2018 STANDOUTS FROM NXT PHILLY FRESHMAN SHOWCASE

by Casey Vock, editor 3d Rising

Emmett Jones, Defense, Lakeridge (Ore.)/3d Oregon, 2018

Jones has looked better each weekend this fall, and from where I stood, he was one of the best overall defenders competing Saturday. He’s a good-sized specimen who’s playing club ball for Upstate New York native/West Genesee alum Bill Gleason, who heads up 3d Oregon. Matched against one of the few committed 2018 attackman, Jones took the ball away from his man with a hard slap check as the player brought his stick across his body. Jones was in position to get the groundball, but when the same player came right back at him, Jones again took it away, essentially knocking the stick out of his hands and getting the ball himself. He’s very smooth snagging groundballs, showing an excellent stick and using it well as he grabbed the ball and strode up the field. He’s athletic and lean, but shows strength too. He’s got range that, when combined with his excellent stick work, makes him dangerous guarding the ball and with the ball in his stick. His footwork is solid, and I didn’t see him once get beat. I’m not sure there was a defender who looked more natural coming up the field and carrying the ball than Jones. He is as good if not better than you’re hearing.

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Emmett Jones, D, 3d Pacific / Lakeridge (Ore.) – As steady as they come, Jones is a monster who has an awesome lefty stick that often puts the ball on the ground, a quality paired with superb footwork and position play. In addition, he’s great off the ground and on the clear, proving to be an absolute force for the 3d squad. I would bet that some of the nation’s best colleges will try and gobble him up soon.