St. Ignatius (Calif.) staked its claim as the best in the West, while Ponte Vedra (Fla.) had a huge week in the South. Plus, we unveil preseason write-ups for the Northeast, Mid-Atlantic and Midwest.

Skip to: National | Northeast | Mid-Atlantic | South | Midwest | West

National Top 25

	March 7, 2017	W/L	Prev	Next
1	McDonogh (Md.)	0-0	1	3/11 vs. Durham Academy (N.C.)
2	St. Anthony’s (N.Y.)	0-0	2	3/28 vs. Manhasset (N.Y.)
3	Darien (Conn.)	0-0	3	4/1 vs. Yorktown (N.Y.)
4	Victor (N.Y.)	0-0	4	3/25 vs. Corning (N.Y.)
5	Bullis (Md.)	0-0	5	3/11 vs. Plano East (Texas)
6	Gonzaga (D.C.)	0-0	6	3/11 vs. St. Albans (D.C.)
7	Boys’ Latin (Md.)	0-0	7	3/11 vs. Oxbridge (Fla.)
8	Landon (Md.)	0-0	8	3/9 vs. Paul VI (Va.)
9	Ward Melville (N.Y.)	0-0	9	3/28 vs. Huntington (N.Y.)
10	Chaminade (N.Y.)	0-0	10	3/22 vs. Massapequa (N.Y.)
11	Culver (Ind.)	0-0	11	3/11 vs. Carmel (Ind.)
12	Haverford School (Pa.)	0-0	12	3/15 vs. Hill Academy (Ontario)
13	Calvert Hall (Md.)	0-0	13	3/11 vs. Lambert (Ga.)
14	Jamesville-Dewitt (N.Y.)	0-0	14	3/31 vs. Christian Brothers (N.Y.)
15	Syosset (N.Y.)	0-0	15	3/21 vs. Garden City (N.Y.)
16	Smithtown East (N.Y.)	0-0	16	3/25 vs. John Jay-Cross River (N.Y.)
17	Malvern Prep (Pa.)	0-0	17	3/21 vs. Calvert Hall (Md.)
18	St. Stephen’s & St. Agnes (Va.)	0-0	18	3/8 vs. Calverton (Md.)
19	Cold Spring Harbor (N.Y.0	0-0	19	3/22 vs. Smithtown West (N.Y.)
20	Delbarton (N.J.)	0-0	20	3/29 vs. West Morris-Central (N.J.)
21	New Canaan (Conn.)	0-0	21	4/5 vs. Wilton (Conn.)
22	Bridgewater-Raritan (N.J.)	0-0	22	3/29 vs. Hunterdon Central (N.J.)
23	St. Ignatius (Calif.)	2-0	24	3/11 vs. Torrey Pines (Calif.)
24	St. Thomas Aquinas (Fla.)	8-0	23	3/7 vs. American Heritage-Plantation (Fla.)
25	Pingry (N.J.)	0-0	25	3/29 vs. St. Augustine Prep (N.J.)

Nike/US 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

Northeast Top 10 (Preseason)

1. St. Anthony’s (N.Y.)
When the Friars open March 28 at Manhasset (N.Y.), they will look to pick up where they left off when they won their final four games last year, including an 18-5 victory over rival Chaminade (N.Y.) in the CHSAA title game. They boast a strong senior class highlighted by midfielder Terrance Mooney (Penn).

2. Darien (Conn.)
The Blue Wave have won three straight state titles, including an 18-3 win over Simsbury (Conn.) in last season’s Class L state title game, and they enter this season on a 31-game win streak. Darien opens its season on April 1 with a home game against Yorktown (N.Y.). Kevin Lindley (Loyola) and Riley Stewart (Brown) are among the top returning players.

3.  Victor (N.Y.)
The Blue Devils have won 44 games in a row, including state championships in Class A and B over the past two seasons. This year will test how strong the foundation of Victor lacrosse is, after graduating an incredibly talented senior class. That class included two-time Nike/Lacrosse Magazine Northeast Player of the Year TD Ierlan (now a face-off specialist at Albany) and midfielder Jamie Trimboli (Syracuse).

4. Ward-Melville (N.Y.)
The Patriots fell 7-5 in last season’s Class A title game to Victor (N.Y.) and should be back in the hunt. Hofstra recruit Dominic Pryor (37 points) highlights a strong group of returners for W-M, which opens the season March 28 against Huntington (N.Y.).

5. Chaminade (N.Y.)
The Flyers lost their last three games of the 2016 season, including twice against rival St. Anthony’s, but they appear ready to get back on track. Face-off specialist Alessio Jack Giovanetti (Colgate), Matt Chmil (Duke), and Regan Quinn (Virginia) are among the standouts returning for Chaminade, which opens the season March 22 against Massapequa (N.Y.), followed by an early-season showdown against McDonogh (Md.) on March 25.

6.  Jamesville-DeWitt (N.Y.)
The Red Rams claimed their fifth Class B state title with a 9-6 decision over Yorktown (N.Y.) last year, and they have won 10 straight games entering the 2017 season. Ryan Archer (Hobart), son of J-D coach Jamie Archer, is one of the top returning scorers in New York after totaling 64 goals and 52 assists last year. J-D opens the season March 31 at Christian Brothers Academy (N.Y.).

7.  Syosset (N.Y.)
The Braves look to bounce back after falling 9-5 to Ward-Melville (N.Y.) in the Long Island Class A title game last year. Midfielder Matt Benus (Loyola), who had 26 goals and 14 assists, is among the top returning players for Syosset, which opens the season March 21 against Garden City (N.Y.).

8. Smithtown East (N.Y.)
East ended the 2016 season with a 13-12 overtime loss to Connetquot (N.Y.) in the Suffolk County (Section XI) Class A semifinals, but the Bulls return a ton of talent. Connor DeSimone (Johns Hopkins), Bobby Burns (Penn State), Mike Marino (Binghamton) and Luke Eschbach (Yale) form one of the strongest returning midfielder corps in the country. East opens the season March 25 at John Jay-Cross River (N.Y.).

9.  Cold Spring Harbor (N.Y.)
The Seahawks capped an impressive season with a 15-4 win over Penn Yan (N.Y.) in the Class C state title game. Ian Laviano (Virginia), Matt Licciardi (Cornell) and Taylor Strough (Fairfield) are among the returning midfielders who will lead the way as Cold Spring Harbor’s tough early-season schedule includes games with Smithtown West (N.Y.), Syosset (N.Y.), and New Canaan (Conn.).

10. New Canaan (Conn.)
The Rams won the Class M state title with a 13-2 win over Daniel Hand-Madison (Conn.). Goalie Drew Madison (Maryland), midfielder Ryan O’Connell (North Carolina) and attackman Jackson Appelt (Virginia) headline the returning players. New Canaan opens the season April 5 against Wilton (Conn.). Two days later, the Seahawks play Maryland powerhouse McDonogh.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Chayse Ierlan, Victor (N.Y.), Jr., GK (Cornell)
Brady Keneally, St. Anthony’s (N.Y.), Jr., D (Johns Hopkins)
Ian Laviano, Cold Spring Harbor (N.Y.), Sr., A (Virginia)
Kevin Lindley, Darien (Conn.), Sr., A (Loyola)
Lucas Quinn, Niskayuna (N.Y.), Sr., M (Syracuse)

— Will Cleveland

Mid-Atlantic Top 10 (Preseason)

1. McDonogh (Md.)
The Eagles backed up lofty expectations last spring with their first MIAA title since 2005. Now they’re trying to reload and repeat. The defense should be excellent again with Brandon Shure (Johns Hopkins) and B.J. Farrare (Loyola) starring.

2. Bullis (Md.)
The Bulldogs closed the 2016 season with 19 straight wins, capping a spectacular run with their first IAC championship. Alex Trippi is back to follow up a 56-goal, 50-assist junior season and needs just 24 points to become the program’s all-time leader scorer.

3. Gonzaga (D.C.)
The Purple Eagles are heavy favorites for an eighth straight WCAC title with the talent and loaded schedule to be a factor in the national conversation. Senior captains Will Rock (Virginia) and Brian Townsend (Penn State) have plenty of big-game experience.

4. Boys’ Latin (Md.)
After a runner-up finish last year, the Lakers should be in the mix in the MIAA again. It starts with one of the nation’s top face-off men in Jake Glatz, who can ensure more chances for talented attackmen Luke Shilling (Johns Hopkins) and Matt Brandau (Yale).

5. Landon (Md.)
The Bears have almost everybody back and ready motivation after an early exit in the IAC playoffs last year. A trio of well-regarded Navy recruits – Nate Buller, Justin Shockey and Cam James -- highlight the list of 16 D-I-bound players on the roster.

6. Haverford School (Pa.)
The Fords weren’t perfect like 2015, but they still proved the class of the Inter-Ac last spring. They’ve got the pieces to stay there, led by coach’s son John Nostrant (Penn State) in the midfield and Parker Henderer (Cornell) in net.

7. Calvert Hall (Md.)
Three of the Cardinals’ five losses last season came by a single goal, including their MIAA playoff defeat against Loyola-Blakefield (Md.). They’ve got as much talent as anybody this time around, including blue-chip attackmen Jacob Kelly (UNC) and J.T. Bugliosi (Ohio State).

8. Malvern Prep (Pa.)
The Friars put together an impressive résumé last season, despite an 0-3 mark against rival Haverford. They’ve got enough offensive firepower to challenge for an Inter-Ac crown with Billy Coyle (Cornell) and Mike Fay (Notre Dame) still around.

9. St. Stephen’s & St. Agnes (Va.)
The Saints are in for some changes coming off their best season in school history. Former assistant Tim Dodds was promoted to replace Andy Taibl as head coach, and he’s got to figure out how to fill in the gaps after graduating a 16-man senior class.

10. Delbarton (N.J.)
The Green Wave rode depth and experience to last year’s Tournament of Champions title. The top three scorers from that group are gone, but the cupboard isn’t exactly bare with eight D-I recruits – including Villanova-bound Colin Crowley — on the roster.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Nate Buller, Landon (Md.), Sr., A (Navy)
Jacob Kelly, Calvert Hall (Md.), Jr., A (North Carolina)
Matt Moore, Garnet Valley (Pa.), Sr., M (Virginia)
Connor Morin, Morristown-Beard (N.J.), Sr., A (Notre Dame)
Alex Trippi, Bullis (Md.), Sr., A (North Carolina)

— Eric Detweiler

South Top 10

1. St. Thomas Aquinas (Fla.), 8-0
The defending FHSAA state champion Raiders ran their unbeaten streak to 27 games with wins over Plantation (Fla.) and Lake Mary (Fla.). They face a tough American Heritage-Plantation team on Tuesday. Previous: 1

2. Lambert (Ga.), 5-0
The defending Class 6A champion Longhorns picked up two quality wins last week, beating previously ranked Centennial (Ga.) 20-11 and defending 1-5A champ Allatoona (Ga.) 15-6. Alex Walker had seven goals and two assists in the Centennial game and added two goals and two assists against Allatoona. Previous: 2

3. Highland Park (Texas), 3-0
The Scots beat Southlake (Texas) 11-6 in their only game of the week. They led just 4-2 at the half and then dominated the final quarters, as Parker Alexander tallied three goals and an assist. Highland Park takes on Cape Henry Collegiate (Va.), Northwest Guilford (N.C.) and national No. 1 McDonogh (Md.) this week in the King of Spring Faceoff Classic in North Carolina. Previous: 3

4. Ponte Vedra (Fla.), 7-0
The Sharks had a huge week, highlighted by a 15-13 win against previously unbeaten IMG Academy varsity (Fla.), which features a number of Division I commits. Goalie Wyatt Schupler was impressive all week, and had 19 saves in the win over IMG. The Sharks have another busy week ahead, with three more games. Previous: 4

5. Lassiter (Ga.), 3-0
The Trojans rolled to an 18-2 win over St. Pius X (Ga.) on March 2, despite a two-week layoff after their season opener, and followed that with a 17-1 win over Cherokee (Ga.) on Monday. Previous: 5

6. Memphis University School (Tenn.), 1-0
The defending state champion Owls rolled to a 17-1 win against 2016 Louisiana state champion Jesuit-New Orleans in their season opener. They play Norfolk Academy (Va.), Woodberry Forest (Va.) and Canadian powerhouse Hill Academy II in the King of Spring Faceoff Classic this weekend. Previous: 6

7. Cardinal Gibbons (N.C.), 3-0
The Crusaders opened the season with in-state wins over Northern Durham, Lake Durham and Durham Academy. They have one more game this week against a North Carolina rival and then begin a seven-game swing against out-of-state opponents on Friday, beginning by hosting Lambert (Ga.) in the King of the Spring Classic. Previous: 7

8. The Woodlands (Texas), 8-0
The Highlanders outscored their three opponents 46-7 last week, including a 15-2 win over Lake Travis (Texas) on Sunday. They play one more in-state game this week before a three-game swing in California. Previous: 9

9. Pope (Ga.), 5-0
The Greyhounds stayed unbeaten with a 19-4 win over Cherokee (Ga.). They have a full slate of games this week, beginning with Greater Atlanta Christian on Tuesday, and then facing Montgomery Bell Academy (Tenn.) on Friday and Father Ryan (Tenn.) on Saturday.

10. Barron Collier (Fla.), 8-0
The Cougars make their South Top 10 debut after two impressive performances last week, allowing just one goal to both Community School-Naples (Fla.) and Belen Jesuit (Fla.). They’ve allowed just 20 goals in eight games, and Jackson Lucarelli had 16 saves in the 8-1 win over Belen Jesuit. Previous: NR

PLAYER OF THE WEEK

Wyatt Schupler, Ponte Vedra (Fla.)

The Sharks’ goalkeeper had 28 saves, allowed four goals, caused two turnovers and had one hockey assist in two district wins over Creekside and Nease, but that was just the start of his big week. He capped it off by snagging 19 saves in a 15-13 win over previously unbeaten IMG Academy (Fla.), which boasts a number of Division I commits.

Also notable: Jack Flowers, Hilton Head (S.C.); Connor Hamilton, St. Benedictine at Auburndale (Tenn.); , Liam Mueller, West Orange (Fla.); Rawley Smith, Wesleyan (Ga.); Teddy Snyder, Ardrey Kell (N.C.); Lex Voelker, Ardrey Kell (N.C.); Alex Walker, Lambert (Ga.)

— Aimee Ford Foster

Midwest Top 10 (Preseason)

1. Culver Military (Ind.),
The Eagles won the Inter-Arc Challenge last year and appear as loaded as ever with nearly everyone on the roster committed to a Division I college. Culver scored at least 11 goals in every game last year, and the offense should remain steady behind players like senior midfielder Jackson Reid (Ohio State).

2. Brother Rice (Mich.)
The Warriors lost 14 seniors from last year’s team, which won its 14th consecutive state championship, but they still have plenty of talent returning. They are led by senior midfielders Daniel Reaume (Penn) and Jack Kelly (Georgetown) and defenseman Carson Cochran (Notre Dame).

3. MICDS (Mo.)
The Rams won their third-straight state title last year and return all four of their 30-goal scorers, including senior Harry Wellford (Virginia), who led the team with 46 goals and 31 assists. The defense has the most to replace after graduating goalie Matt Trowbridge, who allowed just 3.8 goals per game.

4. Loyola Academy (Ill.)
The Ramblers won their first state title in three seasons and look to build on their late-season success. Senior defenseman Kyle Koch (Marquette) and junior defensemen Luca Lazzaretto (Denver) are among the top returning players.

5. Upper Arlington (Ohio)
The Golden Bears are reloading after losing several key players from last year’s squad, which won the Ohio big school state title for its fourth championship in five years. They will count on senior attackman Jack Dolan (Jacksonville) to lead the way.

6. Cathedral (Ind.)
The Irish have several key players back to help defend their 2016 state title, including senior defensemen Quentin Carlile (Air Force) and senior midfielder Jack Mattei (Yale). They’ll have a good idea where they stand when they travel to Culver Military on April 26.

7. Cleveland St. Ignatius (Ohio)
The state runner-up Wildcats look to build off their first ever finals appearance and will count on returning players like senior midfielder Brent Chernosky (Bellarmine), junior midfielder Anthony Ameo (Ohio State)  and senior goalie Carter Blossey. Coach Pat McManamon is 12 wins away from his 100^th victory.

8. Carmel (Ind.)
The Greyhounds are especially hungry after seeing their two-year state tile streak broken last year by Cathedral in the championship game. Senior long-stick middie/defenseman Kaleb Boyl and junior attackman/midfielder Chad Kittaka (Lehing) are among the top returning players.

9. Cincinnati St. Xavier (Ohio)
The Bombers were upset in the regional finals last year but will look to return to their 2015 state championship form this season. They are led by senior attackman Caleb Anderson (Furman) and senior defenseman Brady Stoll.

10. Detroit Catholic Central (Mich.)
The state runner-up Shamrocks need just one more win to give coach Dave Wilson his 150^th but there should be plenty more of those to come. Senior midfielder Brennan Kamish (Detroit Mercy) and junior attackman Peter Thompson (Georgetown) and junior midfielder Ethan Pattinson (Bellarmine) are among the top returning players.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Carson Cochran, Brother Rice (Mich.), Sr., D/LSM (Notre Dame)
Jackson Reid, Culver Military (Ind.), Sr., M (Ohio State)
Henry and Harrison Schertzinger, Summit Country Day (Ohio), Jr., M (UNC)
Najee Taylor, Loyola Academy (Ill.), So., M (Notre Dame)
Harry Wellford, MICDS (Mo.), Sr., M (Virginia)

— Bryant Billing

West Top 10

1. St. Ignatius Prep (Calif.), 2-0: The Wildcats picked up a big win over Monte Vista-Danville (Calif.), beating the Mustangs 19-10 on the road Feb. 28 to avenge last year’s three-goal loss. Nick Clarke (Bucknell) and Patrick Brosnan (Bryant) led Ignatius with four goals and one assist each, while Bryn Evans (Harvard) added three goals and three assists. Previous: 1

2. Regis Jesuit (Colo.), 0-0: The Raiders open their season March 10 against Juan Diego Catholic (Utah), which is 1-0. Jesuit is coming off its second state title in three years. Previous: 3

3. Torrey Pines (Calif.), 2-0: The Falcons opened with a 16-8 win over Cathedral Catholic (Calif.) to give coach Jono Zissi his 100^th career win in his seventh season with the team. Torrey Pines then pulled out a 10-9 win over Lawrenceville (N.J.) with from Makail Fraboni’s kick save at the buzzer. Previous: 4

4. Monte Vista-Danville (Calif.), 4-1: The Mustangs rebounded from the loss to St. Ignatius Prep to beat Dublin (Calif.) 16-2 on Friday, then held off Granite Bay (Calif.), 9-7, on Saturday. In a 9-5 win over Marin Catholic on Feb. 24, Chris Ryan had four goals and one assist and Hunter Perkins added three goals and two assists. Previous: 2

5. Cherry Creek (Colo.), 0-0: The Bruins get their season going March 11 against Chaparral (Colo.), but a date with Regis Jesuit looms March 15. Jesuit caused Cherry Creek to miss the state final for the first time since 2011 last year, ousting the Bruins in the Class 5A semifinals. Previous: 5

6. Poway (Calif.), 2-0: The Titans surged late in the game to shake off Carlsbad, 14-7, in their season opener March 3, after being up just 7-5 with about three minutes left in the third quarter. Jack Woodard led the way with four goals. Poway then rolled to a 17-2 win over Del Norte on Monday. Previous: 6

7. Loyola-Los Angeles (Calif.), 3-0: After opening with a 7-5 win over St. Margaret’s Episcopal (Calif.) on Feb. 25, the Cubs cruised to a pair of in-state wins over Notre Dame-Sherman Oaks and Temecula Great Oak. Joe Theuer (Tufts) had 11 saves in the win over St. Margaret’s. Previous: 7

8. Bellevue (Wash.), 0-0: The Wolverines don’t get rolling until March 17 when they travel to Issaquah (Wash.), the only in-state team to beat them last year before Bellevue went on to claim its fourth state title in five years. Previous: 8

9. Corona del Mar (Calif.), 1-0: The Sea Kings finished strong to beat Los Alamitos (Calif.) 14-6 on Saturday after outscoring the Griffins 6-0 in the fourth quarter. Eric Fries led CdM with five goals and four groundballs. The Sea Kings don’t play again until March 14 when they host El Toro (Calif.). Previous: 10

10. Arapahoe (Colo.), 0-0: The Warriors begin play March 17 at Mountain Vista (Colo.), as they look to build off last year’s Class 5A runner-up finish. Previous: 9

PLAYER OF THE WEEK

Bryn Evans, St. Ignatius Prep (Calif.)

The senior was a key contributor to the Wildcats’ impressive 19-10 win over 2016 North Coast CIF champion Monte Vista-Danville on Feb. 28. Evans, who is bound for Harvard, finished with a team-high six points on three goals and three assists.

Also notable: Makail Fraboni, Torrey Pines (Calif.); Eric Fries, Corona del Mar (Calif.); Austin Mann, Foothill-Santa Ana (Calif.); Joe Theuer, Loyola-Los Angeles (Calif.); Jack Woodard, Poway (Calif.)

— Laurel Pfahler