In the South Region, high school lacrosse is largely underway. This is how things stand in the early going.
Milton (Ga.) will miss a leading quartet that has graduated, but it brings back plenty of talent to start at the top of the South Top 10. American Heritage-Delray (Fla.) is threatening, though, having added a key transfer to its wealth of talent.
Traditional powers Blessed Trinity (Ga.), Hockaday (Texas) and Cardinal Gibbons (N.C.) round out a capable top 5. 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. MILTON (GA.)
Despite losing four All-Americans from their undefeated 2021 season, including South Player of the Year Maddie Dora, the Eagles return a star-studded lineup that has a number of Division I prospects. Among those returning include seniors Kristen Courtemanche (Wofford), Taylor Kozina (Cincinnati) and Sophie Waters (Rutgers). The team also includes junior Emily Simkin, who starred for the South team at last year’s Under Armour All-America underclass tournament.
2. AMERICAN-HERITAGE DELRAY (FLA.)
The Stallions, Florida state champs in 2021, return their top scorer, sophomore Brooke Goldstein, who scored 52 goals in her freshman year. Casey Roberts, a senior committed to Ohio State, returns after leading American Heritage-Delray with 32 assists. The Stallions also have added Carli Fleisher from Stoneman Douglas (Fla.), who is considered one of the region's top players.
3. BLESSED TRINITY (GA.)
After a 15-2 2021 season, the Titans feature several of the region’s top players, namely senior midfielder Sarah Chernik, an Army recruit, and Furman recruit Reese Hart, a 2021 All-American.
4. HOCKADAY (TEXAS)
The Daisies were crowned Texas Division I champions in 2021 and are poised to repeat in 2022. Hockaday features Minje Kwun, a senior midfielder committed to Dartmouth.
5. CARDINAL GIBBONS (N.C.)
After having their title hopes dashed by East Chapel Hill (N.C.) in 2021, the Crusaders return a strong lineup with a solid midfield led by Duquesne commit Sydney Calabrese, Villanova commit Georgia Sobocinski and Harvard commit Grace Mullahy. Mullahy had 36 goals and 28 assists last season. Cardinal Gibbons’ season starts March 4 with a trip to Maryland to take on Maryvale Preparatory School.