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With seasons finally under way across the entire country comes the release of our first Nike/USA Lacrosse High School Boys’ National Top 25 since the preseason. There has already been some significant movements, and there are sure to be more with crossover games between regions to come and teams jockeying to move higher.

Lacrosse is back for some in the Northeast, with teams on Long Island and in the Hudson Valley kicking off their seasons during the week. The heavy hitters, like St. Anthony’s (N.Y.), Mount Sinai (N.Y.) and Chaminade (N.Y.), got out the gate with emphatic performances, while Briarcliff (N.Y.) played its way into the National Top 25.

The Mid-Atlantic Region had just one change last week with most every team enjoying perfect showings. Boys’ Latin (Md.) moved up one spot on the strength of its one-goal win over a Culver Academy (Ind.) team that has proven difficult to stop. No. 2 Gonzaga (D.C.) also edged Culver in its towering climb with the chance to go higher. Gonzaga faces Mid-Atlantic Region No. 1 St. John’s College this week. It’s just one of the regional matchups that could have ranking ramifications with four meetings between top 10 teams on tap next week.

In the South, Dallas Jesuit (Texas) lost a crossover game, but behind it, St. Andrew’s (Fla.) fell for a third straight game. Episcopal School of Dallas (Texas) went out of region for a solid win, and the bottom of the region’s top 10 changed thanks to significant wins for St. Thomas Aquinas (Fla.), Cardinal Gibbons (N.C.) and Bolles (Fla.).

Culver (Ind.) retains the top spot in the Midwest and remains highly regarded nationally after a win over McDonogh (Md.) helped offset a pair of losses to Mid-Atlantic powers Boys’ Latin (Md.) and Gonzaga (D.C.). The rest of the region is picking up steam with Brother Rice (Mich.) fending off Hartland (Mich.) in a rematch of last year’s state title game and three new teams in the region’s top 10 mix.

The West’s best is still Corona del Mar (Calif.), which picked up a top 10 win. Regis Jesuit (Colo.) climbed thanks to consistent play early, while Corner Canyon (Utah) picked up a last-minute win over a strong Cherry Creek (Colo.) squad. St. Margaret’s Episcopal (Calif.) was moved into the West’s top 10 after hanging tight with No. 2 Mater Dei. 

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NATIONAL TOP 25

 
March 29, 2022
W/L
Prev

1

St. Anthony's (N.Y.)

2-0

1

2

St. John's (D.C.)

7-0

2

3

Mount Sinai (N.Y.)

1-0

3

4

Brunswick (Conn.)

0-0

4

5

Gonzaga (D.C.)

7-0

NR

6

Boys' Latin (Md.)

4-1

10

7

Chaminade (N.Y.)

1-0

7

8

Darien (Conn.)

0-0

8

9

Calvert Hall (Md.)

7-1

9

10

Culver Academy (Ind.)

5-2

11

11

St. Mary's (Md.)

6-0

NR

12

Manhasset (N.Y.)

1-0

13

13

McDonogh (Md.)

3-2

6

14

Garden City (N.Y.)

1-0

15

15

Georgetown Prep (Md.)

5-2

12

16

Ridgefield (Conn.)

0-0

18

17

Archbishop Spalding (Md.)

4-1

5

18

Don Bosco (N.J.)

0-0

17

19

Paul VI (Va.)

5-1

19

20

Briarcliff (N.Y.)

1-0

NR

21

Webster Thomas (N.Y.)

0-0

21

22

Seton Hall Prep (N.J.)

0-0

22

23

Loyola-Blakefield (Md.)

2-3

24

24

Shoreham-Wading River (N.Y.)

0-0

NR

25

Corona del Mar (Calif.)

7-0

NR

Also considered (alphabetical order):  Bullis (Md.), Canandaigua (N.Y.), Cold Spring Harbor (N.Y.), Delbarton (N.J.), DeMatha (Md.), Episcopal Academy (Pa.), Haverford (Pa.), John Jay (N.Y.), Landon (Md.), Malvern Prep (Pa.), Mountain Lakes (N.J.), Northport (N.Y.), St. Paul's School for Boys (Md.), St. Stephen's & St. Agnes (Md.), Summit (N.J.), Victor (N.Y.), Ward Melville (N.Y.), Yorktown (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. St. Anthony’s (N.Y.), 2-0

The top-ranked Friars went to North Carolina and came away with a pair of wins — defeating Cardinal Gibbons, 15-6, and Charlotte Catholic, 17-7.  A deep St. Anthony’s team, paced by senior Michael Leo (Syracuse) and junior Owen Duffy (North Carolina) among others, renews a rivalry with Delbarton (N.J.) on April 2. Previous: 1

2. Mt. Sinai (N.Y.), 1-0

Joey Spallina and the Mustangs roared out of the gate, defeating Northport, 12-4, in a meeting of defending Long Island champions. The Syracuse-bound Spallina had six goals and two assists, Cole Marsala had two goals and two assists, Lucas LaForge had two goals and one assist and Brayden Wilcken made eight saves. Previous: 2

3. Brunswick School (Conn.), 0-0

The Tigers, anchored defensively by Duke commit Charlie Johnson and Princeton-bound Hunter Spiess among Division I-bound players at every position, open up their 2022 season against nationally-ranked Georgetown Prep (Md.) on March 29 before a showdown at Deerfield Academy (Mass.) on April 2. Previous: 3

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

Gavin Creo had three goals and two assists, Charles Balsamo had three goals and one assist, Aiden Lough had a pair of goals, Matt Byrnes had one goal and two assists and Colm Flynn (7 saves) and PJ Verdi (3 saves) split the duties in the cage in a season-opening 14-3 win at Ward Melville (N.Y.). Previous: 4

5. Darien (Conn.), 0-0

There’s always high expectations for Darien, who expect to compete for FCIAC and state hardware and the Blue Wave, featuring a potent attack led by senior Matthew Minicus (Loyola) and sophomore Brady Pokorny, renew a rivalry paused by the COVID-19 global pandemic when they host Manhasset (N.Y.) on April 2. The Indians won the last meeting, 10-5, in 2019, snapping Darien’s five-game winning streak in the annual series. Previous: 5

6. Manhasset (N.Y.), 1-0

Air Force-bound Hunter Panzik had four goals and one assist, Jack Petersen (Harvard) netted a hat trick, Dawson Rielly (Bryant) had two goals and one assist and Matt Cargullo (UMass) and Daniel Kolin had two goals apiece in a 17-5 win over Floral Park (N.Y.). The Indians host John Jay (N.Y.) to start their week before facing Darien (Conn.). Previous: 6

7. Garden City (N.Y.), 1-0

In a season-opening 11-7 win over Ward Melville (N.Y.), Cornell-commit Jack Cascadden won 16-of-22 faceoffs and scored a key goal in the fourth quarter after the Patriots pulled within a goal. Jack Archer had three goals and two assists, Stevie Finnell (Syracuse) and Mike Fargione had two goals and an assist and Jay Ottomanell (Trinity) added a pair of goals for the Trojans. Previous: 7

8. Ridgefield (Conn.), 0-0

The Tigers, led by senior attack Ryan Colsey (Virginia), Quinnipiac-bound midfielder Ethan McGerald, defender Kai Prohaszka (North Carolina) and goalie Matthew Shepard (Bucknell), begin their CIAC Class L title defense at Fairfield Prep (Conn.) on April 2. Previous: 9

9. Briarcliff (N.Y.), 1-0

Villanova commit Matt Waterhouse had four goals and two assists, Jack Ricciardi (Richmond) and Brandon Rispoli had three goals and three assists apiece, Elliot Jones scored a hat trick and Jameson Wong made 17 saves in a season-opening 15-4 win over Scarsdale (N.Y.). Previous: NR

10. Webster Thomas (N.Y.), 0-0

After winning the Section V Class B title a year ago, the Titans open the 2022 season at home April 1 night against Clarence. Webster Thomas features senior attackmen David Petz (Hamilton) and Evan Pashalidis (Saint John Fisher) and the Cortland-bound midfield senior duo of Steve Zielke and Ethan Shappee. Previous: 10

— Dylan Butler

MID-ATLANTIC TOP 10

1. St. John’s College High (D.C.), 7-0

The Cadets remain perfect, though it wasn’t easy. After dispatching of Bishop O’Connell (Va.) 20-2 on March 22, St. John’s pulled out a close 11-10 win over Hill Academy (Ont.) on March 25. The Cadets have now outscored opponents 109-40. They face a big week with two top-10 opponents – Paul VI (Va.) on March 29 and then Gonzaga (D.C.) on April 1. Previous: 1

2. Gonzaga (D.C.), 7-0

The Purple Eagles used a pair of riveting wins to stay unbeaten. They blanked Bishop Ireton (Va.) 21-0 before winning a pair of tight matchups. Gonzaga scored a 10-9 overtime win at Paul VI (Va.) on March 25 on a goal by Freddy Fowler after trailing 8-2 in the third quarter and scoring the tying goal as regulation expired. They then upended Culver (Ind.) 11-10 on March 27 after facing a 6-5 halftime deficit. It sets up a huge week with Heights on March 29 followed by a visit from St. John’s (Md.) on April 1. Previous: 2

3. Boys’ Latin (Md.), 4-1

Cardin Stoller made a last-minute save to help the Lakers hold off Culver Academy (Ind.) 9-8 on March 23. Nicky Brown broke a 7-7 tie in the fourth quarter and Brayden Garland added an insurance goal they would need. Dominic Pietramala finished with a hat trick, while Brown and Connor Sydnore each scored two goals apiece. Boys’ Latin will take on McDonogh (Md.) on March 29. Previous: 4

4. Calvert Hall (Md.), 7-1

The Cardinals got four goals and five assists from Truitt Sunderland in an 11-8 win over Hill Academy (Ont.) on March 22. Luca Mercaldo made eight saves and Jordan Wray had a hat trick and an assist. Sunderland scored all five of his goals after halftime and added an assist as Calvert Hall rallied from an early 2-0 deficit for a 12-6 win over Western Reserve Academy (Ohio) on March 25. Davis Provost supplied four goals while Mercaldo made 18 saves. Previous: 3

5. St. Mary’s (Md.) 6-0

The Saints topped Kent Island (Md.) 15-7 on March 25 to set up another week of big tests. The Saints have outscored teams 110-24 in the first weeks of the season. St. Mary’s will host Loyola-Blakefield (Md.) on March 29 and play at Calvert Hall (Md.) on April 1. Previous: 5

6. McDonogh (Md.), 3-2

The Eagles fell to Culver Academy (Ind.) 12-7 on March 21, but got back to winning by silencing The Haverford School (Pa.) 10-5 on March 25. McDonogh could move up in the rankings with games at Boys’ Latin (Md.) on March 29 and home vs. Archbishop Spalding (Md.) on April 21. Previous: 6

7. Georgetown Prep (Md.), 5-2

The Hoyas won an interstate matchup against Western Reserve (Ohio) 12-6 on March 23. Georgetown ran its win streak to four games with a 12-8 win over Westminster (Conn.) on March 26. Gonzaga has lost just twice despite having a minus-four goal deficit for the season, in part because of two overtime wins. The Hoyas play at nationally ranked Brunswick (Conn.) on March 29. Previous: 7

8. Archbishop Spalding (Md.), 4-1

The Cavaliers doubled up Everest Academy (Ont.) 12-6 on March 22 to bounce back from a 12-11 loss to another Canadian power, Hill Academy. Spalding made it two wins in a row by winning over Western Reserve (Ohio) 13-8 on March 24. St. Paul’s (Md.) looms on March 29 before a game at McDonogh (Md.) on April 1. Previous: 8

9. Don Bosco (N.J.), 0-0

The Ironmen don’t open their season until March 30 at Ridgewood (N.J.). They will turn around for an interstate matchup against Gilman (Md.). Don Bosco comes off a perfect season in which they won the state Tournament of Champions. Previous: 9

10. Paul VI (Va.), 5-1

After handling Collegiate School (Va.) 11-5 on March 22, the Panthers lost for the first time this season, 10-9, in overtime to Gonzaga (D.C.) on March 25. It marked the first time all season that Paul VI had allowed double-digit goals. Paul VI faces another tough challenge against St. John’s (Md.) on March 29. Previous: 10

— Justin Feil

SOUTH TOP 10

1. Dallas Jesuit (Texas), 8-2

Coming into the week with a noteworthy win over St. Andrew’s (Fla.), the Rangers fell to vaunted St. Stephen’s and St. Agnes (Md.) 9-7. McAllister Hobbs scored four of the squad’s seven goals. Dallas Jesuit responded two days later with a 17-7 victory over Austin (Texas). Previous: 1

2. Westlake (Texas), 5-2

The Chapperals improved to 5-2 on the season after a 17-3 victory over Keller (Texas). Westlake next faces Dripping Springs (Texas) March 31. Their lone two losses this year came at IMG teams in mid-February. Previous: 3

2. St. Andrew’s (Fla.), 10-3

After a 10-0 start, the Scots have lost three in a row. Last week, St. Andrew’s fell to St. Thomas Aquinas (Fla.) 8-7. Gunnar Schwarz made seven saves and Kurt Schwarz and Connor Hofbauer had two-goal games. Previous: 2

4. St. Edward’s (Fla.), 10-1

The Pirates picked up a pair of victories last week. St. Edward’s had an emphatic 15-1 win over Pine (Fla.) followed by an 11-7 victory over Jupiter (Fla.). Previous: 4

5. Episcopal School of Dallas (Texas), 11-1

After a nearly two-week layoff, the Eagles defeated Valor Christian (Colo.) 16-7. Then over the weekend, Episcopal School of Dallas notched victories over St. John’s (Texas) and The Woodlands (Texas). Junior attacker Cooper Raney had 16 goals and two assists last week, including six tallies against Valor Christian and seven goals against Woodlands. Previous: 5

6. Holly Springs (N.C.), 8-1

The Golden Hawks continue to overwhelm opponents, defeating Apex (N.C.) 17-9 followed by a 23-0 win over Panther Creek (N.C.). Jarrett Huff had seven assists while Jay Legg had six goals in the win over Apex. Previous: 6

7. Lambert (Ga.), 13-0

The Longhorns sustained their unbeaten start. Lambert defeated West Forsyth (Ga.) 11-3 and then tacked on a 10-4 win over Starr’s Mill (Ga.). Previous: 7

8. St. Thomas Aquinas (Fla.), 8-3

After defeating Columbus (Fla.) 16-4, the Raiders picked up arguably the biggest win in Florida so far. St. Thomas Aquinas notched an 8-7 win over defending state champion St. Andrew’s (Fla.). Previous: NR

9. Cardinal Gibbons (N.C.), 8-2

The Crusaders are on a four-game winning streak, picking up a significant 5-4 win over Middle Creek (N.C.). Cardinal Gibbons also recorded wins last week over Enloe (N.C.) and Leesville Road (N.C.). Goalie Owen Guwca stepped up stopping 18 of 22 shots in the win over Middle Creek. Previous: NR

10. Bolles (Fla.), 12-1

The Bulldogs have put together a solid season, including an 11-0 record against in-state competition. Bolles defeated Winter Park (Fla.), Mandarin (Fla.) and Maclay (Fla.) last week. Bolles rallied from a four-goal fourth quarter deficit to defeat Winter Park. Previous: NR

— Justin Boggs

MIDWEST TOP 10

1. Culver Academy (Ind.), 5-2

The Eagles traveled East and played a loaded schedule, including an impressive five-goal win over McDonogh (Md.), which was ranked sixth in the nation in the preseason rankings. Even Culver's first two losses of the season were stout, as each came by a single goal, to Boys’ Latin (Md.), ranked 10th, and Gonzaga (D.C.), which was also considered in preseason rankings. Previous: 1

2. Loyola Academy (Ill.), 1-0

Following a 20-5 season-opening win over Lyons Township (Ill.), the Ramblers won't be playing many games in Wilmette for a while, with seven of their next eight coming on the road. Previous: 2

3. Dublin Jerome (Ohio), 3-0

The Celtics are off to a strong start, winning their first three games by a combined score of 58-14. The Tzagournis brothers have been lethal, per usual, with Marek tallying 10 goals and 11 assists and Chase recording five goals and five assists, while Brady Sestili has excelled at the X and Brady White and the defense have been superb. Previous: 3

4. Upper Arlington (Ohio), 1-0

The Golden Bears were terrific in their opener. Up 5-2 on Thomas Worthington (Ohio) after a quarter, Upper Arlington took control in the middle quarters, dominating the second and third by a 10-1 margin. Previous: 4

5. Brother Rice (Mich.) 1-0

The Warriors established early control of their state title game rematch with Hartland, leading 7-3 after a quarter and 11-5 at the half en route to a 15-11 season-opening victory. Previous: 5

6. Hartland (Mich.), 1-1

The Eagles’ first clash with the Warriors went Brother Rice’s way, but there were positives for Hartland, including a five-goal, two-assist performance by Bo Lockwood, a hat trick for Ryan Krause and a 22/28 day at the X (along with 13 groundballs) for Evan Busby. Previous: 6

7. New Trier (Ill.), 0-0

The Trevians begin their season with a trip to the Buckeye State where they take on a couple of top-notch opponents in St. Xavier (Ohio) on March 30 and Upper Arlington on April 1. Previous: 7

8. Detroit Catholic Central (Mich.), 2-0

The Shamrocks are off to a strong start, beating Brighton (Mich.) by nine goals and East Grand Rapids (Mich.) by 10. That said, a tough challenge awaits DCC as it hosts top Mitten State power Brother Rice on March 30. Previous: NR

9. Forest Hills Central (Mich.), 2-0

The Rangers impressed in a doubleheader sweep of top Hoosier State squads, beating Hamilton Southeastern, 11-8, and Carmel, 8-5. Senior John Tomsheck and junior Jonah McConnell were unstoppable, accounting for 14 of FHC's 19 goals, with four apiece against the Royals and three apiece against the Greyhounds. Meanwhile, Michigan commit Crandall Quinn had 14 saves in each game. Previous: NR

10. Western Reserve Academy (Ohio), 5-3

The Pioneers have challenged themselves with powerhouse opponents in their early-season schedule and have already scored impressive victories over Cathedral (Ind.), Hamilton Southeastern (Ind.), St. Xavier (Ky.) and St. Xavier (Ohio). Previous: NR

— Jonah Rosenblum

WEST TOP 10

1. Corona del Mar (Calif.), 7-0

The Sea Kings solidified their place atop the rankings with an 8-5 win over Torrey Pines (Calif.) on March 23, and they followed that with a 23-5 rout of San Clemente (Calif.) on March 26. Grant Giuliano recorded 10 saves to lead an impressive defensive effort against the fourth-ranked Falcons. Kid Pham won 15 faceoffs in the first half against San Clemente, and Ty Caffarelli had eight goals in the first half of that game. Previous: 1

2. Mater Dei (Calif.), 7-0

Reece Lepham scored a hat trick, and Grant Portillo, Nate Chu and Griffin Dwyer added two goals each to lead the Monarchs to a 13-1 win over Palos Verdes (Calif.) in their lone game last week. Lucas de la Paz won 15 of 16 faceoffs, and Nick Colignon had eight saves in goal. Mater Dei is back in action March 29 against Servite (Calif.). Previous: 2

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

The Golden Eagles added a 12-8 win over Denver East (Colo.) on March 22 and were set to return to action March 28 against Mountain Range (Colo.). Previous: 3

4. Regis Jesuit (Colo.), 3-1

The Raiders edged Kent Denver (Colo.) 6-4 on March 25 and beat Legend (Colo.) 13-7 on March 22. Mattie Cain tallied five goals and two assists to lead the way against Legend, and Logan White had three goals and five assists. Spencer Day made 11 saves in goal. Regis Jesuit’s lone loss was in overtime against CdM. Previous: 8

5. Corner Canyon (Utah), 4-0

The Chargers came back from a three-goal deficit in the third quarter to beat former No. 5-ranked Cherry Creek (Colo.), 10-9, on March 26. They scored the final four goals of the game, including the winner with about a minute left. Previous: 6

6. Torrey Pines (Calif.), 5-2

The Falcons suffered their first loss to an in-state opponent, dropping a defensive battle against top-ranked Corona del Mar (Calif.), 8-5. Their other loss was to Maryland power St. Paul’s. Torrey Pines will be tested again this weekend against two of Texas’ top teams, traveling to play Highland Park and Dallas Jesuit on April 1 and April 2. Previous: 4

7. St. Ignatius Prep (Calif.), 6-2

The Wildcats rebounded from back-to-back one-goal losses to Torrey Pines and an up-and-down Loyola-Los Angeles (Calif.). St. Ignatius rolled to a 15-4 win over Menlo (Calif.) in its lone game of the week March 23. Next up is an undefeated De La Salle (Calif.) team that has a notable win over Foothill-Santa Ana (Calif.). Previous: 9

8. St. Margaret’s Episcopal (Calif.), 8-1

The Tartans lost their only big test so far, but that was a 9-8 overtime game against No. 2 Mater Dei on March 19. They bounced back last week with lopsided in-state wins over Yorba Linda (Calif.) and Tesoro (Calif.). So far, St. Margaret’s has outscored opponents 142-20. A challenge looms Saturday against Loyola-Los Angeles (Calif.). Previous: NR

9. Cherry Creek (Colo.), 3-1

The Bruins cruised to a 14-5 win over Columbine (Colo.) on March 23, but couldn’t avoid a late letdown against Corner Canyon (Utah), falling 10-9 on a last-minute goal. They’ll get another chance against a top team from Utah this weekend when they host Park City. Previous: 5

10. Sacred Heart Prep (Calif.), 7-1

The Gators outscored their two opponents 37-5 last week. In an 18-3 win over Oak Ridge (Calif.), Max Sloat led the way with seven goals and three assists, while Kai Lockton tallied four goals and six assists and James Dakin won 21 of 23 faceoffs. Sacred Heart also beat Serra San Mateo (Calif.) 19-2. Previous: 10

— Laurel Pfahler