Some of the top girl's talent in the nation resides in the South, promising that the 2020 season will be one full of fireworks.
After all, one of the country’s top talents resides in the South in Caitlyn Wurzburger. She’s hardly the only player to watch, though. Keep reading for a full breakdown of the South Region top 10.
*US Lacrosse Magazine released its Nike/US Lacrosse High School Girls Preseason National Top 25 yesterday. Check it out here.
1. American Heritage-Delray (Fla.)
Last season: 22-2
One year after a stunning loss in the state semifinals, the Stallions return one of the country’s top high school players in attacker Caitlyn Wurzburger (North Carolina). American Heritage opens its first season on Feb. 18 against Boca Raton (Fla.), and the schedule is highlighted by a matches against McDonogh (Md.) on March 14 and Lake Highland Prep (Fla.) on April 2.
2. Lake Highland Prep (Fla.)
Last season: 23-2
The Highlanders are coming off a 2019 state title after winning 14 in a row to close out the year. Lake Highland Prep notched wins over American Heritage (Fla.), Mill Creek (Ga.), Lassiter (Ga.), Cardinal Gibbons (N.C.), Glenelg (Md.) and St. Stephen’s & St. Agnes (Va.) but will once again have to prove itself against quality competition in 2020. The Highlanders return junior midfielder Ashley Thurston (Stanford) after she won 116 draws last year.
3. Milton (Ga.)
Last season: 22-1
The Eagles dominated the state of Georgia once again last year, claiming their 13th state title in 15 years after outscoring opponents 431-124. Returning players include Marleigh Sanders (Notre Dame), who led Milton with 110 points (69 assists), Maddie Dora (USC), who tallied 61 goals, Skylar Carrasquillo, who scored 48 times and all-state defender Sydney Ballew (Cincinnati).
4. Episcopal Dallas (Texas)
Last season: 19-1
The Eagles are poised to defend their state title by returning sophomores Lizzie Kelley (Navy), who 41 goals, 24 assists and 29 ground balls last year, and Sam Whiting (Princeton), who had 29 goals, 16 assists and 36 ground balls. Episcopal Dallas’ season starts Feb. 22 at St. John’s School (Texas).
5. Cardinal Gibbons (N.C.)
Last season: 18-3
The Crusaders closed out the 2019 campaign with a 14-game winning streak en route to a state title in North Carolina. Cardinal Gibbons returns Cornell recruit Bailey Mutch (85 points on 55 goals) and Caroline Mullahy (81 points on 42 assists). The Crusaders’ season begins March 3 against Leesville Road (N.C.).
6. Weddington (N.C.)
Last season: 17-1
After winning 17 in a row to start the 2019 season, the Warriors were upset by Lake Norman (N.C.) in the third round of the state playoffs. They look to finish what they started this year. Weddington returns Jordyn Case (Stanford), who registered 62 goals in 2019, and Meryl Johnson (Michigan), who tallied a team-leading 47 assists.
7. Ravenwood (Tenn.)
Last season: 16-1
The Raptors won a state title last year by defeating Brentwood (Tenn.) in the final. Ravenwood returns Julianna Iovine (51 goals, 36 assists) and Andie McConnell (60 goals, 17 assists), and the season starts March 4 against Page (Tenn.).
8. Bishop Moore (Fla.)
Last season: 20-2
The Hornets are coming off a 20-win season that concluded with a playoff loss to Lake Highland Prep (Fla.). Bishop Moore returns attacker Kate Piscopo, who had 103 tallies in 2019, and midfielder Emma Poling, who won 102 draw controls last season.
9. Westlake (Texas)
Last season: 19-2
The Chaps could compete for a state title in Texas this year with a star-studded lineup led by senior attacker Peyton Murphy (Army). Westlake is coming off a 19-win season that concluded with a state quarterfinal loss to Kinkaid (Texas).
10. Kinkaid (Texas)
Last season: 17-3
The Falcons fell to Episcopal Dallas (Texas) in the Texas state championship last year, but that was their only loss to in-state competition. Kinkaid will have to rebuild after losing two All-Americans in Chloe Hunter and Mikela McCauley.