brady Hassett - attacker, Miramonte
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@Waterpolocoach Were you talking boys or girls?
I was talking about the boys.
This may be duplicative to Jeff’s post
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And these lists. Look at the 10th graders
It is an evergreen topic! Intuitively, it makes sense, though. These ‘27’s are rising juniors and the players to watch are typically composed of two groups: players that had somewhat limited exposure, because they’re in elite programs and were, understandably, ceding time to older players, that are themselves elite; and the other (smaller?) group getting earlier opportunities to lead/produce in spaces that generates elite talent more intermittently. Either way, as they all step on to bigger stages, they continue to develop into players that look a lot like those immediately ahead of them!
Which highlights an observation I had from this year’s (Boys) JOs: the depth and breadth of the level of play has noticeably increased - across age groups. Perhaps this is for a different thread, but will likely be playing itself out over the next few years wrt recruiting.
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Is 2027 talent only based upon ODP? I think there are kids in elite programs who are overlooked but will stand out in their junior year.
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There are plenty of elite kids who don’t do ODP for a variety of reasons. But the kids who are active in the ODP pipeline definitely have an advantage as some of the elite colleges only recruit from ODP.
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In my opinion, ODP has nothing to do with it.
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One says “only” and another “nothing.” To paraphrase Abraham Lincoln, one must be but both may be wrong. I suspect ODP does provide some indicator of players to watch.
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ODP can be expensive. Many players selected are picked by club their coaches that do the ODP camps. I think good players are passed over and overlooked year over year even if they improve. They keep doing OPD and paying for it. I am not a coach, but haven’t been impressed with the recent selections. I have heard it’s a rolling spreadsheet and new players are rarely added. Many athletes peak at 16, and may not be noticed at 14., ODP does their picks early and keeps the rosters.
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Respectfully, I don’t think the intimation was that only the 2027 National Team kids are the ones to watch. With only a few kids on those teams relative to the available spots, it makes intuitive sense that others will certainly be “Top Recruits”.
I would view it more as a jumping off point. Historically, (most) kids on the National Team go on to play college polo and given their experience, demonstrated commitment and yes, exposure, they will garner attention for the highest level college polo programs. Just look at class of 2025 and there are plenty of recruits that are not on the National Teams!
Nonetheless, I would say the Venn diagram of elite HS polo players and ODP/NTSC/NT participation is very high.
Personally, I’d love to hear about some of these other players to watch!
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I would like to hear about some of the others as well. Can someone make a list of the top players including those not involved in ODP?
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I’m confused. You want other people to create a list for you and you’re not happy with the lists already given to you because one of the 3 is from ODP? You didn’t even say “please” or “thank you.”
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Not how I meant to come across at all. I was just wondering if anyone wanted to make one for everyone. I’m happy with the engagement on this thread and the lists provided.
ChatGPT stole Jeff’s post. So much for your IP. Thankfully, it added the location and “HS” for the schools 
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If ChatGPT is going to steal, at least it is smart enough to steal from the best.
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Most on this list are on ODP teams/camps or National teams and were selected early, by age 14.
Thomas Kirchner of Notre Dame HS is an underrated player
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