Well, then pay for club lax. I'm sure his HS coach won't hold it against him. (Actually, I'm not at all sure about that.)

Maybe pay for Express and send him to Chaminade or St. Anthony's (if he gets in). Then, you can keep paying Express even after he gets in, because that's the way it works at some places (but only if you want your son to actually get playing time).

Or, he can play with his friends on the middle school team for nothing and be a stand out and impress his low-ranked HS coaches.

Or maybe do both.