Garden City, Others Make Early Statements in HS Boys' Regional Top 10 Ranks

Every Tuesday during the high school lacrosse season, USA Lacrosse updates Regional Top 10 and National Top 25 rankings to reflect the results of the previous week. Below are the USA Lacrosse High School Boys’ Regional Top 10 updates through games played March 24.

The Northeast Region is slowly ramping up with most of it swinging into action by next weekend. St. Anthony’s (N.Y.) continues an aggressive travel schedule, and No. 3 Chaminade (N.Y.) goes out of region for a must-see contest. Garden City (N.Y.) had the biggest week with a pair of key wins to open its year, while No. 7 Manhasset (N.Y.) also survived a tough challenger.

The Mid-Atlantic Region added a new team, La Salle (Pa.), which started with a pair of good wins. The Explorers climb all the way up to No. 7 as they head into their league schedule. Lawrenceville (N.J.) and Boys’ Latin (Md.) remain atop the standings, but their much-anticipated matchup was rained out Saturday. Haverford (Pa.) and Malvern (Pa.) continue to impress with the Fords leapfrogging Malvern after a significant top-five win over McDonogh (Md.).

The South Region has just one unbeaten left in the top 10 after Bolles (Fla.) lost for the first time. That leaves only No. 3 Charlotte Catholic (N.C.) with a spotless record. No. 1 St. Andrew’s (Fla.) returns to action this week. Two new teams climbed into the rankings with Lake Highland Prep (Fla.) using a huge effort to blow by St. Thomas Aquinas (Fla.) and Roswell (Ga.) getting a signature win over Cannon (N.C.).

The Midwest Region also welcomed two new teams. St. Viator (Ill.) swept a key in-state rival and an East Coast school to start its year strong and move to No. 8. MICDS (Mo.) debuts at No. 9 heading into an important stretch where they will be tested. Culver (Ind.) remains atop the region after a win over perennially strong Gonzaga (D.C.).

St. Ignatius Prep (Calif.) heads the top five teams who remain the same in the West Region. Brophy Prep (Az.) moves up to No. 6 by dropping Foothill-Santa Ana in a game and in the rankings. Sacred Heart Prep (Calif.) remains hot, and there’s one newcomer in what is a tight race for the 10th spot. Marin Catholic (Calif.) gets the final spot this week thanks to a key win over Redwood (Calif.), coupled with some strong wins earlier in the year.

NORTHEAST

1. St. Anthony’s (N.Y.), 1-0

The Friars’ opening statement was a good one, beating Culver (Ind.), 9-8, in a battle of two of the top teams in the country. Now, St. Anthony’s (N.Y.) will get another stiff test in game No. 2 when they take on St. John’s College (D.C.) March 28 at Drexel University. Previous: 1

2. Brunswick School (Conn.), 1-0

In a 12-1 win against St. Sebastian’s School (Mass.) on March 23, Aidan Diaz-Matos won nine of 14 faceoffs, Casey Quinson had two goals and three assists, Hudson Hausmann had a pair of goals and Luke Hublitz anchored the defense with three caused turnovers and three ground balls. Radnor (Pa.) and Deerfield (Mass.) are up next this week for the Bruins. Previous: 2

3. Chaminade (N.Y.), 1-0

Connor Kuttin and Gavin Lynch had three goals and two assists apiece, James Gillis had two goals and two assists and Jack Tully had two goals and one assist to lead the Flyers to a season-opening 13-8 win at Ward Melville (N.Y.) on March 23. A tasty showdown with McDonogh (Md.) is next up March 27 at Salesianum (Del.). Previous: 3

4. Darien (Conn.), 0-0

While many around them in the Northeast are off and running, Darien’s (Conn.) revenge tour is waiting at the starting gate, with Brady Pokorny, Mark McNamara, Carter Hagen and the rest of the Blue Wave opening their season against Fairfield Prep (Conn.) on March 30. Previous: 4

5. Garden City (N.Y.), 2-0

The Trojans have made quite the statement to start the season, coming out of the gate with a 12-2 win over Farmingdale (N.Y.) followed by a 13-5 victory over perennial powerhouse Mt. Sinai (N.Y.). Carson Kraus led the Trojans with six goals, Andrew Ottomanelli netted three goals and Tommy Esposito had two goals and three assists against Mt. Sinai. Wantagh (N.Y.) is next for Garden City. Previous: 5

6. Staples (Conn.), 0-0

The Wreckers’ title defense will have to wait another week, with Ben Burmeister and Josh Marcus highlighting a Staples (Conn.) team that will take on Archbishop Stepinac (N.Y.) on April 4. Previous: 6

7. Manhasset (N.Y.), 2-0

After opening the season with a 10-7 victory over Roslyn (N.Y.), Manhasset went on the road to knock off Cold Spring Harbor (N.Y.) 7-6 on March 22. Patrick Arnold had two goals and two assists, Danny Kolin had two goals and one assist and Matthew Im made 10 saves to lead the way for the Indians, who host Farmingdale (N.Y.) on March 27. Previous: 3

8. St. John’s Prep (Mass.), 0-0

After winning a third straight Massachusetts state championship, Jacob Vana, Luke Kelly and Ryan DeLucia as the Eagles open their 2024 season Saturday at Acton Boxborough (Mass.). Previous: 8

9. Baldwinsville (N.Y.), 0-0

There’s high expectations for a Baldwinsville (N.Y.) team that won a second straight New York State Class A title last June. Anthony Nicolucci, Brady Garcia, Iggy LoMedico and the rest of the Bees get buzzing March 30 at Pleasantville (N.Y.). Previous: 9

10. Shoreham-Wading River (N.Y.), 0-0

The Wildcats won a county championship last year but they want more this year. A loaded Shoreham-Wading River (N.Y.) team, which includes Liam and Alex Kershis, Liam Gregorek, Jaden Galfano and others, opened its season March 25 against Rocky Point (N.Y.). Previous: 10

— Dylan Butler

MID-ATLANTIC

1. Lawrenceville (N.J.), 4-0

The Big Red had no trouble with St. Sebastian’s School (Mass.) in a 17-6 win. They jumped out to a 7-0 lead before a St. Seb’s goal with 10 seconds left in the half. It was their lone game of the week after they had to announce that their showdown against No. 2 Boys’ Latin (Md.) on March 23 was canceled due to inclement weather. The game is not expected to be made up. Lawrenceville plays at Penn Charter (Pa.) and hosts Kiski Prep (Pa.) this week. Previous: 1

2. Boys' Latin (Md.), 4-0

The Lakers rallied from an early deficit for a 9-6 win over Gonzaga (D.C.). Connor Sydnor scored twice early, and Matthew Higgins and Liam White had two goals apiece while Spencer Ford finished with a hat trick. Boys’ Latin’s game at Lawrenceville on March 23 was canceled and will not be made up. Last year, the Lakers were the only team to beat Lawrenceville. Boys’ Latin hosts a big game vs. Malvern Prep (Pa.) on March 27. Previous: 2

3. Haverford (Pa.), 4-0

The Fords swept a week with McDonogh and Taft (Conn.) to move up in the rankings. Brady O’Kane scored four times and had two assists, Aydan DiRocco finished with a hat trick and an assist and Jack Long had three helpers in a 14-7 win over McDonogh. Haverford held a 7-3 halftime lead that bulged to 13-4 after three quarters. Will Burfiend, Connor Nolen and Ben McCarthy all had two goals apiece. Brody Murphy made 10 saves. McCarthy and Griff Meyer went 15-for-24 on faceoffs and had six ground balls. Haverford followed it up with a 9-8 win over Taft (Conn.) behind McCarthy’s game-winner. Previous: 5

4. Malvern Prep (Pa.), 3-0

The Friars remained unbeaten by dispelling two MIAA schools, Loyola-Blakefield (Md.) and Calvert Hall (Md.). Malvern defeated Loyola, 13-7. Ennis Udo scored four goals, Michael Ortlieb had a hat trick and an assist, Hagen McTear had a goal and two assists, Logan Turley scored twice and added an assist and Owen Mears scored twice. Udo scored three times, and Ortlieb, McTear and Bickel had two goals apiece in a 13-9 win over Calvert. Bickel also had a pair of assists, as did Turley. Heath Jones made seven saves. Malvern will host Valor Christian (Colo.) on March 25 and face Boys’ Latin on March 27. Previous: 4

5. McDonogh (Md.), 3-1

The Eagles bounced back from a loss to Haverford to upend Hill Academy (Ont.), 12-9. Aiden Seibel made 12 saves in the win over Hill. Ben Firlie scored four goals and had an assist in the win. Michael Tan scooped up six ground balls and caused four turnovers. Brendan Millon has paced the offense through four games with nine goals and six assists. McDonogh crosses regions to play Chaminade (N.Y.) at Salesianum (Del.) on March 27 in their lone game of the week. Previous: 3

6. Bullis (Md.), 6-0

The Bulldogs remain among the unbeaten with a pair of wins. Brown commit Cooper Revis won 35-of-43 faceoffs total within a 13-11 win over Good Counsel (Md.) on March 19 and an 11-8 win over Loyola-Blakefield on March 22. Good Counsel was the first team this year to score in double digits on Bullis. Bullis tries to remain hot with games this week against St. Paul’s (Md.) and Worthington Kilbourne (Ohio). Previous: 6

7. La Salle (Pa.), 2-0

The Explorers opened their season with a couple of impressive wins to soar into the top 10. La Salle won their season opener, 9-7, over Hill Academy (Ont.). Penn commit Stevie Davis won 12 of 14 faceoffs, St. John’s-bound Matt Nelson made six saves, and the offense got five goals from senior Penn commit Paul van Bastelaar and five points on three goals and two assists from junior Johns Hopkins commit Max Wickersham. Nelson had 12 saves in a 4-2 win over St. Mary’s Annapolis (Md.). Wickersham scored twice and Davis won three faceoffs. La Salle plays at Roman Catholic (Pa.) on March 27. Previous: NR

8. Calvert Hall (Md.), 2-3

It was a tough week for the Cardinals, who are still looking for a high quality win. They lost to Hill Academy (Ont.) 13-8 on March 19 and then fell 13-9 to Malvern on March 22. Jackson Mitchell had a hat trick and two assists, Cody Collier scored twice and Owen Scott had three assists in the loss to Malvern. Alex Swartz made 13 saves and Ben Cuomo won 16 of 25 faceoffs. Calvert has lost three straight games going into their March 25 game against Vandermont Academy (Texas). Previous: 7

9. Gilman (Md.), 3-2

The Greyhounds fell to Western Reserve (Ohio) 10-9 in their lone game of the week. Clayton Baddley finished with a hat trick, Jay Rodgers scored twice and assisted on two other goals, Jay Wilkerson fired in two goals, and Griffin Graham scored a goal and had two assists. Zach Parks made six saves. Gilman plays at St. Albans (D.C.) and at St. Anthony’s (N.Y.) this week Previous: 8

10. Georgetown Prep (Md.), 4-2

The Hoyas trounced St. Mary’s Ryken (Md.) 17-5 in their only game of the week. Owen Horning had a hat trick in the second quarter alone. Georgetown looks to build a win streak with games against St. James (Md.) and at a Gonzaga (D.C.) team that has a deceiving sub-.500 record after playing tough early competition. Previous: 9

— Justin Feil

SOUTH

1. St. Andrew’s (Fla.), 12-1

The Scots had a bye week after defeating in-state rivals Lake Mary and Lake Highland Prep. St. Andrew’s returns to play and will face St. Viator (Ill.). Dylan Faison has a team-leading 55 goals while Nick Testa leads in assists with 46. Previous: 1

2. Lake Mary (Fla.), 12-1

The Rams avenged their first loss of the year by defeating Lucy Beckham (S.C.) 8-4. Lake Mary then added a 9-3 win over Lake Norman (N.C.). Previous: 2

3. Charlotte Catholic (N.C.), 10-0

After losing their regular season matchup against Lake Norman (N.C.) a year ago, the Cougars picked up a 13-9 win to improve to 10-0. Charlotte Catholic will have one of its toughest challenges of the season to date this week facing Providence Day (N.C.). Previous: 3

4. Bolles (Fla.), 12-1

The Bulldogs extended their season-opening win streak to 12 games thanks to a 17-6 win over Erie (Fla.), followed by a 14-4 victory over Bartram Trail (Fla.). The streak ended when Bolles squandered a five-goal lead and lost to Lucy Beckham (S.C.) 10-9. Previous: 4

5. Highland Park (Texas), 7-2

The Scots dropped a contest for the second time this year, falling to Landon (Md.) 8-6. Highland Park has another tough battle against a Maryland squad, taking on Severn School (Md.) this week. Previous: 6

6. Westlake (Texas), 10-1

The Chapperals have now upped their winning streak to eight games after easily defeating St. Marks (Texas) 17-5. Westlake gets a week off before facing Memorial (Texas). Previous: 7

6. Benjamin (Fla.), 10-1

Thanks to a five-point performance by Alex Ponchock, the Buccaneers defeated Cardinal Mooney (Fla.) 18-5. Benjamin is averaging over 16 goals per game. Ponchock has a team-leading 67 points. Previous: 8

7. Lake Highland Prep (Fla.), 10-1

The Highlanders bounced back from a loss against St. Andrew’s in a big way. Lake Highland defeated St. Thomas Aquinas (Fla.) 16-8. The Highlanders carried that momentum into a 13-10 over Ponte Vedra (Fla.). Lake Highland has a tough challenge ahead facing New Trier (Ill.) this week. Previous: NR

9. Roswell (AG.), 12-2

The Hornets pulled off one of their biggest wins of the year, toppling Cannon (N.C.) 12-9. Roswell then added a 17-10 over Lake Norman Charter (N.C.). Blake O'Neal had three goals in the win over Cannon, then he grabbed seven ground balls and won 11 out of 14 draws against Lake Norman Charter (N.C.). Previous: NR

10. Green Level (N.C.), 9-1

The Gators extended their win streak to nine thanks to a 13-4 win over Green Hope (N.C.) and a 15-9 victory over Athens Drive (N.C.). Green Level’s first loss of the year came last week to Middle Creek (N.C). Kelan Moore put together two impressive performances in the wins, picking up four goals against Green Hope, followed by seven tallies versus Athens Drive. Previous: 10

— Justin Boggs

MIDWEST

1. Culver Academy (Ind.), 6-1

The Eagles bounced back from their first loss, by a single goal at St. Anthony’s (N.Y.), with a 2-0 trip to the nation’s capital. Culver’s capital clashes started with a 19-6 win over St. John’s College (D.C.), followed two days later by a one-goal win over Gonzaga (D.C.). In the latter, a battle of the Eagles, the host team rallied from three down before Yale commit Sean Grogan won it for Culver. Previous: 1

2. Brother Rice (Mich.), 1-0

The Warriors controlled their opener against St. Francis De Sales (Ohio), 17-3, and have just one game this week as well, against Orchard Lake St. Mary’s (Mich.). Watch for a key upcoming stretch (April 5-13) in which Brother Rice takes on two of the top teams in Illinois (St. Viator and Wheaton Academy), a top Ohio team (St. Xavier) and a top in-state rival (Catholic Central) in a nine-day span. Previous: 2

3. Dublin Jerome (Ohio), 1-0

After winning their opener by double digits, the Celtics are on spring break. They’ll make their return March 30 against 2-0 Olentangy Orange (Ohio), which has started the year with wins over Delaware Hayes (Ohio) and Glenbrook North (Ill.). Previous: 3

4. Rockhurst Jesuit (Mo.), 5-2

Coming off a grueling East Coast trip, the Hawklets made a thunderous return home, combining to score 43 goals against local foes Park Hill (Mo.) and Lafayette (Mo.). A whopping 13 of those goals came off the stick of Luke McNamara, while fellow senior Colin Komenda notched four goals in both wins. Reid Moshier added five assists against Park Hill while Gentry Curtis dominated the faceoff circle in both games. Previous: 5

5. Upper Arlington (Ohio), 2-0

The Golden Bears won their lone game of the week in emphatic fashion, topping host Thomas Worthington (Ohio), 19-3. Juniors Jack Caine and Chase Morgan led the way with five goals apiece for UA, which now heads to Colorado for a pair of games against Cherry Creek and Valor Christian. Previous: 5

6. Detroit Catholic Central (Mich.), 1-0

The Shamrocks’ opener against Detroit Country Day was highly competitive as expected with DCC picking up a 10-8 victory. Junior Luke Zajdel led the way for the Shamrocks with four goals. Previous: 6

7. Hartland (Mich.), 1-0

The Eagles controlled their opener, 11-2 over Romeo (Mich.), before their second game against Rockford (Mich.) was postponed. Hartland’s next scheduled game isn’t until April 9 against Lake Orion (Mich.). Previous: 8

8. St. Viator (Ill.), 2-0

The Lions scored a pair of impressive victories over New Trier (Ill.) and St. Stephen’s and St. Agnes (Va.). In the former, a one-goal win over the Trevians that could easily be replayed deep in the IHSA tournament, High Point commits Michael Tauscher (70 percent faceoff) and Emerson McGrath (3 goals, 1 assist) led the way for the Lions. Previous: 9

9. MICDS (Mo.), 4-1

Watch out for the Rams, whose lone loss came to a Memphis University School team that might be the best in Tennessee. And especially watch MICDS these next two weeks with a state title game rematch March 28 against DeSmet Jesuit (Mo.) followed the next week by a pair of big Buckeye State tests in St. Xavier (Ohio) and Archbishop Moeller (Ohio). Previous: 10

10. Hamilton Southeastern (Ind.), 4-0

Make it two straight close wins for the Royals as they topped Center Grove (Ind.) by two on the road after edging St. Xavier (Ohio) by a goal the previous week. Previous: 10

— Jonah Rosenblum

WEST

1. St. Ignatius Prep (Calif.), 7-0

The Wildcats stay hot after picking up wins against De La Salle (Calif.) and Bellarmine (Calif.) last week. St. Ignatius aims to remain undefeated as they take on Saint Francis (Calif.) on March 27 and Loyola-Los Angeles (Calif.) on March 28. Previous: 1

2. Valor Christian (Colo.), 1-1

In an overtime thriller, Valor Christian fell 10-9 to a tough East Coast team, Academy of the New Church (Pa.). The Eagles have three more opportunities against out-of-state opponents this week: Malvern Prep (Pa.) on March 25, Park City (Utah) on March 28 and Upper Arlington (Ohio). Previous: 2

3. Torrey Pines (Calif.), 6-2

Torrey Pines defeated two top-tier opponents in Corona Del Mar (Calif.), 15-8, and Bishop’s (Calif.), 11-6. The offense was led by Matthew Mannarino (Rutgers), Ryland Roach (UMass) and sophomore Ross Jacobsen while the defense was dialed in in front of netminder Andrew Cook (Hopkins). They hit the road this week to take on top Texas teams, Highland Park and Dallas Jesuit. Previous: 3

4. Mountain Vista (Colo.), 3-0

Mountain Vista edged Bishop’s (Calif.) 6-5 before going on to defeat Coronado (Calif.). They gear up for a key league match against Legend (Colo.) on April 2. Previous: 4

5. Loyola-Los Angeles (Calif.), 8-1

The Cubs defeated Colorado powerhouse Regis Jesuit 6-3, adding to their five-game win streak. Freshman attack Tripp King recorded four goals and five ground balls. They’ve got three tough games ahead, taking on Notre Dame (Calif.) on March 25, No. 10 Sacred Heart Prep (Calif.) on March 27 and No. 1 St. Ignatius on March 28. Previous: 5

6. Brophy Prep (Ariz.), 13-2

Brophy defeated in-state rival Notre Dame Prep 17-8 before upsetting previously-ranked No. 6 Foothill-Santa Ana (Calif.) 10-8. Junior middie Erik Volfson (Lafayette) added four goals against Foothill. The Broncos are undefeated, 6-0, in Arizona Lacrosse League action and take on West Linn (Ore.) on March 26. Previous: 9

7. Jesuit Portland (Ore.), 3-0

Jesuit Portland took down Dallas Episcopal (Texas) in a narrow 11-10 victory in its first of three contests in the Lone Star State. Up next is Dallas Jesuit (Texas) on March 24 followed by The Woodlands (Texas) on March 26. Previous: 8

8. Foothill-Santa Ana (Calif.), 7-3

Foothill faced and fell 10-8 against a tough team in Brophy Prep (Ariz.). Junior Isaiah Chavez was vital on the faceoff with 13 possessions and senior goaltender Gavin Solomon recorded six saves but it wasn’t enough to stop the Broncos. Next up is Yorba Linda (Calif.) on March 27 followed by Redwood (Calif.) on March 30. Previous: 6

9. Sacred Heart Prep (Ariz.), 6-2

Sacred Heart added three more wins to its record after defeating Legend (Colo.) 12-5 and Menlo School (Calif.) 17-2 then capped off the week with a 12-0 sweep over Marin Academy (Calif.). The Gators face Bishop’s (Calif.) and Loyola-Los Angeles (Calif.) this week. Previous: 10

10. Marin Catholic (Calif.), 7-3

The Wildcats picked up their first win over Redwood (Calif.) since 2021. Ohio State-commit Colin Puckett scored four goals to take a 9-6 win in the key North Coast Section showdown. Tanner Warne made 10 saves. Marin Catholic’s losses have come against higher ranked St. Ignatius and Sacred Heart plus a one-goal loss to Mater Dei (Calif.). The Wildcats crushed Foothill and defeated De La Salle (Calif.) handily. Previous: NR

— Theresa Palmquist