2024 Players Top 50, Nos. 50-41: Two rookies, three Redwoods
By PLL Beat Writers | Dec 13, 2024
50. Matt Moore, Midfield, Utah Archers
2023 rank: 44th
Moore is the definition of a winner with two PLL titles sitting quite nicely alongside his pair of NCAA championships. Moore’s ability to shoot through any defender in the league makes him a matchup nightmare and a deadly weapon in unsettled offense, while the development of his left hand in recent seasons has made his physical dodging presence that much more imposing. -- Zach Carey
49. Ajax Zappitello, Defense, Maryland Whipsnakes
2023 rank: NR
Much like fellow rookie TJ Malone, Zappitello was expected to be a big-time contributor for the Whipsnakes after being drafted No. 3 overall in 2024. He didn’t disappoint. Drafted largely to help the Whips defend quicker attackmen like Michael Sowers, Zappitello’s excellent footwork and use of angles to navigate picks land him on this list as a rookie. Expect Zappitello, who set the Whipsnakes' single-season caused turnover record with 13, to catapult up this list next year. -- Adam Lamberti
48. Troy Reh, LSM, Carolina Chaos
2023 rank: 50th
Reh is the most underrated player on the Chaos – and possibly the most underrated LSM in the PLL. The two-time All-Star’s ability to pick passes off mid-flight is second to none, and his veteran leadership helps keep the team steady. His nine ground balls and two caused turnovers in Carolina’s quarterfinal matchup against Boston, while holding Marcus Holman scoreless, displayed how elite he is. -- Hayden Lewis
47. Jarrod Neumann, Defense, Carolina Chaos
2023 rank: 46th
Neumann’s ability to eliminate lefty attackman is paramount for Carolina, and he was exceptional at his craft yet again this season. The five-time All-Star didn’t have his best year statistically, but his ability to clamp the lefty attack position is another reason the Chaos had the best defense in the league. -- Hayden Lewis
46. Zach Goodrich, SSDM, Boston Cannons
2023 rank: 29th
Goodrich continued to prove why he’s one of the PLL’s top short-stick defensive midfielders in 2024. A mainstay for the Cannons since his rookie season in 2019, Goodrich brought his trademark intensity and leadership to every game. Whether locking down top offensive threats or jump-starting transition opportunities, he remained a key piece of the Cannons’ defensive unit. -- Sarah Griffin
A Zach Goodrich appreciation post for your feeds. That’s all.
🔒⬇️ @ZachGoodrich pic.twitter.com/bbMfxETNHC
— Boston Cannons (@PLLCannons) October 12, 2022
45. Ryder Garnsey, Attack, California Redwoods
2023 rank: ninth
Garnsey showcased remarkable versatility in 2024, transforming his game from a jaw-dropping goal-scorer to a dynamic facilitator. As defenses consistently shaded or slid early to neutralize his scoring threat, Garnsey took advantage of the newfound attention by elevating his teammates. This adjustment paid off, as he notched 26 points (13G, 1T, 12A), eclipsing the 25-point milestone for the third time in his career. Notably, the 12 assists marked a career high, underscoring his evolution into a playmaker while retaining his reputation as one of the most creative offensive talents in the PLL. -- Jerome Taylor
Ryder Garnsey tosses an absolute DIME to Cole Kirst on the crease 🎯🎯 @PLLRedwoods
(via @PremierLacrosse, ABC) pic.twitter.com/kzfZfyARqe
— TLN 🥍 (@LacrosseNetwork) June 16, 2024
44. Brian Tevlin, SSDM, California Redwoods
2023 rank: NR
When Tevlin was drafted in 2023, he was celebrated as the most versatile player in the class. By 2024, the lacrosse world witnessed some of those versatile traits evolve into elite skills. He became a reliable wing partner for TD Ierlan, showcased his defensive prowess by shutting down Marcus Holman one-on-one with a short stick in clutch time to secure a win in Boston and even played LSM when Chris Fake was sidelined against New York. Tevlin proved indispensable for the Redwoods. No matter the role or circumstance, he delivered. -- Jerome Taylor
👀 Brian Tevlin Full Field Steal @tevlinbrian @PLLRedwoods pic.twitter.com/NO7fc9HcTz
— Premier Lacrosse League (@PremierLacrosse) October 10, 2024
43. Tyler Carpenter, LSM, New York Atlas
2023 rank: NR
Carpenter was called “the human Roomba” all season long for a reason. He picked up 41 ground balls, leading all non-faceoff players — which he also did in his final collegiate season with 66 GBs. He added seven points (4G, 2T, 1A) and six caused turnovers on the year. The rookie out of Duke was the ball boy for Mike Pressler back when he was the head coach in Durham. It’s how Pressler was so familiar with Carpenter’s game and why the Atlas coach and general manager drafted him. A fourth-round pick turned Long-Stick Midfielder of the Year — and Rookie of the Year finalist — Carpenter certainly proved he was the steal of the 2024 College Draft. -- Lauren Merola
42. Ben Randall, Defense, Philadelphia Waterdogs
2023 rank: 42nd
The two-time All-Pro anchored himself as the top cover defenseman for Philadelphia for the past three seasons. Randall finished the 2024 campaign with 17 caused turnovers and 27 ground balls and secured his third consecutive All-Star appearance. -- Paul Lamonaca
a SEASON-HIGH four caused turnovers for ben randall 🗜️👏
#44 out here making ELITE defense look easy 😮💨 pic.twitter.com/12l7tyDySL
— Philadelphia Waterdogs (@PLLWaterdogs) July 30, 2024
41. Jared Conners, LSM, California Redwoods
2023 rank: NR
Conners solidified his case as one of the premier LSMs in the league during the Redwoods’ homecoming weekend in San Diego against Carolina. However, his teammates recognized his talent long before that standout performance, and many were stunned that the Archers willingly traded him in the offseason. During training camp, Romar Dennis even jokingly asked, “Are you a terrible teammate or something? How did we get you? I don't understand why anyone would just give you to us.” Regardless of the Archers' reasoning, the trade was one of the offseason’s best moves. Conners set a career high with 33 ground balls (fourth among non-faceoff specialists) to go along with four caused turnovers and three points (2G, 1A) in 2024. -- Jerome Taylor
🚨POLE GOALLLLL🚨
🚨POLE GOALLLLL🚨
🚨POLE GOALLLLL🚨 pic.twitter.com/3m9Al6HNyA— Premier Lacrosse League (@PremierLacrosse) July 27, 2024