🔥 CORE GPT Evaluation
ATHLETE: James Holbrough
POSITION: Attack
CLASS: 2027
HT/WT: 6’0” | 175 lbs
COMMITTED: North Carolina
RANK: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | #3 Overall (’27)
CLUB: SweetLax Upstate
HS: Berkshire (MA)
PLAYER ORIGIN: Rochester, NY
⚙️ PHASE 1: TECHNICAL SKILLSET
“Elite creativity meets surgical execution — Holbrough’s stick is a paintbrush and the crease is his canvas.”
✔️ Core Skill Profile
- Finisher IQ: Uses deception, foot fakes, and cage angles to beat elite goalies in tight space.
- Hands in Traffic: Compact, fluid cradle under pressure; excels in box-style manipulations.
- Off-Ball IQ: Finds soft spots effortlessly and redirects defenders with movement fakes.
- Vision & Feeds: Next-level passer out of X — sees seams early and delivers on time.
- Footwork & Balance: Explosive steps combined with elite hip/shoulder separation.
🧠 Scout Lens:
Holbrough blends box lacrosse discipline with field lacrosse explosiveness. His 48G/38A line at Berkshire shows he’s both a volume scorer and distribution threat — rare in attackers at this stage.
🧠 PHASE 2: IQ + SYSTEM FIT
“James plays chess at 100mph. Every dodge, step, and pass is rooted in anticipation and intent.”
🔎 Processing Skills
- Reads Slides: Attacks leverage points pre-slide; immediately adjusts on delayed rotation.
- Play Anticipation: Diagnoses 2‑3 seconds ahead of defenders; hits cutters in rhythm.
- Game Flow Awareness: Knows when to speed up, settle, and attack mismatch lanes.
📈 System Fit Projection:
- UNC’s motion-based high-IQ attack will maximize his 2-man game and X-position skillset.
- Would also thrive in Princeton-style hybrid systems that reward creativity and constant off-ball reads.
🧠 Coach Insight:
ACC-level defensive coordinators will need to plan around him, not just match up with him.
💪 PHASE 3: ATHLETIC PROFILE
“What makes James dangerous isn’t just burst — it’s how he shifts tempo mid-dodge.”
🏃 Speed & Agility
- First Step Quickness: Deadly off X — opens space with rocker steps and hesitation bursts.
- Change of Direction: Clean lateral transitions, often untrackable in tight coverage.
- Contact Balance: Maintains core integrity through slides and checks.
📏 Body Projection
- Frame supports muscle growth without losing twitch. With 1–2 years of ACC strength training, Holbrough projects at 185 lbs with high mobility retention.
🧠 Physical Comp:
Think a younger Joey Spallina with smoother glide steps and tighter finishing angles.
💯 PHASE 4: CORE MENTALITY
“You don’t develop this kind of confidence without countless hours of reps and rejection.”
💡 Mental Traits
- Swagger Under Control: Commands respect without overplaying — brings silent intensity.
- Reps Mentality: Stick skill refinement is clearly obsessive — game reps mimic drills.
- Clutch Factor: Delivers in momentum shifts and tight game windows.
📖 Leadership Arc:
- Could be a vocal QB-style leader in college locker rooms
- Trusted finisher and feeder means he holds trust of both attack line and midfielders
🚦 CORE GPT PROJECTION TRACK
AREACURRENTCEILINGStickworkD1 ReadyPro-Level CreativityIQ/ReadsACC ImpactAll-American PotentialPhysical FrameDevelopingTop-Tier D1 BodyMental EdgeD1 ConfidentProgram Cornerstone
🧱 DEVELOPMENTAL TRIGGERS (Next Steps)
🔧 Trigger🔑 DetailAdd 10–12 lbs lean muscleTo absorb physical ACC defenders + improve shot velocityFilm Study vs ACC SlidesPreparation for faster recovery + zone disguisesQuick release under contactMimic late shot clock and man-down scenariosMulti-angle finishing drillsUnbalanced hands, backhand flicks, jump shots
🔥 COACH QUOTE (CORE GPT)
“Holbrough is a problem from X. He’ll break down your best pole, punish the slide, and still have the composure to hit the skip pass with pace. He’s got ACC flow, box IQ, and a wired competitive edge.”
— Coach A, CORE GPT Founder
🧠 CORE REFLECTION PROMPT
“What part of your game makes others better—and how can you elevate that even more?”
Write it. Own it. Build from it.
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