In the South Region, high school lacrosse is largely underway. This is how things stand in the early going.
Milton (Ga.) will miss a leading quartet that has graduated, but it brings back plenty of talent to start at the top of the South Top 10. American Heritage-Delray (Fla.) is threatening, though, having added a key transfer to its wealth of talent.
Traditional powers Blessed Trinity (Ga.), Hockaday (Texas) and Cardinal Gibbons (N.C.) round out a capable top 5. 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. MILTON (GA.)
Despite losing four All-Americans from their undefeated 2021 season, including South Player of the Year Maddie Dora, the Eagles return a star-studded lineup that has a number of Division I prospects. Among those returning include seniors Kristen Courtemanche (Wofford), Taylor Kozina (Cincinnati) and Sophie Waters (Rutgers). The team also includes junior Emily Simkin, who starred for the South team at last year’s Under Armour All-America underclass tournament.
2. AMERICAN-HERITAGE DELRAY (FLA.)
The Stallions, Florida state champs in 2021, return their top scorer, sophomore Brooke Goldstein, who scored 52 goals in her freshman year. Casey Roberts, a senior committed to Ohio State, returns after leading American Heritage-Delray with 32 assists. The Stallions also have added Carli Fleisher from Stoneman Douglas (Fla.), who is considered one of the region's top players.
3. BLESSED TRINITY (GA.)
After a 15-2 2021 season, the Titans feature several of the region’s top players, namely senior midfielder Sarah Chernik, an Army recruit, and Furman recruit Reese Hart, a 2021 All-American.
4. HOCKADAY (TEXAS)
The Daisies were crowned Texas Division I champions in 2021 and are poised to repeat in 2022. Hockaday features Minje Kwun, a senior midfielder committed to Dartmouth.
5. CARDINAL GIBBONS (N.C.)
After having their title hopes dashed by East Chapel Hill (N.C.) in 2021, the Crusaders return a strong lineup with a solid midfield led by Duquesne commit Sydney Calabrese, Villanova commit Georgia Sobocinski and Harvard commit Grace Mullahy. Mullahy had 36 goals and 28 assists last season. Cardinal Gibbons’ season starts March 4 with a trip to Maryland to take on Maryvale Preparatory School.
6. STEINBRENNER (FLA.)
The Warriors went 15-2 in 2021 and return one of the top junior classes in the region, led by Taylor LaPointe, who is both a capable scorer and defender. LaPointe is committed to Northwestern. Kate Prentice, a Xavier commit, and Kaitlin Price, a Brown commit, join her in the midfield.
7. ST. THOMAS AQUINAS (FLA.)
The Raiders won the FHSAA Class 2A state championship a year ago, ending the season on a nine-game winning streak. Ana Yovino, a Navy recruit, returns after leading the squad with 39 goals and 17 assists.
8. EAST CHAPEL HILL (N.C.)
The Wildcats made a stunning run to a state title in North Carolina in 2021. East Chapel Hill hopes to recapture its 2021 magic, as it is led by Molly Reed, a senior committed to Colorado, who scored 56 goals a year ago.
9. VERO BEACH (FLA.)
Vero Beach was a game shy of winning a state title a year ago, but it returns a roster capable of winning a championship in 2021. Junior Alex Vega, who is committed to Stony Brook, returns after leading Vero Beach with 56 goals. Calli Norris also could score her share of goals before heading to the University of Michigan next season.
10. KINKAID SCHOOL (TEXAS)
The Falcons, one of the Houston area’s top programs that last won a state title in 2019, has a talented midfield, led by St. Joseph commit Braeden Arkless and Butler commit Patricia Lynn.