Loyola-LA Best of West After Winning Showdown with Cherry Creek

Loyola-Los Angeles (Calif.) is the new No. 1 in the West after defeating Cherry Creek (Colo.) in a prime interstate matchup and headlines this update of the USA Lacrosse High School Boys' Regional Top 10 rankings, presented by CWENCH Hydration.

This week's update includes for the first time the Northeast Region, where action will ramp up quickly with a great showdown between Chaminade (N.Y.) and St. Anthony's (N.Y.).

Meanwhile, Midwest powerhouses Culver Academy (Ind.) and Western Reserve (Ohio) are already making their might felt nationally.

The Mid-Atlantic has been volatile early with some of the usuals falling in recent days. The top two teams will square off this week when Lawrenceville (N.J.) meets Malvern Prep (Pa.) in a battle of unbeatens.

St. Andrew's made a big statement for the South with a win over Boys' Latin (Md.). The Scots can't sit too comfortably with No. 4 Benjamin (Fla.) around the corner this week.

The West now belongs to Loyola-Los Angeles (Calif.). The rankings have been in flux each week in a region that has 18 losses between its Top 10 teams.

See how this week's Top 10 updates for high school boys' lacrosse in the Northeast, Mid-Atlantic, South, Midwest and West regions changed, complete with recaps of the teams' recent and upcoming action.

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

NORTHEAST Top 10

The Northeast is set to ramp up this week with the New York brawl between Chaminade and St. Anthony's. Chaminade has been impressive early, but comes off needing overtime to get by St. Andrew's (Fla.), their second overtime game of the season. St. Anthony's hasn't played in a week. Only three teams were in action among the Top 10.

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

1. Loomis Chaffee (Conn.), 0-0

A year removed from a 16-1 finish and a third consecutive Founders League championship, Loomis Chaffee, led by Milki Conway-Reppert (Dartmouth) and Jayden Rodriguez (Penn) on attack, faceoff specialist Hayden Goozh (Penn) and Saki Nicholas (Lafayette) and Michael Brennan (Harvard) on defense, opened their season March 23 vs. Salesianum (Del.) before a showdown with Salisbury School (Conn.) March 28. Previous: 1

2. Chaminade (N.Y.), 3-1 

The Flyers went 2-0 on their Florida road trip, defeating Valor Christian (Fla.) Saturday after a 13-12 overtime victory at Saint Andrew’s (Fla.). Brendan Sim (Cornell) struck for a hat trick, James Gillis (Duke) had a pair of goals and seven players scored one goal apiece as Chaminade returns home for the annual showdown with St. Anthony’s (N.Y.) on March 25. Previous: 3

3. St. Anthony's (N.Y.), 0-1 

The Friars had more than a week to get back into the lab following a season-opening home loss to Culver (Ind.). That also means they have 10 days to prepare for their rivals, Chaminade, a team they beat last May to win their sixth straight CHSAA title. It’s nine wins in the last 10 games for St. Anthony’s in one of the nation’s most anticipated regular-season games. Previous: 2

4. Salisbury (Conn.), 0-0 

After 22 seniors graduated from a team that went 13-4 last year, Tyler Ramirez (Brown), James Whitehorse (Virginia), Jackson Allen (Maryland), Caden Creech (Princeton) and the rest of the Crimson Knights raise the curtain on their season against Thayer March 25 before their first big national test at home against Loomis Chaffee (Conn.). Previous: 4

5. Brunswick (Conn.), 1-0 

Austin Tuttle had six goals, Alex Cichella (Georgetown) struck for a hat trick, Lucas Garcia (Virginia) had a goal and five assists, David Giuriceo had one goal and two assists and Sawyer Bligh had a pair of assists as the Bruins opened the season with an 18-8 victory over Hill (PA). Delbarton (NJ) and Deerfield (Mass.) are up this week. Previous: 5

6. Deerfield (Mass.), 0-0 

How about these showdowns to open the 2026 season? Deerfield hosts Belmont Hill (Mass.) and Brunswick (Conn.) in a three-day span this week. The test will be serious, but Cooper Brozek (Harvard), Leif Anderson (Notre Dame), Michael McColgan (Cornell) and the boys will be up for it. Previous: 6

7. Belmont Hill (Mass.), 0-0 

The quest for a third straight ISL title begins for Topher Batchelder (Colgate), Dylan Casillo (Virginia), Grady Figler (Lehigh), John Lynch (Princeton), Trey Clayton (UMass) and the rest of Belmont Hill, who open the season with a spicy one on the road against Deerfield (Mass.). Previous: 7

8. St. Sebastian’s (Mass.), 0-0 

A new era in St. Seb’s lacrosse begins this week when Mike Silipo, who spent the previous nine years at Boston University as the associate head coach and offensive coordinator, leads a talented squad against Hotchkiss (Conn.) and then Taft (Conn.). Leading the charge is Tedy Frisoli (Duke), a five-year starter, as well as Ty Curry (Notre Dame), Quincy Quillard (Syracuse) and Jake Beck (Utah). Previous: 8

9. Choate (Conn.), 0-0 

Led by Bryce Privateer (Dartmouth), Gus Markley (Colgate), Brad Mallory (Harvard), Paul Wable (North Carolina) and captain Joey Swan (Colgate), the Wild Boars are ready to get out of the gate, opening the season this week against with a home opener against Berkshire (Mass.) before a big one on the weekend vs. Belmont Hill. Previous: 9

10. Garden City (N.Y.), 1-0

Ben Smith had three goals and five assists, Charlie Koester (Lehigh) had three goals and four assists, Jeff Finnell had three goals and one assist, Anthony Asaro (North Carolina) had two goals and two assists and Brayden Robertiello (Penn State) had a goal and won 14 of 19 faceoffs for the Trojans in a 17-7 season-opening win over Ward Melville (N.Y.). Previous: 10

— Dylan Butler

Mid-Atlantic Top 10

Four unbeatens lead the way in the Top 10 of the Mid-Atlantic. Delbarton jumps up to No. 4 after upending previously ranked Haverford School (Pa.), trailing Lawrenceville (N.J.), Malvern (Pa.) and Bullis (Md.). 

Lawrenceville and Malvern meet this week in a hugely impactful game for the region and nationally. 

Landon (Md.) and Episcopal (Pa.) joined the rankings with the Bears showing they're a competitive crew against top talent and Episcopal having already picked up an impressive win over Georgetown Prep (Md.).

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

1. Lawrenceville (N.J.), 2-0

Jake Sturtevant opened his year with seven points on four goals and three assists, and Malcolm Richardson and Ayden Matthews each had a hat trick and two assists in a 15-4 win over Calvert Hall (Md.). Beau Dillmeier won 10 of 18 faceoffs and Jett Stake stopped five shots while the Big Red caused 32 turnovers. Matt Souter had five points and Sturtevant had a hat trick and assist in a 12-5 win over St. Paul’s (Md.). Colby Rossettie and Parker Doyle had two goals apiece and Stake made 14 saves. Previous: 1

2. Malvern Prep (Pa.), 5-0 

Dan Riely’s fourth goal gave the Friars a win in double overtime over Chaminade (N.Y.). Dylan Novak marked Duke-bound James Gillis and kept him in check. Jamie McCracken had a hat trick and Danny Lucovich scored twice while Sam Kelleher scooped four ground balls. Previous: 2

3. Bullis (Md.), 6-0 

The Bulldogs have gotten a balanced attack in keeping a perfect record through six games. They added wins over Sts. Peter and Paul (Md.) and Archbishop Spalding (Md.) last week. Six players have at least 13 points through the six games — Avi Ruiz, Cooper Kuehl, Sully Flach, Mason Keller, Luke Myre and Jacob Buxton. Harrison Weinstein is 57% at the X while Nate Hanbury has been 68% in relief. Jack Zamoiski has a 61% save percentage heading into a three-game week. Previous: 4

4. Delbarton (N.J.), 2-0 

The Green Wave came out of the gates fast with back-to-back wins. After a 13-6 win over Glen Ridge (N.J.) in which Jack Sheridan had four goals and an assist, Delbarton defeated Haverford School (Pa.) 10-8. The Green Wave scored the only two goals of the fourth quarter for the win. Chase Houser scored five times and Brandon Fodor had two goals and two assists. Matty McGinty made seven saves and Kane Quenault won 8 of 15 faceoffs. Fodor and Houser each had five points in the win over Glen Ridge. Previous: 9

5. Seton Hall Prep (N.J.), 0-0 

The Pirates finally open the season March 28 when they host Chaminade (N.Y.) in a great first challenge. It will be the first look at the team that returns Joe DelMauro (Utah) on attack with Owen Dunleavy (UMBC) and Bryce Pfeffer (UMBC), Lucas Angel (Fairfield) and Michael Scurti (St. John Fisher) at FOGO, long poles Sean Hayes (St. Joe's) and Jagger Zemachson (Duke), and SSDMs Alex Coakley (Georgetown), Cooper Christian (Sacred Heart) and Derek Sabel (Navy). Previous: 7

6. St. John’s College (D.C.), 3-1

The Cadets struggled to score in an 11-2 loss to a talented Culver Academy (Ind.) team, but were able to rebound behind a stout defense to top La Salle (Pa.) 5-2. Up and coming Hill School (Pa.) starts this week off and St. John’s can’t afford to look ahead to St. Anthony’s (N.Y.) at the end of the week. Previous: 8

7. Landon (Md.), 3-2 

The Bears move into the rankings despite taking a loss on the week. Landon held Culver in check better than most have at this early juncture, falling just 12-9. Only St. Anthony’s (N.Y.) has stayed that close to the juggernaut. Landon also picked up a narrow 9-8 win over an improved Good Counsel (Md.) squad. Previous: NR

8. Paul VI (Va.), 6-0 

The Panthers remained perfect with a pair of wins in which they doubled up their opponents in each. Gavin Gilmore scored nine times and had an assist while also going 40% at the X, scooping five ground balls and causing three turnovers on the week. He had five goals in a 15-7 win over Episcopal (Va.) and Niko Colavecchio scored four times. Paul VI followed it up with a decisive 13-6 win over Collegiate School (Va.). Previous: 10

9. Calvert Hall (Md.), 2-3 

The Cardinals dropped both games this week, falling at the hands of Hill Academy (Ont.) and Lawrenceville. It puts them on a three-game losing streak, though they’ve faced tough competition. Calvert tries to bounce back this week with an MIAA game at 4-1 Gilman (Md.). Previous: 3

10. Episcopal Academy (Pa.), 4-0 

The Churchmen move into the rankings after remaining perfect with wins over Academy of New Church (Pa.) and Gill St. Bernards (N.J.). Among their wins this year is a solid 12-5 victory over Georgetown Prep (Md.), the only loss for the Hoyas so far. Episcopal will find out just how good they are this week with a pair of New Jersey powers — Lawrenceville and then St. Augustine. Previous: NR

— Justin Feil

SOUTH Top 10

St. Andrew's (Fla.) cemented its spot atop the South Region rankings with a seismic win over Boys' Latin (Md.) to continue their tremendous season. Lucy Beckham (S.C.) rides a big win over ranked Episcopal Dallas (Texas) into the rankings and The Woodlands (Texas) is also new thanks to a win over another ranked team, St. Thomas Aquinas (Fla.). Roswell (Ga.) and Bolles (Fla.) look to continue unbeaten starts. 

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

1. St. Andrew’s (Fla.), 11-1

The Scots came back from a 13-day break, proving they could go toe-to-toe with just about anyone in the U.S. In its matchup against Boys’ Latin (Md.), Nick Testa had two goals and two assists in a 9-4 win. St. Andrew’s then gave top-five Chaminade (N.Y.) all it could handle, falling in overtime 13-12. Matteo Moran led St. Andrew’s with four tallies in a 14-8 win over Community School of Naples (Fla.). Previous: 1

2. Highland Park (Texas), 10-1

Thanks to Harrison Brown’s heroics, the Fighting Scots toppled Benjamin (Fla.) 9-8 in overtime. Highland Park extended its win streak to nine games with a 13-5 win over Berkshire (Mass.). In three games, he scored seven goals, while turning the ball over just once. Highland Park’s challenging stretch continues with a matchup against Torrey Pines (Calif.) this week. Previous: 2

3. Jupiter (Fla.), 10-1

The Warriors’ win streak was extended to nine games after a 14-1 win over Nease (Fla.). Through the first 10 games, David Druhot has 33 goals and 14 assists. Previous: 3

4. Benjamin (Fla.), 8-3

The Buccaneers played a trio of tight games in a challenging week and came away with a pair of wins. The week started with a 10-8 win over Bishop Moore (Fla.) and an 8-7 victory over Dallas Jesuit (Texas). The week concluded with a 9-8 overtime loss to Highland Park (Texas). The following week includes matchups against St. Thomas Aquinas (Fla.) and St. Andrew’s (Fla.). Previous: 6

5. Roswell (Ga.), 10-0

The Hornets improved their winning streak to 21 games dating back to last year after blanking Chattahoochee (Ga.). 26-0, and toppling Midwest power Upper Arlington (Ohio) 15-10. Embry-Riddle recruit Jackson Hardwick had three goals and an assist versus Chattahoochee before scoring four times against Upper Arlington. Previous: 8

6. Lucy Beckham (S.C.), 6-2

It was a good week for the Bengals. They handled a solid Lake Norman (Fla.) team, 11-9, then edged Episcopal Dallas (Texas) to earn a spot in the rankings. They lost to Mid-Atlantic squad St. Albans (Md.) in a competitive game to end the week. Previous: NR

7. Episcopal Dallas (Texas), 7-2

It was a busy week for the Eagles, playing four games out of state in four days. Episcopal Dallas’ week included wins over Wando (S.C.) and Benedictine Military (Ga.), but losses against Lucy Beckham and St. Albans. Previous: 5

8. The Woodlands (Texas), 9-2

The Highlanders are off to a strong start with wins already this year over Dallas Jesuit, and more recently, St. Thomas Aquinas (Fla.). Junior Stockton Steward had seven points in Woodlands’ win over St. Thomas Aquinas. Freshman goalie Nolan Naughton and sophomore faceoff specialist Ryan Seifer have also compiled impressive starts to the season. Woodlands’ only losses so far are to Highland Park (Texas) and IMG (Fla.). Previous: NR

9. St. Thomas Aquinas (Fla.), 8-2

The Raiders traveled to Texas last week, and kicked the week off with a 22-5 win over Memorial (Texas). The trip concluded with a 14-6 loss to Woodlands (Texas). St. Thomas Aquinas (Fla.) has a crucial matchup against Benjamin (Fla.) this week. Previous: 9

10. Bolles (Fla.), 14-0

The Bulldogs remained perfect for the year after an off week. Bolles toppled Richmond Hill (Ga.) 14-7. The win was followed by a 13-8 win against Episcopal Jacksonville (Fla.). Previous: 7

— Justin Boggs

midwest Top 10

Region leaders Culver Academy (Ind.) and Western Reserve (Ohio) have gone out of region for quality competition and both remain unbeaten through five games. Elsewhere, there's just been minor jockeying for positions among the Top 10, with only Carmel (Ind.) joining the rankings this week after a 4-0 start. St. Xavier (Ohio) reinforced its spot with an key in-region win. Worthington Kilbourne (Ohio) and Upper Arlington (Ohio) won tight games in early tests.

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

1. Culver Academy (Ind.), 5-0

The Eagles have racked up the frequent flier miles per usual, going undefeated on their Texas and East Coast trips to open the season. The latter was particularly impressive as the Eagles knocked off three ranked teams in a row, including St. Anthony’s (N.Y.), which (like Culver) is ranked in the top six in the nation. The Eagles are now in the midst of a two-week break before returning to action against Kiski Academy (Pa.) at a neutral site (Bowling Green State University) April 4. Previous: 1

2. Western Reserve (Ohio), 5-0

The Pioneers got off to a similarly scorching start, scoring 25 goals in their opener against state runner-up McCallie (Tenn.). WRA recently concluded a 3-0 trip to the Baltimore area, topping St. Mary’s (Md.), Archbishop Spalding (Md.) and Loyola Blakefield (Md.). The trip included Darcy Muegge’s five goals against the Dons; Kellen Bladon’s six goals and three assists against the Saints; and Cole Narkiewicz saving 83 percent of the shots he saw against the Cavaliers. Previous: 2

3. St. Xavier (Ohio), 3-0

After graduating a strong senior class, the Bombers aren’t going anywhere. They made that clear by topping Worthington Kilbourne (Ohio) in a rematch of last year’s state semifinal. St. Xavier also has a quality out-of-state victory over Hamilton Southeastern (Ind.). Spencer Stagbauer (Washington and Lee) already has 10 goals and five assists while Max Violet (Lewis) is 40 of 56 at the X. Previous: 3

4. Brother Rice (Mich.), 1-0

The Warriors got their season underway with a 16-5 victory over Grand Ledge (Mich.), a quality foe that won 17 games a year ago. Senior Brady Salach, junior Joe Lee and freshman Danny Skandalaris all had hat tricks in the win. A big game looms Friday when Brother Rice faces Buckeye State power St. Xavier. Previous: 4

5. Lake Forest (Ill.), 0-0

Coming off back-to-back state championships, the Scouts have a deceptively tricky opener March 31 at Deerfield (Ill.), which they topped by just four in last year’s sectional final matchup. Previous: 6

6. Worthington Kilbourne (Ohio), 1-1

The Wolves opened with a one-goal win at Archbishop Moeller (Ohio), sparked by Lewis University commit Declan Ryan’s hat trick and Tate Rich’s game-winning goal (assisted by Ryan). Ryan added two goals in Kilbourne’s subsequent 10-6 loss to St. Xavier (Ohio). The Wolves’ challenging early stretch continues March 28 at home against Hoover (Ohio), which went 18-4 last year. Previous: 7

7. Upper Arlington (Ohio), 2-1

The Golden Bears’ two-hour trip up Interstate 71 to top Hudson (Ohio) in overtime was just the beginning of their travels. Upper Arlington then ventured south, topping Cardinal Newman (Fla.) in Jacksonville and falling to undefeated Roswell (Ga.) in Macon. This week features in-state travel as the Golden Bears head to Thomas Worthington (7.5 miles) and St. Charles Prep (10.5 miles). Previous: 8

8. Edina (Minn.), 0-0

The Hornets carry a 14-game win streak into the 2026 season, which doesn’t start until April 9 in Minnesota. Expect Edina to be tricky to score against, headlined by Torgnyr Wilson Elg (Cleveland State), who led the Hornets in caused turnovers and faceoffs last year, along with Dylan Dubuc (UMass Lowell) and Beau Simonson (Queens University. Previous: 9

9. Carmel (Ind.), 4-0

The Greyhounds are off to a dominant start, topping St. Xavier (Ky.), North Central (Ind.), Forest Hills Central (Mich.) and East Grand Rapids (Mich.), all by nine-plus goals. Carmel is surrendering just 3.5 goals per game, led by Will Bates’ 69.8 save percentage. Meanwhile, Ike Stitle already has 17 goals and Evan Coulter is up to 17 assists. Previous: NR

10. Hamilton Southeastern (Ind.), 6-2

The Royals have played a tough schedule, topping Kentucky runner-up South Oldham by six and edging East Grand Rapids (Mich.) in overtime, while falling by one to Forest Hills Central (Mich.) and five to St. Xavier (Ohio). Seniors Jake Kuxhausen, Marcus Laux and Henry Wans all had 16-plus points through HSE’s first six games. Previous: 10

— Jonah Rosenblum

West Top 10

Loyola-Los Angeles (Calif.) went head-to-head with former No. 1 Cherry Creek (Colo.) and came out on top to ascend to the top spot in the West Region. De La Salle (Calif.) makes its first appearance in the rankings thanks to an impressive win over Sacred Heart Prep (Calif.). St. Ignatius (Calif.) and Marin Catholic (Calif.) square off this week in a Top-5 meeting.

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

1. Loyola-Los Angeles (Calif.), 12-1

Loyola-Los Angeles makes its case for the top spot with a dominant week. The Cubs opened with a 15-0 shutout of Bishop Moore Catholic (Fla.), knocked off previously No. 1 Cherry Creek (Colo.) 12-3, and closed with a 9-6 win over Marin Catholic (Calif.) to go 3-0 on the week. Junior Andrew Goldman ('27) was a force at the faceoff, winning 16-of-17 (94%) against Cherry Creek, 15-of-18 (83%) along with 15 ground balls against Marin Catholic, and 11-of-16 (69%) against Bishop Moore Catholic. Previous: 3

2. St. Ignatius (Calif.), 6-1

St. Ignatius responds well after last week's loss to Cherry Creek, rattling off wins over Sacred Heart Cathedral (Calif.) and Redwood (Calif.) 22-3 to move to 6-1. The Wildcats hold the No. 2 spot on the strength of their overall schedule. A highly anticipated matchup against Marin Catholic (Calif.) on March 27 will be one of the week's key games in the West. Previous: 2

3. Valor Christian (Colo.), 3-2

Valor Christian bounces back from last week's loss to St. Ignatius with a convincing 10-2 win over Colorado Academy (Colo.), showing the depth and resilience expected of a top-three program. They dropped a 12-7 decision to Northeast power Chaminade (N.Y.) The Eagles move up one spot this week and the question of who sits atop Colorado lacrosse will be one worth revisiting as the season continues. Previous: 4

4. Cherry Creek (Colo.), 2-2

A difficult week drops Cherry Creek from the top spot. The Bruins fell 14-13 in a tight contest against La Costa Canyon (Calif.) before getting handed a 12-3 defeat by Loyola-Los Angeles. The losses are notable but not disqualifying. Cherry Creek still owns a head-to-head win over St. Ignatius and remains one of the West's most talented rosters. How they respond in the coming weeks will be telling. Previous: 1

5. Marin Catholic (Calif.), 6-3

Marin Catholic holds at No. 5 despite a 9-6 loss to Loyola-Los Angeles, bouncing back the next day with a 9-8 win over Santa Margarita Catholic (Calif.). All three of the Wildcats' losses have come against teams currently ranked in the top four, which keeps their résumé respectable. Their matchup against St. Ignatius on March 27 is one of the most compelling games on the West's schedule this week. Previous: 5

6. De La Salle (Calif.), 6-1

De La Salle enters the rankings on the strength of a 14-5 win over Sacred Heart Prep (Calif.) this week. Their only loss came to Marin Catholic (Calif.) 10-5, a team sitting in the top five of the West. The Spartans have earned their way in and will look to continue building their résumé against quality competition. Previous: NR

7. Torrey Pines (Calif.), 5-1

Torrey Pines continues to roll, adding an 11-6 win over Bishop's School (Calif.) to stay firmly in the top seven. Their only loss remains against St. Ignatius. Head coach Jono Zissi's Falcons are building one of the more consistent schedules in the region and have solidified their position. Previous: 7

8. Sacred Heart Prep (Calif.), 3-2

Sacred Heart Prep took a significant hit this week, falling to De La Salle (Calif.) 14-5 in a lopsided result that raises questions about where the Gators stand among the region's elite. They hold at No. 6 for now, but a late-month showdown with Valor Christian (Colo.) looms as a critical opportunity to reestablish their standing. Previous: 6

9. Brophy (Ariz.), 9-2

Brophy bounces back with a win over Sunset (Ariz.) this week and moves up one spot. At this stage of the season, consistency is important for the back-to-back Arizona state champions, and a 9-2 record reflects a team that keeps showing up. Both losses have come against ranked opponents. Previous: 9

10. Mater Dei Santa Ana (Calif.), 5-3

Three straight losses drop Mater Dei one spot, though two of those defeats came against out-of-state competition. The most recent was an 8-5 loss to Corona del Mar (Calif.), which is a tough loss. Their narrow win over Brophy (Ariz.) remains their strongest schedule win to date. Previous: 8

— Sonorah Hunter