New No. 1 in West Highlights High School Boys' Regional Top 10 Updates

The rankings are growing with the inclusion of a third region.

The first week of the Mid-Atlantic Region came with some early moves. Top-ranked Lawrenceville (N.J.) and No. 5 Malvern Prep (Pa.) haven’t played yet, but the rest of the region is off and running. Boys’ Latin (Md.) opened with a pair of wins, but the biggest note to come out of their win over St. John’s College High (D.C.) was that Cadets star Ryan Duenkel did not play. The Virginia-bound Duenkel, the third-ranked Class of 2024 Inside Lacrosse recruit, is still waiting for a diagnosis on an injury, and “I don’t know when he’s going to be back,” said St. John’s head coach Wes Speaks.

The South saw a big flip with Charlotte Catholic (N.C.) stopping Cannon School (N.C.). Charlotte Catholic remains unbeaten and vaults to No. 3 with the crucial win, while Cannon switches spots back to No. 7. Unbeaten Florida strongholds Lake Mary, St. Andrew’s and Bolles surround Charlotte Catholic.

The West is getting into full swing. St. Ignatius Prep (Calif.) moved up a spot to take over the No. 1 ranking after a top-five win over Sacred Heart Prep (Calif.). Loyola Los Angeles (Calif.) also jumped significantly, from No. 8 to No. 5 on the strength of a win over then-No. 10 Brophy Prep (Ariz.).

MID-ATLANTIC TOP 10

1. Lawrenceville (N.J.), 0-0

Last year's No. 1 ranked team has to replace three of their top four scorers and their FOGO, but returning a 15-deep senior class will help. Chris Matia (Providence) and Yale-bound Conor Gately lead the offense while Princeton commit Kevin Morrow is an elite LSM and Cornell-bound Timmy Piacentini will continue to shine in goal. The Big Red open the year with Westtown (Pa.) on March 12 before going on the road to play at Calvert Hall (Md.) and Gilman (Md.). Previous: 1

2. Boys' Latin (Md.), 2-0

The Lakers opened the year with a 12-4 win over St. John’s College High (D.C.) led by Liam White’s hat trick. Matt Higgins put up four points, Spencer Ford had a goal and two assists, and Connor Sydnor, George Insley and Lincoln Herring all had two goals apiece. Parker Hoffman won 13 of 16 faceoffs. Boys’ Latin kicked off a southern swing with an 11-5 win over St. Thomas Aquinas (Fla.) on March 9. Insley and Ford had five points apiece while Higgins had a goal and two assists. White scored twice. They will also face St. Andrews (Fla.) on March 12. Previous: 2

3. McDonogh (Md.), 1-0

The Eagles graduated attack McCabe Millon (Virginia), FOGO Zach Hayashi (Navy) and a chunk of their defense after defending their MIAA crown, but Virginia commit Brendan Millon is ready for top billing with Notre Dame commit Luke Miller on an attack that will hold down the fort, Ben Firlie (Georgetown) headlines the midfield and Maryland commit Aidan Siebel's return in goal gives the budding defense confidence. McDonogh is trying to become just the second MIAA to threepeat (Calvert Hall 2017-2019). The Eagles opened the season with a 17-7 win over Gonzaga (D.C.) with Millon scoring five goals and Firlie firing in four goals. McDonogh bolted out to a 9-3 halftime lead. The Eagles host St. Thomas Aquinas (Fla.) on March 12. Previous: 3

4. Haverford (Pa.), 1-0

The Fords showed off their depth in a 9-6 win over Loyola-Blakefield (Md.) to open the season. Ben McCarthy (Duke), possibly the top faceoff X in the country, and Griff Meyer went 12 for 17 at the faceoff X. Brody Murphy made 12 saves. The offense was keyed by a hat trick from Finn Lawrence, two goals and two assists from Brady O’Kane, and a pair of goals from Connor Nolen. McCarthy had five ground balls and Nolen had four. Haverford takes on Landon (Md.) March 16. Previous: 4

5. Malvern Prep (Pa.), 0-0

Another tough national schedule gives Malvern a chance to prove itself. Led by junior Duke commits Michael Ortlieb and Owen Mears, Brown-bound Ennis Udo, and the DiBartolomeo brothers (Penn State), the Friars can knock off anyone. They take a swing at Georgetown Prep (Md.) on March 16 to start the season. Previous: 7

6. Bullis (Md.), 2-0

The Bulldogs graduated Tucker Wade (Princeton) and Chase Band (UVA), but have enough talent left to move up from last year. Junior Jackson Maher (Penn) is a catalyst on attack. Bullis opened the year with back-to-back wins. They rolled over St. James (Md.) 14-6 and then stopped DeMatha (Md.) 13-6. They host Archbishop Spalding (Md.) on March 13 and Springside Chestnut Hill (Pa.) on March 16. Previous: 8

7. Gonzaga (D.C.), 0-1

Maryland commit Johnny Gardiner returns for the Eagles, whose first five losses last year came by just seven goals. Gonzaga’s season began with a 17-7 loss to McDonogh. The Eagles look to get back on track against Bishop O’Connell (Va.) and St. Mary’s (Md.) this week. Previous: 6

8. Gilman (Md.), 1-0

The Greyhounds started their season off with an incredible comeback 12-11 overtime win over Georgetown Prep. They trailed Georgetown, 11-3, in the third quarter and 11-4 to start the fourth quarter. They scored eight straight goals over that stretch to send the game into overtime where James Meyer rifled in the game-winner. Meyer finished with a pair of scores and three assists. Jay Rodgers had a hat trick as did Clayton Baddley. Griffin Graham scored once and had three helpers. Jay Wilkerson had a pair of goals and an assist. Zach Parks made 12 saves. Gilman will play at Norfolk Academy (Va.) on March 12, at St. John’s College High (D.C.) on March 15 and host Lawrenceville on March 17. Previous: NR

9. St. Paul’s (Md.), 1-0

Super junior Luke Bair (North Carolina) boosts a Crusaders team that is looking to crack the top four in the MIAA. Finishing games was an issue last year that St. Paul's hopes to figure out, and their opener should give them confidence. Lehigh-bound goalie Gordie Smith made 20 saves in an 11-10 win over Landon. Previous: 10

10. Georgetown Prep (Md.), 2-1

Prep lost some major scorers including Markland Kelly Award winner Nate Kabiri (Princeton), but brings back Georgetown-bound Owen Horning to lead the attack. Horning had four points, including the game-winner in an 11-10 comeback win in overtime over St. Mary’s (Md.). The script was flipped when Gilman came back to beat the Hoyas in overtime, 12-11. Georgetown bounced back with a 14-6 win over Rockhurst Jesuit (Mo.) on March 10. They will see Loyola-Blakefield and Malvern Prep this week. Previous: 9

— Justin Feil

SOUTH TOP 10

1. Lake Mary (Fla.), 9-0

The Rams have remained unbeaten in 33 games, easily toppling Hagerty (Fla.) 20-4 and Cardinal Mooney (Fla.) 14-4. Utah commitment Luke Shale has helped Lake Mary get off to a hot start this season after being unable to train with the squad due to soccer commitments. Previous: 1

2. St. Andrew’s (Fla.), 10-0

The Scots have a trio of impressive wins before going into the toughest stretch of the season. St. Andrew’s defeated Cardinal Gibbons (Fla.) 25-0, St. Edward’s (Fla.) 16-9 and Southlake Carroll (Texas) 15-5. In three games, sophomore Dylan Faison had 14 goals and six assists. The coming week includes matches against Boys Latin (Md.), Lake Mary (Fla.) and Lake Highland Prep (Fla.). Previous: 2

3. Charlotte Catholic (N.C.), 6-0

After easily defeating Providence (N.C.) 23-8, the Cougars picked up a major win against Cannon School (N.C.) by a 14-11 margin. Jack Ransom stepped up in a major way scoring six goals against Cannon School. He is a senior attacker committed to Georgetown. Previous: 7

4. Bolles (Fla.), 12-0

The Bulldogs continue to outscore opponents, winning a trio of contests last week by a combined margin of 44-5. Bolles defeated Atlantic Coast (Fla.) 20-0, Wando (Fla.) 15-3 and Oceanside Collegiate Academy (Fla.) 9-2. Bolles was locked into a 1-1 game in the third quarter of its contest against OCA before Lee Krotee broke the stalemate with a top-shelf goal. Previous: 4

5. St. Thomas Aquinas (Fla.), 6-1

The Raiders extended their season-opening winning streak to six games after defeating Stoneman Douglas (Fla.) 20-6. The winning streak came to an end when Boys’ Latin (Md.) won its first game of the season by an 11-5 margin. Previous: 5

6. Cardinal Gibbons (N.C.), 5-0

The Crusaders improved to 5-0 by defeating Broughton (N.C.) 20-1 and Woodberry Forest (N.C.) 14-7. Junior Zach Kerner has a team-leading 18 goals this season, including a five-goal performance versus Broughton and six goals over Woodberry Forest. Previous: 6

7. Cannon School (N.C.), 3-1

The Cougars opened last week with a strong 16-4 win over Marvin Ridge (N.C.). Cannon School had its first setback of the year, falling to Charlotte Catholic (N.C.) 14-11. Cannon School now has a two-week hiatus before facing Charlotte Country Day (N.C.) March 21. Previous: 3

8. Roswell (Ga.), 9-0

Amid a driving rain, Kaden Parla’s offensive output helped the Hornets defeat Wesleyan (Ga.) 16-9. Roswell then faced a pair of challenging interstate contests, toppling Lucy Beckham (S.C.) 15-7 and Ponte Vedra (Fla.) 13-8. Coach Bryan Wallace picked up his 200th career win against Ponte Vedra. Previous: 8

9. Episcopal School of Dallas (Texas), 6-1

The Eagles have played strong lacrosse since their season-opening loss, defeating Coppell (Texas) 18-1. Previous: 9

10. Highland Park (Texas), 4-1

The Scots had an off week after their 17-0 shutout over Memorial (Texas). Highland Park returns to action against Tabor Academy (Neb.). Previous: 10

— Justin Boggs

WEST TOP 10

1. St. Ignatius Prep (Calif.), 3-0

Coming in hot, the Wildcats secured a 13-10 victory over previously-ranked No. 5 Sacred Heart Prep (Calif.) on March 6, followed by a 16-3 win over Menlo School (Calif.) on March 8, improving their spring record to 3-0 and climbing up one spot in this week’s poll. St. Ignatius will aim for its third consecutive CIF Central Coast section championship and look to make a name for itself nationally as they compete against strong opponents out East. The Wildcats gear up for two tough back-to-back matches against Torrey Pines (Calif.) on March 15 and St. Paul’s (Md.) on March 16. Previous: 2

2. Valor Christian (Colo.), 1-0

The Eagles kicked off their season with a 16-0 sweep over Poudre School District (Colo.) on March 8. Senior Luke Alread (High Point) anchored the defense, registering four ground balls and two caused turnovers, while Baden Brown (Tufts) and Liam Goodwin (Colorado College) highlighted the attack with four goals and one assist apiece. Valor Christian returns every single starter from last season and boasts 16 seniors. After coming up short in last year’s state final, this stacked squad is hungry for another shot at the title. The Eagles march forward to host Cherry Creek (Colo.) on March 15. Previous: 1

3. Torrey Pines (Calif.), 3-0

Torrey Pines is on a roll, improving to 3-0 so far this season after securing a 15-6 win over Coronado (Calif.) on March 2, defeating Patrick Henry (Calif.) 26-1 and grabbing the 15-4 victory over a strong Cathedral Catholic (Calif.) team. Sophomore Ross Jacobsen netted seven goals while senior goalkeeper Andrew Cook (John Hopkins) recorded 16 saves against Cathedral Catholic. Under the leadership of veteran head coach Jono Zissi, the five-time CIF title champions prepare for a three-game homestand this week: Saint Augustine (Calif.) on March 12, Saint Paul’s (Md.) on March 14 and St. Ignatius (Calif.) on March 15. Previous: 3

4. Mountain Vista (Colo.), 1-0

The Golden Eagles have officially started their season, defeating Lewis-Palmer (Colo.) 18-2 on March 7 where sophomore Quillian Guilick led the team with six goals. Mountain Vista has a young, talented roster with a handful of upperclassmen committed to play at the collegiate level. Seniors Austin Nindorf (Canisius) and Brody Reedy (Sacred Heart) anchor the defense and midfield while juniors Holden Hayes and Braydon Barnard, both Hofstra commits, are critical in the faceoff circle. The Golden Eagles could have another go at the state this season, but for now they host Air Academy (Colo.) on March 15. Previous: 4

5. Loyola Los Angeles (Calif.), 5-1

What a week for the Cubs who went undefeated at the Nike Jesuit Classic in Phoenix, Ariz., defeating previously-ranked No. 10 Brophy Prep (Ariz.) 10-7 on March 8. After trailing 6-5 at halftime, the Cubs scored five more times and limited Brophy to just one more goal to clinch the win. On March 9, Loyola Los Angeles secured a 7-4 victory over Dallas Jesuit (Texas) and the team also recorded a 12-2 win against Crespi (Calif.) on March 5. The Cubs get ready for a series of matches against Chaminade (Calif.) on March 12, Mira Costa (Calif.) on March 14 and Sierra Canyon (Calif.) on March 16. Previous: 8

6. Foothill-Santa Ana (Calif.), 6-1

The 2023 CIF Southern Section champs are coming off two victories against Canyon (Calif.), 14-6, on March 7 and Westlake, 10-7, on March 9. The Knights returned seven of their top nine scorers from last season, including senior Connor Pietras and All-American Bode Jellerson. Pietras, the top returning scorer, netted three goals against Westlake and two versus Canyon. Foothill-Santa Ana aims to keep its momentum rolling heading into tough matchups, Santa Margarita (Calif.) on March 14 and Episcopal School of Dallas (Texas) on March 16. Previous: 7

7. Redwood (Calif.), 3-0

Redwood makes its first appearance in the USA Lacrosse West Region polls after upsetting previously-ranked No. 5 Sacred Heart Prep (Calif.) 10-8 on March 8. The Giants grabbed season-opening victories against Granite Bay (Calif.), 17-6, on Feb. 24 and Bellarmine College Prep (Calif.), 14-4, on Feb. 26. Redwood is home to five college commits: attacker Nolan Ewing (Denison), goalkeeper Jackson Lesher (Colorado College), defenseman Eddie Lin (Bates), and middies Jake Vasquez (Notre Dame) and Harrison Curtiss (Kenyon). This team on the rise looks to continue its winning streak against Marin Academy (Calif.) on March 12 and De La Salle (Calif.) on March 15. Previous: NR

8. De La Salle (Calif.), 3-1

The Spartans split their matches this week, dominating Tamalpais (Calif.) 22-2 on March 6 before falling 13-6 to Marin Catholic (Calif.) on March 8. Sophomore Nick Musco and junior Cael Carscadden had a combined 10 goals – five apiece – against Tamalpais, and senior Jackson Barth went 19-for-19 in faceoffs. Despite the loss, senior goalkeeper Luke Scranton registered nine saves for the Spartans and junior Daniel Schaeffer picked up four ground balls. De La Salle is on the hunt for its third CIF North Coast championship title and next will be tested by Oak Ridge (Calif.) on March 12 then No. 7 Redwood (Calif.) on March 15. Previous: 6

9. St. Margaret’s Episcopal (Calif.), 6-0

Another new name in the polls this week, St. Margaret’s Episcopal is undefeated through its first six games. The Tartans have dominated every one of their matches so far, including their most recents against Bishop’s (Calif.), 12-5, on March 5 followed by a 20-4 performance against out-of-state St. John’s (Texas) on March 8. With five seniors committed to play at the collegiate level – Austin Hicks (Duke), Jojo Samluck (Colby College), Adam Horcasitas (Mount St. Mary’s), Matt Arena (Hofstra) and Conor McKenna (Bryant) – St. Margaret’s Episcopal could have a promising season that makes them a team to watch. The Tartans take on two out-of-state teams this week, beginning with Notre Dame Prep (Ariz.) on March 12, followed by Mount St. Joseph (Md.) on March 16. Previous: NR

10. Notre Dame Prep (Ariz.), 6-0

Notre Dame Prep is one of the premier lacrosse programs in Arizona and have had a perfect season so far with an impressive schedule ahead. Last week the Saints snagged a pair of victories against in-state rivals Desert Vista (Ariz.), 12-5, on March 5 and Scottsdale (Ariz.), 16-12, on March 7. Attacker Ethan Reno tallied four goals, two assists and three ground balls against Desert Vista while midfielder Cooper Perry recorded three goals and six assists to help Notre Dame Prep push past Scottsdale. Up next for Notre Dame Prep are back-to-back contests against No. 6 St. Margaret’s Episcopal (Calif.) on March 12 and Notre Dame-Sherman Oaks (Calif.) on March 13. The Saints will have a lot to prove against these California schools. Previous: NR

— Theresa Palmquist