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It took only a couple of games to impact heavily the USA Lacrosse High School Boys' West Top 10. The first update of the rankings gives us a new No. 1 and a new contender to look for in the Top 10.
St. Ignatius (Calif.) climbed to the top spot with a pair of Top-10 wins. A one-goal win over No. 2 Loyola-Los Angeles (Calif.) combined with a solid win over previous No. 3 Torrey Pines (Calif.) gives the Wildcats a promising start to the season. It's hard not to look to far ahead to their matchup coming March 13 against preseason No. 1 Cherry Creek (Colo.).
Cherry Creek and fellow Colorado juggernaut Valor Christian — can we get these two to play each other in the regular season? — both open play this week. Both are ranked in the Top 5. Another traditionally strong Colorado program, Arapahoe, slides into the No. 9 spot as the lone newcomer to the Top 10.
Unbeaten starts by Marin Catholic (Calif.) and La Costa Canyon (Calif.) bumped them up to No. 5 and 6 respectively ahead of an idle Sacred Heart Prep (Calif.) team that opens a season with high expectations this week.
Presented by CWENCH Hydration, our West rankings cover the Mountain, Pacific and Northwest regions and at least part of the Southwest. They are compiled by USA Lacrosse writers with input from coaches.
Rankings and records reflect results as of the previous Sunday.
1. St. Ignatius (Calif.), 2-0
Holy Cross commit Bryson Lewis recorded double-digit saves in a statement win over Loyola-Los Angeles (Calif.), and the Wildcats followed with a convincing 15-11 victory over Torrey Pines (Calif.) to open the season. St. Ignatius executed late in tight moments against Loyola and controlled the second half against Torrey to solidify the early No. 1 position. Two wins over preseason top-three opponents give SI the strongest résumé in the region. Previous: 6
2. Loyola–Los Angeles (Calif.) 2-1
The Cubs opened with dominant wins of 30-1 and 25-2 before falling 12-11 to St. Ignatius in a tightly contested showdown. Coach Jimmy Borell had Loyola fired up for the matchup, and the Cubs were on the doorstep late before coming up just short. The offensive firepower is clear, and Loyola remains one of the most dangerous teams in the West despite the narrow loss. Previous: 2
3. Cherry Creek (Colo.) 0-0
Cherry Creek has yet to open in 2026 but remains one of the region’s most complete teams on paper. The Bruins feature multiple collegiate commits, including Utah-bound Layne Mills, Hofstra commit Charlie Kiefer and Colgate signee Benji Davoll. Their opener will quickly clarify placement, but the talent level keeps them firmly in the top five. Previous: 1
4. Valor Christian (Colo.) 0-0
Valor Christian awaits its season debut but enters 2026 with a roster featuring multiple Division I commits, including Ivy League and Patriot League destinations. The Eagles’ top-end talent and Colorado pedigree give them the ceiling to climb quickly once games begin, though movement is limited until results hit the board. Previous: 5
5. Marin Catholic (Calif.) 2-0
Marin Catholic opened with solid wins over Serra San Mateo (Calif.) and De La Salle (Calif.) to begin the year. The Wildcats have looked balanced and disciplined, handling Northern California competition with confidence. While they have yet to face a top-five opponent, they have done exactly what was expected in the early stretch. Previous: 7
6. La Costa Canyon (Calif.) 2-0
The Mavericks moved up after opening with wins over Palo Verde (Calif.) and Coronado (Calif.). La Costa Canyon has taken care of business and is one of the few undefeated teams with multiple games already played. Early results matter, and LCC has capitalized on its opportunities. Previous: 9
7. Sacred Heart Prep (Calif.) 0-0
Sacred Heart Prep has not opened yet, but anticipation is building. The March 14 matchup against Loyola-Los Angeles could significantly reshape the West Region picture. Until games are played, SHP holds steady based on preseason expectations. Previous: 4
8. Torrey Pines (Calif.) 0-1
Torrey Pines dropped a 15-11 contest to St. Ignatius to open the year. It was a competitive showing against the current No. 1, but they couldn’t get over the hump in a strong opener. The Falcons will look to rebound in upcoming nonleague play. Previous: 3
9. Arapahoe (Colo.) 0-0
Arapahoe enters the Top 10 following strong coach support and plenty returning after coming off a solid season a year ago. The Warriors have yet to open in 2026, but their 2025 résumé and Colorado credibility as a regular 5A championship contender put them firmly in the mix. Previous: NR
10. Eastlake (Wash.) 0-0
Eastlake remains ranked while awaiting its March 15 opener. The Wolves have consistently represented Washington well and will need early crossover results to maintain position once play begins. Previous: 8
Sonorah Hunter is a former Division I defender and draw specialist at the University of Denver, where she helped lead the Pioneers to their first NCAA tournament appearance and anchored the defense as a team leader in ground balls, caused turnovers, and draw controls. She went on to become a successful high school coach in Colorado, engineering a rapid turnaround at Columbine High School and later leading Colorado Academy to back-to-back state championships while also developing athletes through Team 91 Colorado and other elite club programs. Outside of lacrosse, she serves as Director of Solutions Consulting at Adswerve and remains active in her community.
