James, Ivancevic Lead Stout USA Select U16 Defense in Brogden Cup

SPARKS, Md. — Two of the most exciting defensive prospects in the recruiting class of 2026 have made their presence known at the Brogden Cup.

Defenseman Jayden James and long-stick midfielder Jake Ivancevic are two major reasons the USA Select U16 boys’ team has allowed just seven goals combined in three games, including a 10-0 shutout of Team Ontario on Saturday at USA Lacrosse’s Tierney Field.

James, the St. Johns (D.C.) and Next Level standout rated by Inside Lacrosse as the top defenseman in the class, directed traffic and caused three turnovers in the game. In USA’s stiffest test of the weekend — an 8-5 win over the Haudenosaunee on Friday — it was James’ over-the-head strip of an opponent near midfield that allowed the U.S. to maintain a one-goal lead going into the fourth quarter.

Ivancevic, the Benjamin School (Fla.) and Team 91 Long Island long-stick midfielder who was the MVP of the NLF National Championship in July, made a juice play of his own Friday when he intercepted a clearing pass at midfield and parted the Red Sea to score against Ontario. He’s also a key member of a faceoff unit that has been dominant through two days.

“A shutout isn’t easy,” Ivancevic said. “Playing teams from Canada, they don’t play like other teams around the country, the way they move around the crease. We’re all communicating.”

James is the centerpiece of that communication.

“Just making sure we’re talking off ball, having conversations,” he said. “It’s not just who’s hot, who’s two. We’re talking the whole time. Who’s next? Who’s after that? Whos’ on ball? Off the field, we’re just having fun and building chemistry early.”

It’s been a whirlwind summer and fall for the duo. Following their impressive performances on the tournament circuit, each committed to Division I college programs. James chose Syracuse, announcing his decision Sept. 17.

“I don’t have the pressure of knowing people are watching me anymore,” he said. “I can just play my game now, not worry about anything else and just go out there and have fun.”

Ivancevic waited more than a month after recruiting contact began before making his choice. He committed to Brown just last week.

“A lot more confident,” he said. “All the weight off your shoulders. To just go out and play with your boys, it’s the best time ever.”

Their circles expanded when they made the USA Select team coming out of the National Team Development Program Combine at the end of July.

“I really want to play on the USA team when I’m older,” James said. “Just being in the circuit early, getting to know everyone makes it much easier when you get older. I know the process already.”

USA Lacrosse added a sixes development camp to the NTDP schedule this fall, a unique opportunity for the U16 and U18 players to learn the 6v6 discipline of lacrosse that will be played in the 2028 Olympics.

There are no long sticks, however. USA Select U16 co-head coach Michael Gongas noted Ivancevic as the converted pole who looked the most comfortable with a shorty in his hands — and as one of the athletes with the highest ceilings in this NTDP collection.

“It was more feet, less stick,” Ivancevic said. “The second I picked my pole back up, it felt a lot easier.”

“It’s quite an adjustment,” James added. “I found myself getting my footwork better because I didn’t have the extra three feet of stick.”

Amy Markwort, manager of the National Team Development Program, said the September sixes camp reflected USA Lacrosse’s commitment to its athletes.

“We fulfilled our development promise,” she said. “They all wanted to come back. They felt like they were part of a pipeline. They could see the end game.”

For now, the end game is finishing the Brogden Cup unbeaten. The USA Select U18 boys’ team handled its business as well Saturday night, defeating Team Ontario 8-2 behind a hat trick by Alex Ponchock.

“I’ve done club, I’ve done high school. But nothing really compares to this,” Ivancevic said. “I heard great things about it. To represent the red, white and blue, there’s nothing better.”