In the South Region, high school lacrosse is largely underway. This is how things stand in the early going.
St. Andrew’s (Fla.) has most of its balance back to defend its state title, earning the top spot in the South Top 10 to begin the spring.
Texas powers Westlake and Dallas Jesuit are primed for big years, earning them nods at Nos. 2 and 3, respectively. No. 4 Blessed Trinity (Ga.) and No. 5 Cardinal Gibbons (N.C.) are also looking to build on last year’s perfect seasons and have potential for more dominance in the months to come.
Continue on to see how the rest of the Top 10 unfolds, and check back every Tuesday beginning March 29 for National Top 25 updates.
1. ST. ANDREW’S (FLA.)
After claiming a 2021 state title, the Scots return much of their core from last year’s squad, including long-stick midfielder Sean Jordan. St. Andrew’s welcomes back junior attackman Jack Shulte, last year’s top scorer, and goalie Gunnar Schwarz, who is headed to Navy next season.
2. WESTLAKE (TEXAS)
Westlake struggled to assert itself as one of the top squads in Texas in 2021, compiling a 10-5 record. But the Chapperals enter 2022 with one of the most talented rosters in the region, led by Ethan Burke, the one-time Maryland recruit who has opted to pursue football at the University of Texas. Westlake also has a talented defender, Carter Barksdale, committed to Michigan.
3. DALLAS JESUIT (TEXAS)
The Rangers, coming off a 2021 Texas state title, face one of the toughest schedules in the region. Dallas Jesuit has scheduled out-of-state contests against St. Andrew’s (Fla.) and St. Thomas Aquinas (Fla.) and will face Episcopal School of Dallas (Texas). The Rangers are led by McAllister Hobbs, a senior committed to Penn State, and sophomore scorer Beckett Foley.
4. BLESSED TRINITY (GA.)
It’s hard to top a 25-0 season that culminates in a state title, but the 2022 Titans will do their best. Blessed Trinity has a pair of midfielders set to play at the next level next year — Wilson Van Buren (Georgetown) and Charlie Lohman (Colgate).
5. CARDINAL GIBBONS (N.C.)
Like the Titans, the Crusaders had an undefeated 2021 and finished with a state championship. Cardinal Gibbons benefited from a 42-goal campaign from Caden Zadell, who will play his final high school season before heading to Drexel.