Five state champions find themselves ranked in the South Region’s preseason top 10, and the competition figures to be fierce this spring in a growing region. The season has already begun in some places down South, so let’s take a look at some of the best teams in the area.

*US Lacrosse Magazine released its Nike/US Lacrosse High School Boys Preseason National Top 25 yesterday. Check it out here.

1. Ponte Vedra (Fla.)
Last season: 24-1

The Sharks won 17 in a row to close out the 2019 season with a Florida state title. Ponte Vedra will carry a roster of seven Division I prospects, including five-star recruit Dylan Hess (Georgetown) and four-star recruit Carter Parlette (Notre Dame). Ponte Vedra’s schedule is highlighted by a visit to Boys Latin (Md.) on March 7.

2. Episcopal Dallas (Texas)
Last season: 19-5

The Eagles won a pair of tight games to close out the 2019 campaign as the Texas state champions. Episcopal Dallas is loaded with future Division I talent, led by goalie Kyle Rolley (Syracuse) and attacker Reed Landin (Duke).

3. Weddington (N.C.)
Last season: 16-1

The Warriors claimed their third straight state title last year, defeating Chapel Hill (N.C.). Anthony Todaro (50 goals) and Will Shipley (20 goals) return to anchor the offense. Weddington’s season starts March 2 versus Gorman (N.C.).

4. Walton (Ga.)
Last season: 21-2

The Raiders won a state title in Georgia thanks to stout defense. Walton hopes to be stingy again in 2020 with Nick Floyd (St. Joseph’s) between the pipes, along with James Gurr (Ohio State) and Tate Harran (Bellarmine) anchoring the midfield. Walton will face a challenging early season test against Ponte Vedra (Fla.)

5. Lambert (Ga.)
Last season: 21-2

Johns Hopkins recruit Patrick Deans returns to lead the Longhorns defense, which allowed just 4.1 goals per game in 2019. Lambert’s only two losses last year were to 17-win Lovett and Walton in overtime of the state final.

6. Montgomery Bell (Tenn.)
Last season: 13-2

The Big Red’s 2019 campaign ended with a win over Christian Brothers (Tenn.) for the title. Stephen Avery (Denver) is back after a 49-goal, 32-assist season. Montgomery Bell will face Culver Academy (Ind.), the No. 1 team in the nation, on March 7.

7. Lassiter (Ga.)
Last season: 20-2

The Trojans are coming off a trip to the state semifinals, where their 20-win season concluded with a loss to Lambert (Ga.). Lassiter has two highly-touted college prospects on this year’s roster — Andrew Atchison (Denver) and Braden Erksa (Maryland).

8. Cardinal Gibbons (N.C.)
Last season: 18-4

The Crusaders return several top offensive players, including Caden Zadell, who (as a freshman) led the 2019 North Carolina Class 4A champions in goals with 44. He is joined by Griffin Cooling (36 goals, 27 assists), Trent Orr (14 goals) and Daniel Kelly (14 goals).

9. Highland Park (Texas)
Last season: 14-5

Despite losing five times in 2019, the Highlanders return a squad filled with college prospects, including four-star recruits Anthony Ghobriel and Thomas Mencke (Harvard). Four players, not including Ghobriel, have committed to play Division I. Highland Park arguably has the toughest schedule in the South with contests against Torey Pines (Calif.), Loyola-Los Angeles, St. Stephen’s & St. Agnes (Va.) and in-state rival Episcopal Dallas.

10. Westlake (Texas)
Last season: 16-2

The Chaparrals are coming off an impressive two-loss season that included a win over Highland Park (Texas). Attacker Bryce Walker (Notre Dame) leads a talented squad in 2020, which also includes four players committed to play for the service academies.