The defensive group is headlined by two Lake Forest long poles in Danny Van Camp and Marty Hipple, who were dominant on their way to last season’s state title. Following Van Camp and Hipple, the rest of the group is full of elite athletes and defenders who will have a shot at any of the All-State lists and will be dominating forces on the field all season long.

• Danny Van Camp – Lake Forest – Yale

Headed to Yale in the fall, Van Kamp is perhaps the highest-profile commit in the state since Nate Schwitzenberg went to Notre Dame. Van Kamp has a rare blend of size and speed that has made him the undisputed leader of Lake Forest’s championship defense. Van Kamp will reprise his role as the leader of Lake Forest’s defense this season and is a near shoo-in for a spot on the All-State list this coming season.

• Ian Schniezlein – New Trier

Schniezlein uses his elite speed and length to make plays all over the field for New Trier. With New Trier looking poised to have their best season since their last run at the state title, Schniezlein promises to play a pivotal role in the Trevians’ success this season. Make sure to keep an eye on Schniezlein as he anchors the defense for what should promise to be a resurgent New Trier team.

• Ethan Angst – St. Viator- Quinnipiac

Despite being perhaps the smallest player on the list, Angst makes up for it with his game. Angst is highly skilled and can make a variety of plays with his stick while also locking down the top offensive threat on the opposing team. St. Viator has never been known for its defense, but Angst is looking to lead a group that changes that narrative this season. Look out for Angst to launch into his college career at Quinnipiac with a huge senior season for a hungry St. Viator team.

• Marty Hipple – Lake Forest

Hipple is the kind of player that coaches dream of. He rarely makes mistakes, is in all of the right spots, and is sure-handed on ground balls. Despite Danny Van Kamp being the big name on Lake Forest’s defense, Hipple is still a major part of the Scouts’ success on defense, and there should be room for two All-State defenders on Lake Forest’s defense this season.

• Reece Katzenberger – Lake Zurich

A strong fundamental defender, Katzenberger is also an imposing physical force for Lake Zurich this season. Many around the state feel that Lake Zurich is going to make some serious noise this season, and with Katzenberger leading the way on defense, they should be a difficult

Honorable Mention

Gunnar Higdon (St. Viator), Owen Janson (Glenbrook South), Bart Bouchelion (Hinsdale Central),