CORY MULL

CMULL@NEWS-PRESS.COM

Tagg Toscano scored 29 goals and handed out 38 assists for the Bishop Verot lacrosse team in 2016

Toscano was one of eight SWFL lacrosse players invited to the Brine National Lacrosse Classic

The opportunity to play college lacrosse is right in front of Tagg Toscano, and the Bishop Verot rising senior knows it.

There will be 126 college lacrosse programs scouting approximately 800 players at the Brine National Lacrosse Classic from July 19-22 in Richmond, Virginia.

Toscano will be one of 400 players in the Class of 2017 and 2018 division competing among 16 teams in a busy tournament field featuring some of the nation’s top talent.

He’s among eight players from Southwest Florida, including rising sophomore teammate Nicholas Brasacchio, and 58 from Florida who were invited.

To some, that may sound nerve-wracking. But Toscano says he understands the situation.

“Many of us are underlooked as lacrosse players,” Toscano said. “So for me to go up there and showcase my skills in front of kids from other states, in front of college coaches that will be attending, it’s definitely an honor.”

Toscano first had to qualify. The 5-foot-8, 140-pound attacker registered for a Brine Lacrosse Series tryout in May at the University of Tampa.

His performance whittled him down to a roster of 40 players, and he was among about 20 players who were eventually invited to the national tournament.

“These types of tournaments are really what the recruiting process is all about,” Bishop Verot coach Gary Neese said. “College coaches sometimes don’t have the time to watch kids in the spring, so that’s what these tournaments are all about.

“Most of your lacrosse players who are interested in competing at the next level are doing these camps.”

Toscano scored 29 goals and handed out 38 assists in 20 games during his junior campaign.

Neese says what he likes most about Toscano his versatility. As a left-handed midfielder, he presents a mismatch for most defenders. But he also provides good stick skills with both hands, speed on the wing and a formidable shot.

“That’s something in our area of Southwest Florida that you don’t see a lot of,” Neese said. “Players who can use both hands are going to be those players who stand out.”

Toscano says he’s not going to treat the tournament much differently then he would a regular-season game.

“It’s another lacrosse game for me,” he said. “I play for the love of the game, for my passion and for just playing with teammates. Hopefully, coaches will see that, and I’ll get a chance to be recruited to play in college.”

Lacrosse recruiting is a bit more difficult in Florida, though. Much of the prestige and coverage is focused in Northeastern states, Toscano said, and as a player it’s harder for coaches to see your ability.

Toscano has sent his highlights to a handful of coaches, but over this critical offseason between his junior and senior years, he’s also focused on playing in front of the right people.

He is a member of Team 22 Lacrosse Club, and has been coached by former professional lacrosse player Casey Powell, who starred at Syracuse University and went on to captain the United States men’s national team in 2006 at the World Lacrosse Championships.

Toscano said he draws inspiration from Powell, but ultimately wants to find the right fit as he searches to continue his own career.

It starts first with the National Lacrosse Classic.

“I think for a player from Southwest Florida, I think it says a lot about his abilities that he’s going to the northeast and playing with the country’s top players,” Bishop Verot assistant coach Jason Edwards said. “As a coach, you get really excited to see that type of growth. Tagg can be one of those players.”

The Brine National Lacrosse Classic

About: A national tournament bringing nearly 800 prospects to Richmond, Virginia for four days of action on the field in front of over 100 college lacrosse programs.

Locals attending

Jesse Ball, Class of 2017, midfielder, Gulf Coast

Nathan Elgin, Class of 2017, midfielder, Gulf Coast

Tagg Toscano, Class of 2017, midfielder, Bishop Verot

Nicholas Brasacchio, Class of 2018, defense, Bishop Verot

Brennen Gelinas, Class of 2019, midfielder, Fort Myers

DB Lowden, Class of 2019, attacker, Fort Myers

Peyton Mitchell, Class of 2019, defense, Fort Myers

Tyler Purse, Class of 2019, midfielder, Fort Myers