In the South Region, high school lacrosse is largely underway. This is how things stand in the early going.
St. Andrew’s (Fla.) has most of its balance back to defend its state title, earning the top spot in the South Top 10 to begin the spring.
Texas powers Westlake and Dallas Jesuit are primed for big years, earning them nods at Nos. 2 and 3, respectively. No. 4 Blessed Trinity (Ga.) and No. 5 Cardinal Gibbons (N.C.) are also looking to build on last year’s perfect seasons and have potential for more dominance in the months to come.
Continue on to see how the rest of the Top 10 unfolds, and check back every Tuesday beginning March 29 for National Top 25 updates.
Nike/USA Lacrosse High School Rankings
National Boys' Top 25 | National Girls' Top 25
Northeast Boys' Top 10 | Northeast Girls' Top 10
Mid-Atlantic Boys' Top 10 | Mid-Atlantic Girls' Top 10
South Boys' Top 10 | South Girls' Top 10
Midwest Boys' Top 10 | Midwest Girls' Top 10
West Boys' Top 10 | West Girls' Top 10
1. ST. ANDREW’S (FLA.)
After claiming a 2021 state title, the Scots return much of their core from last year’s squad, including long-stick midfielder Sean Jordan. St. Andrew’s welcomes back junior attackman Jack Shulte, last year’s top scorer, and goalie Gunnar Schwarz, who is headed to Navy next season.
2. WESTLAKE (TEXAS)
Westlake struggled to assert itself as one of the top squads in Texas in 2021, compiling a 10-5 record. But the Chapperals enter 2022 with one of the most talented rosters in the region, led by Ethan Burke, the one-time Maryland recruit who has opted to pursue football at the University of Texas. Westlake also has a talented defender, Carter Barksdale, committed to Michigan.
3. DALLAS JESUIT (TEXAS)
The Rangers, coming off a 2021 Texas state title, face one of the toughest schedules in the region. Dallas Jesuit has scheduled out-of-state contests against St. Andrew’s (Fla.) and St. Thomas Aquinas (Fla.) and will face Episcopal School of Dallas (Texas). The Rangers are led by McAllister Hobbs, a senior committed to Penn State, and sophomore scorer Beckett Foley.
4. BLESSED TRINITY (GA.)
It’s hard to top a 25-0 season that culminates in a state title, but the 2022 Titans will do their best. Blessed Trinity has a pair of midfielders set to play at the next level next year — Wilson Van Buren (Georgetown) and Charlie Lohman (Colgate).
5. CARDINAL GIBBONS (N.C.)
Like the Titans, the Crusaders had an undefeated 2021 and finished with a state championship. Cardinal Gibbons benefited from a 42-goal campaign from Caden Zadell, who will play his final high school season before heading to Drexel.
6. HIGHLAND PARK (TEXAS)
The Fighting Scots were just shy of winning a state championship in 2021. Highland Park has one of the top goalies in Texas with junior Ben Abel, who is committed to Loyola. Highland Park’s schedule is highlighted by a home match against St. Stephen’s & St. Agnes (Va.).
7. PONTE VEDRA (FLA.)
The Sharks had their undefeated season snapped last year during the playoffs. This year’s team returns plenty of experience, led by junior midfielder Maddox Johnson. The Denver recruit scored a team-leading 49 goals a year ago. Senior Jack Reed returns after contributing a team-high 20 assists.
8. LOUISVILLE ST. XAVIER (KY.)
The Tigers have won three straight state championships and hope a tough schedule will lead to a four-repeat. St. Xavier has one of the most challenging schedules in the region with contests against Culver Prep (Ind.), Bishop Watterson (Ohio), Cincinnati St. Xavier (Ohio) and Montgomery Bell (Tenn.).
9. MIDDLE CREEK (N.C.)
The Mustangs had their state title aspirations interrupted a season ago by Cardinal Gibbons. This year’s squad will once again be led by Tate Jones, an Ohio State commit who scored a team-leading 36 goals a year ago.
10. HOUGH (N.C.)
The Huskies had a solid 13-3 season in 2021 but had their title hopes dashed by Cardinal Gibbons (N.C.). Hough looks for contributions from midfielders George Kalos (North Carolina) and Karter Williams (Notre Dame).