There's little national movement in the first update to the Nike/US Lacrosse National High School Girls’ Top 25, as few regions are in full swing after the first week of March. But American Heritage-Delray (Fla.) is already making its case to climb up the Top 25.
Already 7-0, American Heritage-Delray have allowed just 21 goals this season. Caitlyn Wurzburger, the top recruit in the nation and future UNC Tar Heel, scored seven goals in a Feb. 28 win over Bishop Moore (Fla.).
This is the first of our weekly updates to the rankings, including Regional Top 10 lists for teams representing the Northeast, Mid-Atlantic, South, Midwest and West. Check back to uslaxmagazine.com next week as the Mid-Atlantic region begins in full. Updates from the Midwest will begin on March 24, and updates from Northeast will begin on March 31.
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National Top 25
March 10, 2020 |
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|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | McDonogh (Md.) | 0-0 | 1 |
| 2 | St. Stephen's & St. Agnes (Va.) | 0-0 | 2 |
| 3 | Darien (Conn.) | 0-0 | 3 |
| 4 | Cold Spring Harbor (N.Y.) | 0-0 | 4 |
| 5 | St. Anthony's (N.Y.) | 0-0 | 5 |
| 6 | Oak Knoll (N.J.) | 0-0 | 6 |
| 7 | Garden City (N.Y.) | 0-0 | 7 |
| 8 | Episcopal Academy (Pa.) | 0-0 | 8 |
| 9 | Moorestown (N.J.) | 0-0 | 9 |
| 10 | Manhasset (N.Y.) | 0-0 | 10 |
| 11 | Ridgewood (N.J.) | 0-0 | 11 |
| 12 | Mount Sinai (N.Y.) | 0-0 | 12 |
| 13 | Eastport-South Manor (N.Y.) | 0-0 | 13 |
| 14 | Bishop Ireton (Va.) | 0-0 | 14 |
| 15 | Georgetown Visitation (D.C.) | 0-0 | 15 |
| 16 | Sacred Heart (N.Y.) | 0-0 | 16 |
| 17 | Severna Park (Md.) | 0-0 | 17 |
| 18 | Baldwinsville (N.Y.) | 0-0 | 18 |
| 19 | Northport (N.Y.) | 0-0 | 19 |
| 20 | American Heritage-Delray (Fla.) | 7-0 | 21 |
| 21 | St. Paul's SG (Md.) | 0-0 | 20 |
| 22 | Bayport-Blue Point (N.Y.) | 0-0 | 22 |
| 23 | Fayetteville-Manlius (N.Y.) | 0-0 | 23 |
| 24 | Archbishop Spalding (Md.) | 0-0 | 24 |
| 25 | Notre Dame Prep (Md.) | 0-0 | 25 |
Also Considered (alphabetical order): Colorado Academy (Colo.), Lake Highland Prep (Fla.), Mattituck/Southold (N.Y.), Milton (Ga.), New Canaan (Conn.), Pittsford (N.Y.)
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
1. Darien (Conn.)
Last season: 21-2
Expectations are soaring as the Blue Wave return two of the best players in the country in seniors Sarah Jaques and Ashley Humphrey, among a slew of other talent. Jaques and Humphrey, who are each headed to Stanford, combined for 147 goals and 96 assists last season as Darien captured its sixth state in seven years and 18th overall. This year, the Blue Wave will try to deliver the first undefeated season to legendary coach Lisa Lindley. You can read a preseason feature about Jacques and Humphrey here.
2. Cold Spring Harbor (N.Y.)
Last season: 19-2
The Seahawks must replace Northeast Player of the Year Caroline DeBellis, but coach Danielle Castellane has built Cold Spring Harbor into a powerhouse program on Long Island. CSH claimed its second straight state Class C title in 2019 and will be led by senior Isabelle Vitalle (USC), who finished with 58 goals and 56 goals last season.
3. St. Anthony’s (N.Y.)
Last season: 17-1
Katie DeSimone (Duke), one of the top recruits in the 2020 class, recorded 67 goals and 24 assists last seasons as the Friars earned another CHSAA title. St. Anthony’s returns DeSimone among a strong nucleus and will once again play one of the hardest schedules in the northeast. The slate includes matchups with Cold Spring Harbor, Sacred Heart Academy (N.Y.), Garden City (N.Y), Oak Knoll (N.J.) and Darien.
4. Garden City (N.Y.)
Last season: 12-6
Last season was a bit uneven for coach Diane Chapman’s powerhouse program, but the Trojans should rebound thanks to stellar depth in the junior and sophomore classes. Juniors Sydney Pappas (Villanova) and Alexandra Hopkins (Yale) are among the top returners.
5. Manhasset (N.Y.)
Last season: 16-3
Manhasset was the top-ranked squad in the northeast for much of the 2019 season, and now the Indians will contend with a resurgent Garden City squad in one of the toughest leagues in the country. The Indians are led by the outstanding junior duo of Emma LoPinto (Florida) and Grace Gately (Villanova), who combined for 91 goals and 44 assists last year.
6. Mount Sinai (N.Y.)
Last season: 15-3
Coach Al Bertolone has built the Mustangs into one of the strongest programs in the state. Mount Sinai, a Class C school, consistently competes with bigger schools and will continue to prove itself that way. Junior goalie Emily Lamparter (Maryland) is one of the best in the country, and senior midfielder Jennifer Markey (Syracuse) looks to lead a dynamic Mount Sinai offense.
7. Eastport-South Manor (N.Y.)
Last season: 19-1
Seniors Ellie Masera (Stony Brook) and Samantha Filippi (Princeton) lead a loaded cast of returners for the Sharks, who are seeking their second straight state Class B title. Masera finished 2019 with 58 goals and 10 assists.
8. Sacred Heart (N.Y.)
Last season: 13-6
Sacred Heart, which played one of the toughest schedules in the country last year, will once again face a challenging slate, including multiple games against St. Anthony’s (N.Y.). Senior attacker Kate Matthews (Stony Brook) and senior defender Kyra O’Driscoll (Lafayette) will try to help lead Sacred Heart as it seeks to replace a talented graduated class — most notably Arden Tierney, who leads Richmond in goals.
9. Baldwinsville (N.Y.)
Last season: 19-2
Senior midfielder Katie Pascale (Albany) looks to lead the Bees to their first state title since 2000. Baldwinsville fell just short in 2019, dropping a 10-8 decision to Northport (N.Y.) in the state Class A final. Pascale finished with 56 goals and 34 assists, and junior Emma Gebhart (Georgetown) added 55 goals and 12 assists.
10. Northport (N.Y.)
Last season: 21-1
Northport is looking to defend its state Class A title. Senior Danielle Pavinelli (Florida) led the Tigers with 91 goals and 36 assists in 2019 and is one of the top returning players, along with fellow senior Alexa Gentile (North Carolina).
— Will Cleveland
Mid-Atlantic Top 10
1. McDonogh (Md.)
Last season: 21-0
McDonogh enters 2020 at the top spot after going undefeated last spring and winning the IAAM-A conference championship. The Eagles are led by a strong senior class that includes Kayla Abernathy, Ava Class, Izzy Marsh, Ella Little and Blake Cunneen, but they also have several underclassmen playmakers — most notably, sophomores Caroline Godine, Dakota Uy and Kori Edmondson. The Eagles play a strong out-of-conference schedule including games against Manhasset (N.Y.) and Bishop Ireton (Va.).
2. St. Stephen's & St. Agnes (Va.)
Last season: 25-2
Last season, the Saints captured their first Virginia Independent Schools Athletic Association championship since 2016, and they have a strong team returning. Junior midfielder Rita Peterson and senior defender Simone Holland lead the way.
3. Oak Knoll, (N.J.)
Last season: 24-2
The Royals made quite the statement at the end of last season, defeating rival Moorestown for their second Tournament of Champions title in program history. The Royals are primed for another big season in the Garden State, led by Keelin Schlageter.
4. Episcopal Academy (Pa.)
Last season: 18-1
The Churchmen aim to win their fourth straight Inter-Ac League championship behind another solid squad. Keep an eye out for sophomore Brooke Stocku in the midfield, as well as seniors Caroline Burt (Yale) and Jayne Morley (Harvard) and All-American midfielder Devon Whitaker, who is committed to Virginia.
5. Moorestown (N.J.)
Last season: 19-5
The New Jersey powerhouse looks to reclaim its status as the top team in the state after winning the NJSIAA Group 3 championship last year, only to fall to Oak Knoll in the Tournament of Champions final. The Quakers will have a ton of firepower this season, with key returners including Avery Jaffe (Maryland), junior Margaret Lawler and sophomore Katie Buck.
6. Ridgewood (N.J.)
Last season: 21-1
The Maroons fell to Moorestown in a Tournament of Champions semifinal last year and have to replace a star-studded senior class that included Mid-Atlantic Player of the Year Jackie Wolak. Second-year coach Crysti Ellen is pleased with the foundation laid last season and said the 2020 team will be just as gritty. The midfield unit of Keely Bennett, Sara Ellinghaus and Katie McCarthy should be solid, and Cailin Bracken will be a force at attack. Remy Riccardi, Allie Doyle and Clare McCooe lead the defense. Besides playing in-state rivals, Ridgewood also will battle against Hill Academy (Ont.), St. Anthony’s (N.Y.) and Darien (Conn.).
7. Bishop Ireton (Va.)
Last season: 17-6
The Cardinals aim for their fifth consecutive Washington Catholic Athletic Conference title this spring, and they are primed for a big year. Coach Rick Solfield returns a dynamic group. The senior class is loaded with star power, including Reilly Casey (North Carolina) on attack and Aubrey Williams (Virginia), Isabelle Thornburg (Navy) and Tess Moore (Virginia Tech) in the midfield. Junior Ashley Bowan (Penn State) is one of the top goalies in the region. The Cardinals play McDonogh (Md.), Notre Dame Prep (Md.), Milton (Ga.), Sacred Heart Academy (N.Y.), Brighton (N.Y.) and Bayport-Blue Point (N.Y.) to go along with the tough competition within the D.C.-Northern Virginia area.
8. Georgetown Visitation (D.C.)
Last season: 19-5
The Cubs finished last season on a sour note with a loss to St. Stephens & St. Agnes in the Independent School League final, but they are poised to make another run at a title. Notable returners include juniors Allison Baldwin and Molly Finlay and senior midfielder Morgan Pence, who will be a leader and a voice in the huddle.
9. Severna Park (Md.)
Last season: 19-1
The Falcons only lost one game in 2019, and coach Kaitlyn Hines was named Washington Post Coach of the Year, but the question is this: Can the Falcons carry over the momentum into this season? Severna Park has reloaded in pursuit of a 15th state title and will have tremendous talent on both sides of the ball. Seniors Camryn Chew (Loyola), Sophie Grazioli (Fairfield) and Julia Putzi (Butler) and junior midfielder Reagan Clark will help lead the way.
10. St. Paul’s School for Girls (Md.)
Last season: 13-10
The Gators’ 2019 postseason run to the IAAM-conference championship game should not be viewed as a fluke. They fell to McDonogh in the title game but should be contenders once again. The IAAM is extremely competitive, as always, and could shake out a number of different ways. Led by Esprit Cha and Paris Colgain, St. Paul’s has a slew of talent to make opposing teams do their homework. The Gators open the season against in-conference opponent John Carroll on March 16.
— Tom Peace
South Top 10
1. American Heritage Delray (Fla.), 7-0
The top-ranked Stallions are off to a dominating start to the season, only allowing 21 goals through seven contests. Last week, American Heritage notched 20-1 victories over Jupiter (Fla.) and Pompano Beach (Fla.). North Carolina recruit Caitlyn Wurzburger, one of the top players in the South, scored seven goals in a Feb. 29 win over rival Bishop Moore (Fla.). Previous: 1
2. Lake Highland Prep (Fla.), 5-0
The Highlanders have overpowered competition, allowing just 12 goals in five games behind stellar performances by goalie Regan Alexander (Ohio State). LHP is coming off a 15-1 win over the IMG Academy (Fla.) on Friday, but its most notable win of the year was an 18-10 victory over Lassiter (Ga.) on Feb. 22. Junior Olivia Adamson (Syracuse) has led the team with 21 goals, 12 assists and 15 draw controls. Previous: 2
3. Milton (Ga.), 3-0
The Eagles are coming off a bye week after winning a trio of contests. Milton last played on Feb. 27, defeating one of its top in-state rivals, Walton, 24-11. USC commit Maddie Dora scored six times, while Lauren Noonan, Marleigh Sanders and Skylar Carrasquillo each contributed four goals to the victory. Previous: 3
4. Cardinal Gibbons (N.C.) 1-0
The Crusaders opened the season last week with a 9-8 win over Norfolk Academy (Va.). Cardinal Gibbons’ season picks up in earnest this week with three matches, starting with a contest against Sanderson (N.C.) on Tuesday. Previous: 5
5. Weddington (N.C), 2-0
The Warriors got things going with a 21-7 win over Norfolk Academy (Va.) on Friday, as Kendal Williams scored 11 times. The next day, Jordyn Case’s four-goal effort helped Weddington squeeze past St. Anne’s-Belfield (Va.), 8-7. Previous: 6
6. Ravenwood (Tenn.), 2-0
The Raptors began the season by walloping Page (Tenn.), 19-3, on March 4. Ravenwood then blanked Kettle Moraine (Tenn.), 24-0, on Saturday after amassing a 16-goal halftime lead. Previous: 7
7. Episcopal Dallas (Texas), 4-1
The Eagles had a promising start to the season, with an early-season 15-5 victory over Westlake (Texas) on Feb. 29 as Catherine Blaylock tallied six goals. Episcopal Dallas was then tripped up by Highland Park (Texas), 11-9, but the Eagles recovered to defeat Vandergrift (Texas) on Saturday. Previous: 4
8. Kinkaid (Texas), 2-0
The Falcons kicked off the season with a 19-3 win over Kingwood (Texas) on March 3, followed by a 22-6 win over St. Agnes Academy (Texas) on Thursday. Regan Arkless, who is UC Davis bound, has led the Falcons’ offense with nine goals and five assists. Oregon recruit Nakeeya McCardell has piloted Kinkaid’s midfield and won 11 draw controls last week. Previous: 10
9. St. Thomas Aquinas (Fla.), 6-0
The Raiders are off to an undefeated start through six contests. They defeated South Plantation (Fla.) 19-6 and Hagerty (Fla.) 14-6 last week. St. Thomas has a talented senior class with three players headed to Division I next year. Previous: NR
10. Pine Crest (Fla.), 6-1
The Panthers have won four contests in a row, including a 9-8 upset over Bishop Moore (Fla.) on Saturday and a 23-6 win over Cardinal Gibbons (Fla.) on Thursday. Pine Crest’s only loss of the season was against highly-ranked American Heritage-Delray (Fla.). Bucknell recruit Taylor McClain leads the team with 15 goals and 16 assists, while sophomore Chelsea Thompson, junior Alexis Logan and freshman Alexandra Gladding have led the defensive end and transition game. Previous: NR
— Justin Boggs
Midwest Top 10
1. New Trier (Ill.)
Last season: 21-1-2
Replacing Player of the Year Lucy Murray will not be easy, but the defending state champion Trevians have plenty in the cupboard, including All-American midfielders Charley Meier and Claudia Shevitz. Junior midfielder Emma Huber did a magnificent job face-guarding Hinsdale Central’s Jenna Collignon in last year’s state title game and could be a big impact player this year.
2. Loyola Academy (Ill.)
Last season: 25-2
The Ramblers were stunned in a sectional final loss to New Trier, but don’t count them out. With All-Americans Audrey Brett and Annabelle Burke returning, not to mention Maley Starr, the Ramblers should be a factor. In fact, the team returns five of seven first team all-state athletes from last year.
3. Upper Arlington (Ohio)
Last season: 20-2-2
The defending state champs return a Player of the Year candidate in senior midfielder Ellena Schildmeyer, an All-American who tallied 153 draw controls in 2019. While the Golden Bears lose last year’s leading scorer, Sophie Ballou, they return their next three leading scorers in Schildmeyer (52 goals), Camryn Callaghan (44) and Annie Hargraves (39).
4. Rockford (Mich.)
Last season: 13-5-2
The Rams demonstrated their iron-clad grip on Michigan lacrosse in last year’s state title game, breaking open a 4-2 game with four straight goals and later running away with nine straight scores. They return an All-American midfielder in Sydney Zimmerman, who led the team in goals and draw controls last season.
5. Hinsdale Central (Ill.)
Last season: 20-5
The Red Devils suffered some devastating injuries last season, including to Alaina Hamood (Penn State) and Madeline Pisani, but they still were able to make the state title game. With Hamood and Pisani back healthy, as well as Jessica Joy and standout scorer Jenna Collignon returning, expect Hinsdale Central to be a force. Collignon established herself as a scoring threat with a seven-goal performance against the Ramblers.
6. Glenbrook South (Ill.)
Last season: 20-5
Goals shouldn’t be a problem for the Titans as they return a pair of first team all-state attackers in Meghan Bireley and Isabella Tiesi. Both were brilliant in Glenbrook South’s first win at state, combining for 11 goals in a 21-12 victory over St. Charles in the third-place game. The Titans gave the eventual state champion Trevians a scare in the state semifinals and should be a team to watch.
7. Prior Lake (Minn.)
Last season: 18-1
The Lakers are coming off a state title and the future remains bright considering Payton Bloedow, who had six goals and three assists in Prior Lake’s 17-12 state final win over Eden Prairie, is just a junior. She is one of the top returning players along with Josie Kropp and Mackenzie Salentre, who also were key contributors in the championship game.
8. New Albany (Ohio)
Last season: 19-4
The Eagles gave the Golden Bears a heck of a fight in last year’s state title game, but they have their work cut out for them trying to replace Emily Rezabek (Ohio State), Alyssa Kneedler and Chloe Platte, who all scored multiple goals against Upper Arlington. Rezabek was a force last season, scoring 90 goals.
9. Columbus DeSales (Ohio)
Last season: 21-1
The Stallions ended the season with 21 straight victories to win Ohio’s Division II title, but they face their share of challenges entering 2020. They need to replace Sophia Finotti and Grace Lensmire, who combined for nine goals in the state final, but it could be a chance for Liz Renken to shine. She had five goals in last year’s state semifinal.
10. Carmel (Ind.)
Last season: 17-3
Coming off back-to-back state titles (and five since 2011), the Greyhounds are here to stay. Among their young talent are Hannah Kim, who finished her sophomore season with 61 goals and 18 assists, and fellow junior Maddie McGarty, who had 37 goals and 29 assists in 2019.
— Jonah Rosenblum
West Top 10
1. Colorado Academy (Colo.), 0-0
The Mustangs open the season Friday at Mullen (Colo.) and then head to California for a pair of games next week as they put their 48-game unbeaten streak to the test. The winner of five straight state titles, Colorado Academy returns 10 starters, including senior attacker Ella Greene, junior midfielders Katharine Merrifield and Jessie Bakes, junior defender Maya Rutherford and senior goalie Ella Marks. Previous: 1
2. San Ramon Valley (Calif.), 5-0
The Wolves picked up where they left off from an undefeated 2019 season in which they captured the North Coast Section Division I title. They are averaging 20.0 goals per game and they allowed seven goals or fewer in three of their first five games. Alannah Scott tallied four goals and one assist in a 17-7 win over Davis on Saturday, while Catie Grace Carrington had three goals and three assists. Previous: 2
3. Scripps Ranch (Calif.), 4-0
The defending San Diego Open Division champions are off to a good start, as each of their first four games were decided by 10 goals or more. Torrey Pines came the closest in a 14-4 loss. The Falcons play at Patrick Henry (Calif.) on Wednesday. Previous: 4
4. Cherry Creek (Colo.), 0-0
The Bruins open Thursday against Pine Creek (Colo.). They made it to their 22nd straight state final last year, but they will rely on a young core group this season as they seek their first title since 2014. Six starters return, including midfielder Morgan Haws, attacker Amelia McCarthy and defender Lizzy Zerr, and Cherry Creek will be known for its speed and creativity this season. Previous: 5
5. Regis Jesuit (Colo.), 0-0
The Raiders return eight starters from their state semifinalist squad that nearly upset Cherry Creek last year, and they should be back in the mix again in 2020. They get things started Thursday against Dakota Ridge. Four-year starter Bella Ames is back to lock down the defense, while Regis continues to boast a dominant mid-line led by third-year starters Cate Lord and Grace Weigand. Previous: 6
6. Mercer Island (Wash.), 0-0
The Islanders open their season at Lakeside on Tuesday. They have to replace three integral members of their backfield but return just about everyone else from their 2019 state championship lineup, including capable scoring threats in juniors Annabelle Gersch, Emma Brodsky and Hannah Tiscornia and senior Chloe Anbarcioglu. Previous: 7
7. Amador Valley (Calif.), 4-0
The Dons survived a close game against Redwood, coming out ahead with a 12-11 win on March 3, and then added an 11-7 win over California High on Friday. They return to action Tuesday at St. Ignatius Prep (Calif.). Previous: 8
8. La Jolla (Calif.), 2-0
The Vikings won three games in four days to open the season, including a 18-3 win over Canyon Crest Academy in which Terra Evans scored six goals and Stella Wineman added five. La Jolla plays Poway on Tuesday to open another three-game week. Previous: 9
9. Jesuit (Ore.), 0-0
The Crusaders remain the team to beat in Oregon after upsetting three-time defending champion Lake Oswego in the state final last year. Their title defense begins March 16 as Jesuit opens against Beaverton, but the big test against Lake Oswego is set for April 6. Previous: 10
10. La Costa Canyon (Calif.), 2-0
The Mavericks are trying to bounce back from a 12-7 finish in 2019, and the schedule won’t do them any favors. They opened with a 14-11 win over Mater Dei on Feb. 27 and added a dominant victory over El Camino on Friday, but La Jolla will put them through a test Thursday. A date with nationally-ranked Bishop Ireton (Va.) lies ahead April 16. Previous: NR
— Laurel Pfahler