USA Lacrosse Boys' Regional Rankings: Into the Wide-Open MIAA Race

Holderness (N.H.) and Taft (Conn.) are new additions to the Northeast in this week's USA Lacrosse High School Boys' Regional Top 10 rankings, presented by CWENCH Hydration. 

In the Mid-Atlantic, a loss by Episcopal Academy (Pa.) to Haverford School (Pa.) as well as Calvert Hall's (Md.) first league loss led to changes in the Top 10.

The South is almost fully in playoff mode, with No. 1 Highland Park (Texas) solidifying its ranking with a top-three win.

A loss by St. Xavier (Ohio) left room for one small swap of spots in the Midwest.

in the West, Park City (Utah) is new to the rankings with its only two losses coming against currently ranked Colorado schools. 

Compiled by USA Lacrosse writers with input from coaches around the country, rankings and records reflect results as of previous Sunday. 

NORTHEAST Top 10

It's tough at the top, but Brunswick (Conn.) held its No. 1 spot with an overtime triumph and a quality win over Darien (Conn.). Staples (Conn.) is next to challenge the Bruins. 

Just below them, Loomis Chaffee (Conn.) wasn't as lucky. Deerfield (Mass.) leapfrogged them for the No. 2 spot after winning a terrific head-to-head game.

St. Sebastian's (Mass.) remains unbeaten while St. Anthony's (N.Y.) holds its spot after a tough out-of-region loss. The Friars face Darien this week.

Garden City (N.Y.) slipped a spot after also losing to a Mid-Atlantic team.

Two newcomers played their way into the rankings. Holderness (N.H.) continued its perfect run to take one spot. The other goes to Taft (Conn.) after it defeated previously ranked Choate (Conn.) to snap a two-game losing streak. 

Our Northeast rankings cover Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York, Rhode Island and Vermont.

1. Brunswick (Conn.), 11-2 

Hunter Hansford scored four second-half goals, David Giuriceo had two goals and one assist, Rick Giordano (North Carolina) and Austin Tuttle scored two goals apiece, Lucas Garcia (Virginia) had three assists, and Kevin Ryan scored a goal to help lead the Bruins to an 11-8 win over Darien (Conn.). Brunswick’s 3-0 week included an overtime win over Hill Academy (Ont.). Previous: 1

2. Deerfield (Mass.), 7-2

Colin Mulderig netted a hat trick, Cooper Lawson (Hamilton) and Lucas Ward were solid in the cage, and Jarron Crosbie (Babson) and Brooks Simonds put in a shift at close defense as Deerfield defeated Loomis Chaffee (Conn.), 10-8. The Big Green followed that with a 13-5 victory over Phillips Andover (Mass.). Previous: 3

3. Loomis Chaffee (Conn.), 8-2 

Danny Lopez (Brown) had a pair of goals, and Rhett King (Denver) made 11 saves in a 10-8 loss to Deerfield. Loomis Chaffee rebounded from that midweek defeat to knock off Phillips Exeter (N.H.), 17-1. Coming up this week is Westminster (Conn.), followed by Phillips Andover. Previous: 2

4. St. Sebastian’s (Mass.), 9-0 

Ty Curry (Notre Dame) had four goals and one assist, Stew Curry had three goals and three assists, Will Haggery had two goals and three assists, William Hulbig had two goals, David Hahm had a goal and two assists and won 17 of 20 faceoffs and Quincy Quillard added a pair of assists in a 17-10 win at Middlesex (Mass.). A big one against Tabor (Mass.) is up next in the midweek. Previous: 4

5. St. Anthony’s (N.Y.), 7-4 

After handing Iona Prep (N.Y.) its first loss, the Friars fell at Lawrenceville (N.J.) in a hard-fought 8-7 overtime clash of titans. Charlie Cacciabaudo (North Carolina) had three goals, Jake Johnston (Johns Hopkins) scored twice, and Danny Rooney (Maryland) had four assists for the Friars, who will look to bounce back with games against Kellenberg (N.Y.), Darien, and Haverford (Pa.) up this week. Previous: 5

6. Chaminade (N.Y.), 10-3 

The Flyers went 3-0 this week, defeating New Canaan (Conn.), Boston College HS (Mass.), and Manhasset (N.Y.). In the 15-6 victory over Manhasset in the 17th annual Lacrosse Day for Heroes, Hayden Sipress (Yale) had three goals, Christian Atwell (Iona) had two goals and one assist, and John Balsamo (Virginia) added one goal and three assists in the game that honored Sgt. James J. Regan. Chaminade was awarded the “Reg’s Rock” trophy for the 12th time. Previous: 6

7. Avon Old Farms (Conn.), 6-1 

It’s now seven straight wins for the Winged Beavers, who defeated Kent (Conn.), 19-6, following a 12-8 victory over Westminster. Avon Old Farms will look to continue to roll on the road, taking on Hotchkiss and Trinity-Pawling (N.Y.) this week before a gauntlet of Brunswick, Deerfield, and Taft to end the regular season. Previous: 8

8. Garden City (N.Y.), 10-1

After suffering its first loss of the year, 10-9, against St. Augustine (N.J.), the Trojans returned to their winning ways with a 12-8 victory over Shawnee (N.J.). Charlie Koester (Lehigh) had three goals and two assists, Jeff Finnell had two goals and two assists, and Chase Kraus and Ben Smith had two goals and one assist apiece. The 144th Woodstick Classic will take place Saturday night at Manhasset (N.Y.). Previous: 7

9. Holderness (N.H.), 8-0 

The Bulls parade marched on with a 15-5 victory at Kimball Union (N.H.) after an 18-6 victory over Phillips Andover. Holderness returns home to face Proctor (N.H.) and Tilton (N.H.) this week. Previous: NR

10. Taft (Conn.), 8-3

Jonah Ziv (Colgate) scored four goals, and Henry Oakey (Ohio State) and Brett Feldmaier (Michigan) had three goals and one assist each as Taft fired 40 shots at the cage in a 13-8 win over Hotchkiss (Conn.), which came on the heels of a 14-9 victory at Choate (Conn.). Previous: NR

— Dylan Butler

Mid-Atlantic Top 10

In the MIAA A Conference, it’s Loyola Blakefield (Md.) sitting in first place, tied with Calvert Hall (Md.) with one loss apiece. Behind them, Archbishop Spalding (Md.), Severn (Md.), McDonogh (Md.) and St. Mary’s (Md.) are all tied with two losses each heading into their final three games.

It’s a huge week in the race for the top seed in the WCAC. Paul VI (Va.) and St. John’s (D.C.) both get a shot at unbeaten front-runner Good Counsel (Md.).

It doesn't get any bigger than the Inter-Ac week ahead for Malvern Prep (Pa.), which just beat Delbarton (N.J.) in a huge regional matchup. The Friars could wrap up the league title with a sweep of the week. They have to defeat Haverford School (Pa.) and Episcopal Academy (Pa.) for the second time each this season. Haverford has won eight of its last nine games, including a victory over Episcopal.

Lawrenceville (N.J.) will face La Salle (Pa.) and Summit (N.J.) plays at Delbarton this week.

Our Mid-Atlantic rankings cover D.C., Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Virginia and West Virginia.

1. Lawrenceville (N.J.), 10-2

After a 12-5 win over Perkiomen (Pa.), the Big Red slipped by St. Anthony’s (N.Y.) 8-7 in overtime on Ayden Matthews’ third goal of the game. He had four goals in the win over Perkiomen. Lawrenceville faces Hill Academy (Ont.) and La Salle (Pa.) this week. Previous: 2

2. Malvern Prep (Pa.), 12-3 

The Friars downed Delbarton (N.J.) 10-5 in a strong overall team effort. Danny Lucovich, Dan Riely and Jamie McCracken all scored two goals apiece, Eddie Rudloff had seven ground balls, Thomas Ploszay made 10 saves and Matt Connolly was 6 for 8 at faceoff X. Lucovich also had a pair of assists. Malvern began the week with a 16-7 win over Germantown Academy (Pa.). They face Haverford School (Pa.) and Episcopal Academy (Pa.) in a huge week for the Inter-Ac League. Previous: 2

3. Hill School (Pa.), 11-1

The Blues swept Academy of New Church (Pa.) 17-5 and Peddie (N.J.) 19-5. Their only loss this year came at the hands of Brunswick (Conn.). Things will get more competitive with Hill Academy (Ont.) and then Blair (N.J.) and Pennington (N.J.). Previous: 6

4. Delbarton (N.J.), 10-4 

After rolling by Pope John XXIII (N.J.) 16-2 and Mountain Lakes (N.J.) 14-4, the Green Wave stumbled in a 10-5 loss to Malvern. Matt McGinty made nine saves and Pierce Bolger and Chase Houser had two goals apiece. After losing three of their last five games, they try to get back on track with games against Summit (N.J.) and Chaminade (N.Y.). Previous: 5

5. Calvert Hall (Md.), 8-4 

The Cardinals fell out of sole possession of MIAA A Conference first place after an 8-7 loss to St. Mary’s (Md.). It’s their first conference loss. They rebounded with a 14-8 win over Archbishop Spalding (Md.) as nine different players scored for Calvert Hall, which was able to break the game open during a 6-0 run over the second quarter and most of the third quarter. Previous: 4

6. Paul VI (Va.), 13-1

The Panthers had no difficulty with Bishop Ireton (Va.) and St. Mary’s Ryken (Md.). They take on Bishop McNamara (Md.) before challenging Good Counsel (Md.) in a huge game to finish the regular season. Good Counsel leads the WCAC standings at 7-0 while Paul VI is 6-1. Previous: 7

7. St. John’s College (D.C.), 9-4

St. John’s dispatched of Bishop McNamara to set up a showdown to start the week. The Cadets will play at Good Counsel as they try to become the first team to defeat Good Counsel. They’ll finish with Bishop Ireton (Va.). Previous: 8

8. La Salle (Pa.), 11-2

The Explorers rolled by St. Joseph’s (Pa.) 11-6 after blanking Archbishop Wood (Pa.) 15-0. Roman Ippoldo had eight saves and three ground balls, Mason Smith, Will Trymbiski and Dylan Malone all had hat tricks and Tobi Zweiback had five assists and a goal in the win over St. Joe’s. La Salle will try to boost its status against Lawrenceville on May 2. Previous: 9

9. Summit (N.J.), 10-0 

The Hilltoppers had identical 9-6 scores in wins over Westfield (N.J.) and Rumson Fair-Haven (N.J.). Jack Freeman scored four goals, Luke Fowler supplied four assists and James Grainger had four points on a hat trick and an assist. Cole Sabol led the scoring against Rumson with four goals while Grainger had two goals and two assists and Quinn Hynes had three helpers. They take on Delbarton (N.J.) on April 29 in a huge in-state public-private showdown. Previous: 10

10. Episcopal Academy (Pa.), 10-4 

The Churchmen lost their Inter-Ac matchup against Haverford School (Pa.), 14-8. It’s their most decisive defeat of the season. It dropped them to third place in the Inter-Ac heading into a week that includes front-runner Malvern Prep, a team that they lost to by four goals two weeks ago. Episcopal tries to get back on track after being competitive with the best teams all season. Previous: 3

— Justin Feil

SOUTH Top 10

Only one team in the rankings had a loss the entire week, and it came at the hands of top-ranked Highland Park (Texas). Episcopal Dallas (Texas) could not upend the Scots but boasts an already stout resume.

All five Florida teams won their playoff games. The Woodlands (Texas) and Georgia teams Roswell (Ga.) and Lambert (Ga.) are set to start their playoff runs this week.

Our South rankings cover the region from North Carolina south to Florida and west to Texas. 

1. Highland Park (Texas), 17-1

The Fighting Scots clashed with Episcopal Dallas last Friday in arguably one of the biggest regular-season matchups ever in the Lone Star State. In the battle between Texas heavyweights, Highland Park emerged victorious by an 8-7 record thanks to James Allen’s hat trick. The win extended Highland Park’s winning streak to 16 games. Highland Park also earned a 19-3 victory over McKinney (Texas). Previous: 1

2. St. Andrew’s (Fla.), 17-3

The Scots continue to be firing offensively as Nick Testa and Cooper Crone combined for 17 points in their 23-2 victory over Ransom Everglades (Fla.). Crone, a sophomore, has stepped up lately for St. Andrew’s, notching hat tricks in three straight games. Previous: 2

3. Episcopal Dallas (Texas), 15-3

The Eagles’ regular season came to a disappointing end after falling to rival Highland Park 8-7. ESD got the game within one goal with 36 seconds left, but the Eagles were unable to find an equalizing tally in the waning seconds. Wayte McKnight, Jack Cohen and Asher Lear all had two-goal efforts in the loss. Previous: 3

4. Ponte Vedra (Fla.), 17-2

The Sharks continue looking like a real state-title contender after overwhelming Niceville (Fla.) 21-3. Senior Baylor Vu continues to post impressive offensive numbers as he has scored times. Previous: 4

5. Jupiter (Fla.), 15-3

David Druhot has continued his hot scoring performance into the post season as he fired three goals to pair with four assists in the Warriors’ 17-3 win over Wellington (Fla.). Gavin Rinaldi tacked on a hat trick of his own. Previous: 5

6. Roswell (Ga.), 17-1

The Hornets’ regular season ended with a tight 11-9 win over Blessed Trinity (Ga.) in the Crossville Cup. Roswell has won six of the last seven meetings between the cross-town rivals. The win followed a 21-4 victory over Rabun Gap (Ga.). Wyatt Luce combined for seven goals and four assists in two contests last week, while Kaden Parla had five goals and five assists. Roswell’s postseason begins with taking on the winner of Sequoyah vs Riverwood. Previous: 6

7. The Woodlands (Texas), 16-3

The Highlanders' regular season ended April 18 with a 16-11 loss to Episcopal Dallas (Texas). Woodlands takes on Lake Travis in the Class AA quarterfinals Saturday. Previous: 7

8. St. Thomas Aquinas (Fla.), 14-3

The Raiders’ Luciano Chiabra pitched a four-save shutout in their 17-0 playoff win over Gulf Coast (Fla.). James Finch had three goals, five assists and four ground balls in the win. Previous: 8

9. Benjamin (Fla.), 12-5

The Buccaneers scored the first 12 goals in a lopsided 17-4 win over Foundation Academy (Fla.). Next up for Benjamin is a playoff matchup against St. Edward’s (Fla.). Previous: 9

10. Lambert (Ga.), 16-1

The Longhorns’ defense remained stingy in a 6-1 win over Lovett (Ga.). Lovett had been averaging 12 goals a game. Lambert now awaits to find out who it will play in the postseason. Previous: 10

— Justin Boggs

midwest Top 10

Culver Academy (Ind.) and Western Reserve (Ohio) met a week ago, and the region's top two teams seem to be on a collision course to meet again in the Midwest Scholastic Lacrosse Association Tournament championship. Culver is perfect on the year, and Western's only loss came against the Eagles. 

Upper Arlington (Ohio) leapfrogged a St. Xavier (Ohio) team that suffered its first loss of the season. Upper Arlington moved up despite an out-of-region loss. 

Stillwater (Minn.) will face another unbeaten team in its toughest test of the week. Detroit Country Day (Mich.) is also perfect after a narrow victory, but faces two powerful Indiana squads this week in a difficult stretch. 

Our Midwest rankings cover Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio and Wisconsin.

1. Culver Academy (Ind.), 12-0

The Eagles enter this coming weekend’s Midwest Scholastic Lacrosse Association Tournament with serious momentum. Culver beat Everest Academy (Ont.) by 19 goals and IMG Academy (Fla.) by seven this past week to remain undefeated. Previous: 1

2. Western Reserve (Ohio), 12-1

The Pioneers enter the MSLA Tournament with similar momentum after doubling up on both Kiski Prep (Pa.) and St. Ignatius (Ohio). Senior Hunter Harris had five goals and two assists and sophomore Luke Mills saved 75 percent of the shots he faced against the Cougars, while fellow sophomore Gunner Flanagan had eight ground balls against the Wildcats. Previous: 2

3. Upper Arlington (Ohio), 11-2

The Golden Bears bounced back from their second loss — to Delaware power Salesianum — with a dominant effort. Upper Arlington held Olentangy Orange (Ohio) to just three goals in the first three quarters Tuesday en route to a 17-6 victory. Previous: 4

4. St. Xavier (Ohio), 13-1 

The Bombers picked up yet another impressive win Friday — topping Mitten State power Detroit Catholic Central — before suffering their first loss — by a goal less than 24 hours later at Hoosier State power Cathedral. Previous: 3

5. Carmel (Ind.), 11-1

The Greyhounds bounced back from their first loss, to St. Xavier (Ohio), with a one-goal win over Olentangy Liberty (Ohio) Saturday. Playing without two starters, Carmel persevered thanks to nine saves from Will Bates and two goals apiece from Max McCord, Ike Stitle and EB Warren. More challenges await as the Greyhounds have a back-to-back against Hamilton Southeastern (Ind.) and Detroit Country Day (Mich.) Friday and Saturday. Previous: 5

6. Worthington Kilbourne (Ohio), 10-3

The Wolves survived a tough in-state challenge, edging Centerville, 11-10. Tate Rich (three goals, three assists) and Declan Ryan (three goals, four assists) had huge performances against the Elks while Luke Salajko also had a hat trick. Kilbourne next takes on 10-2 Delaware Hayes (Ohio) Wednesday. Previous: 6

7. Glenbard West (Ill.), 11-1

The Hilltoppers’ 3-0 week included wins over tough Land of Lincoln foes Hinsdale Central and York, with sophomore Chase Lloyd recording four goals and an assist against the Dukes and five goals against the Red Devils. Glenbard West has another top in-state foe coming up Tuesday when it hosts 11-1 St. Viator. Previous: 7

8. Stillwater (Minn.), 6-0

Three players tallied multiple goals in an 8-6 win over White Bear Lake (Minn.) Friday to help the Ponies remain undefeated as Vaughn Fatheree had a hat trick and Everett Abrams and Robert Appert IV had two goals apiece. Keiran Jones had 10 assists earlier in the week against Mounds View (Minn.). A battle of undefeated teams awaits Thursday when Stillwater takes on East Ridge (Minn.). Previous: 8

9. Detroit Country Day (Mich.), 10-0

The Yellowjackets edged Rockford, 13-11, to remain undefeated in a showdown of two of the state’s top teams. Another tough week awaits as Detroit Country Day travels to 8-2 Okemos (Mich.) Tuesday, then takes on two of Indiana’s top teams (Carmel and Cathedral) over the weekend. Previous: 9

10. MICDS (Mo.), 10-2

The Rams edged two formidable opponents — Christian Brothers (Mo.) and Memphis University School (Tenn.) — by two goals apiece. Steele Crissman and Wyatt Giles had four goals apiece against the Cadets while Jonah Kim tallied 12 ground balls. Another daunting week awaits, including 10-3 St. Louis University Jesuit (Mo.) Tuesday and 11-2 Cathedral (Ind.) Saturday. Previous: 10

— Jonah Rosenblum

West Top 10

Valor Christian (Colo.) dealt Regis Jesuit (Colo.) its first loss of the season. Now Regis faces another highly ranked Colorado team, Cherry Creek (Colo.), with another chance to move up.

Park City (Utah) enters the region's rankings, its only losses came against Valor and Cherry Creek. 

Our West rankings cover the Mountain, Pacific and Northwest regions and at least part of the Southwest.

1. Loyola–Los Angeles (Calif.), 18-3

Loyola holds the top spot as they head into postseason play. At 18–3, they’ve separated themselves with one of the strongest bodies of work out West and continue to look like the team to beat. Previous: 1

2. Marin Catholic (Calif.), 13-5

Marin Catholic picked up a key win over Sacred Heart Prep (Calif.) 9–5, one of the more impactful results of the week. That kind of win reinforces their position near the top and shows they can control games against quality opponents. Previous: 2

3. St. Ignatius (Calif.), 12-6

St. Ignatius added a solid 12–7 win over St. Francis-Mountain View (Calif.) and continues to build consistency late in the season. They’ll close out the regular season against Archbishop Mitty (Calif.), a good final test before postseason play. Previous: 3

4. Valor Christian (Colo.), 12-2

Valor delivered one of the biggest statements of the week, handing Regis Jesuit (Colo.) its first loss of the season with a 14–8 win, followed by a dominant 19–3 victory over Legend (Colo.). They’re peaking at the right time heading into the playoffs. Previous: 4

5. Cherry Creek (Colo.), 11-2

Cherry Creek continues to roll with commanding wins over Grandview (Colo.) 24–5 and Cherokee Trail (Colo.) 18–1. They’ve been dominant on both ends and will close the regular season with matchups against Arapahoe (Colo.) and Regis Jesuit (Colo.). Previous: 5

6. Torrey Pines (Calif.), 10-3

Torrey Pines picked up a strong 14–6 win over Santa Fe Christian (Calif.), taking care of business as expected. They remain a dangerous team heading into the postseason with the ability to compete with anyone in the field. Previous: 6

7. De La Salle (Calif.), 14-4

De La Salle continued its strong run with wins over Granada (Calif.) 14–5 and San Ramon Valley (Calif.) 18–3. They’re playing some of their best lacrosse late in the season and building momentum at the right time. Previous: 7

8. Regis Jesuit (Colo.), 12-1

Regis Jesuit took their first loss of the season, falling to Valor Christian (Colo.) 14–8, but responded with a convincing 17–5 win over Castle View (Colo.). With tough games remaining against Rock Canyon (Colo.) and Cherry Creek (Colo.), they’ll have chances to reassert themselves. Previous: 8

9. Brophy (Ariz.), 16-4

Brophy has wrapped up the regular season at 16–4 and now turns its focus to the postseason. They’ve handled most of their schedule effectively and remain a steady presence in the top 10. Previous: 9

10. Park City (Utah), 11-2

Park City enters the rankings after a consistent season, highlighted by a notable 9-8 win over Santa Margarita (Calif.). Their only losses came against Valor Christian (Colo.) and Cherry Creek (Colo.), and they’ve shown enough to earn a spot in the top 10. Previous: NR

— Sonorah Hunter