Malvern Prep (Pa.) is the new No. 1 nationally, but what was the impact of the Friars' big win over McDonogh (Md.) regionally?
Below you'll find this week's Top 10 updates for high school boys' lacrosse in the Mid-Atlantic, South and West regions, complete with recaps of the teams' recent and upcoming action. Midwest updates will start next week.
Compiled by USA Lacrosse writers with input from coaches around the country, rankings and records reflect results as of previous Sunday.
Mid-Atlantic Top 10
The Mid-Atlantic Region could not have started off with any better of a game.
Two of the top teams squared off with Malvern (Pa.) edging McDonogh (Md.) by a goal to displace the Eagles at No. 1 this week. McDonogh was a shot away from tying it in the closing minutes in a heart-stopping early season meeting.
None of the other top-10 preseason teams lost a game in the first week, though there were plenty of exciting contests. Boys’ Latin (Md.), for instance, went perfect thanks to a pair of one-goal wins.
Our Mid-Atlantic rankings cover D.C., Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Virginia and West Virginia.
1. Malvern (Pa.), 1-0
The Friars picked up a huge 11-10 win over preseason No. 1 McDonogh in their season opener. Malvern jumped out to an early 4-0 lead in the first quarter at home, then fought off every chance that McDonogh had to overtake them. Heath Jones made 15 saves and thwarted three shots in the final two minutes. Logan Turley had a hat trick and an assist, Owen Mears also had four points on two goals and two assists, Jake Bickel put in the game-winner among his two goals and Mike Ortlieb scored twice. The schedule remains rigid with Boys’ Latin (Md.) and Georgetown Prep (Md.) on the docket this week. Previous: 4
2. Lawrenceville (N.J.), 0-0
The Big Red go on the road to open the season at Calvert Hall (Md.) on March 14. Seniors Brock Getson (Harvard), Nick Voultos (Michigan), Ted Rawson (Syracuse), Sawyer English (Brown) and junior Hansen Peck (Syracuse) lead a Lawrenceville squad that has a big target on its back. The Big Red also face Good Counsel (Md.) this week. Previous: 2
3. McDonogh (Md.), 0-1
The Eagles were on the wrong side of an opening game that was played a very high level. McDonogh fell behind, 5-0, before rallying to make it a one-goal game at halftime. The Eagles tied the game multiple times in the second half but could not take the lead, falling, 11-10. Brendan Millon and Eli Schaller both had hat tricks to pace the offense. The Eagles return to action against Gonzaga (D.C.) and Chaminade (N.Y.) this week. Previous: 1
4. Archbishop Spalding (Md.), 1-0
Spalding was dominant in every facet of a 19-2 win over Spire (Ohio) in their season opener. The Cavaliers hope for three more wins this week. They go on the road to play at Paul VI (Va.), then host Hill Academy (Ont.) and Western Reserve (Ohio) in some good early tests. Previous: 3
5. Haverford School (Pa.), 1-0
Colin Decker made 11 saves as the Fords jumped out to a huge 8-1 halftime lead then held off Loyola Blakefield (Md.) in a 10-7 win in their season opener. Anthony Costa scooped up five ground balls, and Conor Morsell led the attack with two goals and an assist. Evan Large also scored twice in the balanced attack. Reece Childs, Max Fertels, Gavin Morrissey, Cam Esposito, Reed Campbell and Finn French had had a goal apiece. Haverford hosts Landon (Md.) in a top-10 game. Previous: 5
6. Bullis (Md.), 3-0
A 5-4 overtime win over DeMatha (Md.) highlighted a perfect 3-0 week to open the season. Quinn Anzelone kicked off his senior year in fine fashion with the game-winner after opening the year with five goals and three assists in a 13-10 win over St. Anne’s-Belfield (Va.). Bullis also topped St. Christopher’s (Va.) 12-5. The Bulldogs face St. Paul’s (Md.) and Episcopal (Pa.) next. Previous: 6
7. Calvert Hall (Md.), 1-0
The Cardinals knocked off St. Anne’s-Belfield (Va.) 15-11 to start the season. Will Schwanke (Gettysburg) had a hat trick and four assists to pace the offense. Jackson Mitchell scored four goals and Jack Williams delivered a hat trick. Caleb Kelly scored a goal and had two assists. Ben Cuomo went 21-for-27 at X. After a game against Hill Academy (Ont.), they will host Lawrenceville on March 14. Previous: 7
8. Boys' Latin (Md.), 2-0
The Lakers passed two early tests for a team that returns just one starter. Boys’ Latin defeated St. Johns College (D.C.) 8-7, then three days later stopped Gonzaga (D.C.) 10-9 in double overtime. Matt Higgins had the game winner against St. John’s with 1:38 left in regulation. Against Gonzaga, he tied the game with 45 seconds left to force overtime, then had the game-winner. They play at Malvern on March 12 before heading to Florida for a spring break trip. Previous: 8
9. Landon (Md.), 2-0
Landon picked up a pair of close wins in their first week. They jumped out to an 8-2 lead before finishing off a 9-7 decision over Severn (Md.), then edged Mount St. Joseph’s (Md.) 9-8. Devin Stewart and Makana Neverosky scored multiple goals in both games to highlight the offense, while at the other end Stephen Riso has shined in goal. Gilman (Md.) and Haverford pose this week’s challenges. Previous: 9
10. Georgetown Prep (Md.), 2-0
Prep won a tight one over St. Mary’s (Md.) 12-11 to open their year. Braden Lutz scored four goals in the win. The Hoyas got four goals from sophomore Rex Adamson to roll over Gilman (Md.) 12-7 to keep their perfect start. Georgetown takes on Loyola Blakefield (Md.) and Malvern this week. Previous: 10
— Justin Feil
SOUTH Top 10
The South Region comes in unchanged this week. In a game that had the potential to shake up the rankings, No. 3 Episcopal Dallas (Texas) doubled up No. 7 Westlake (Texas). That kept the status quo and the rest of the top 10 teams were unbeaten on the week to hold their spots.
Our South rankings cover the region from North Carolina south to Florida and west to Texas.
1. Benjamin (Fla.), 10-0
The Buccaneers continued their incredibly hot start to the 2025 season with an 18-5 victory over St. John Paul II (Fla.) and a 16-5 pounding of Community School of Naples (Fla.) last week. Jayden Vega now has 38 goals and 27 assists this season, including a combined eight tallies and five assists last week. Benjamin will face another tough task this week, taking on Bishop Moore (Fla.). Previous: 1
2. Lake Mary (Fla.), 8-0
The Rams once again overwhelmed opponents as Lake Mary has outscored its competition 142-11 to start the year. Last week included a 22-0 shutout over Seminole (Fla.), a 17-2 victory over Viera (Fla.) and a 21-3 victory over Holy Trinity Episcopal Academy (Fla.). Previous: 2
3. Episcopal Dallas (Texas), 5-0
It has been a busy stretch for the Eagles, who played seven games in 11 days. The big week was highlighted by a 10-5 win over Texas power Westlake. The week also included victories over Cy Woods (Texas), Southlake (Texas) and McCallie (Tenn.). Previous: 3
4. Highland Park (Texas), 7-1
The Scots headed into spring break by pounding Cascia Hall (Okla.) 17-4. Now Highland Park embarks on one of its toughest stretches of the year, facing Episcopal (Va.), St. Andrew’s (Fla.) and IMG Academy (Fla.) in Naples this week. Previous: 4
5. St. Andrew’s (Fla.), 8-2
After falling to Benjamin (Fla.) for a second time this year, the Scots got back on track last week with a pair of victories. St. Andrew’s took home wins over Jupiter (Fla.) and Jesuit (Fla.) before heading into a very challenging stretch of the year. This week’s schedule includes a highly anticipated showdown against Highland Park (Texas). Previous: 5
6. St. Thomas Aquinas (Fla.), 9-0
The Raiders have made it past the halfway point of the regular season with an undefeated record, but face one of the toughest schedules in the region in the second half of the year. St. Thomas Aquinas picked up blowout wins over St. Edward’s (Fla.) and Lake Highland Prep (Fla.). The upcoming schedule includes a showdown against Boys’ Latin (Md.) this week. Previous: 6
7. Westlake (Texas), 3-1
The Chaps continued their struggles against Episcopal Dallas, falling to the Eagles 10-5 last week, marking their fifth loss to ESD in six games played since 2021. Westlake also picked up a 10-8 win over Lake Travis (Texas) last week. After taking on Westwood (Texas), Westlake heads to Florida for its spring break trip. Previous: 7
8. Montgomery Bell (Tenn.), 4-0
The Big Red remained undefeated last week thanks to a 17-5 victory over Ravenwood (Tenn.) and a 14-5 win over MICDS (Mo.). James Roberts had four goals in the win over Ravenwood while Ben Smith had a team-leading five tallies versus MICDS. Montgomery Bell is headed into a bye week. Previous: 8
9. Roswell (Ga.), 6-1
After a devastating one-goal loss to Montgomery Bell (Tenn.), the Hornets redeemed themselves with a 15-8 win over Milton (Ga.). Jackson Hardwick had a team-leading six goals, while Linkin Miller contributed a hat trick. Previous: 9
10. Bolles (Fla.), 9-0
The Bulldogs headed into their bye week on another strong note, defeating Fleming Island (Fla.) 20-5 before toppling South Walton (Fla.) 14-2. Cole Hunt had four goals in the win over Fleming Island. Previous: 10
— Justin Boggs
West Top 10
Two new teams entered the mix. No. 4 Loyola-Los Angeles (Calif.) has gone unbeaten since two out-of-region losses, and Cherry Creek (Colo.) rode the strong shooting of Ollie Nolting into the No. 8 spot. The top three are intact led by St. Ignatius (Calif.), but the middle has juggled around between Marin Catholic (Calif.), St. Margaret’s Episcopal (Calif.) and Sacred Heart Prep (Calif.).
Our West rankings cover the Mountain, Pacific and Northwest regions and at least part of the Southwest.
1. St. Ignatius (Calif.), 2-0
The Wildcats defeated De La Salle (Calif.), 10-6, before taking down No. 3 Valor Christian 11-6. St. Ignatius opens league play at Sacred Heart Cathedral (Calif.) on March 10 then faces No. 4 Loyola-Los Angeles (Calif.) on March 13 and No. 2 Torrey Pines on March 15. Previous: 1
2. Torrey Pines (Calif.), 4-0
Torrey Pines improves to 4-0 after securing dominant wins over Cathedral Catholic (Calif.), 18-11, and Bishop’s (Calif.), 9-2. Scripps Ranch (Calif.) forfeited giving Torrey Pines another win. Up next the Falcons face No. 1 St. Ignatius on March 15. Previous: 2
3. Valor Christian (Colo.), 1-1
The Eagles opened their season with an 11-6 loss to No. 1 St. Ignatius (Calif.) before bouncing back to defeat then-No. 6 Marin Catholic (Calif.), 12-6. Up next is Denver South (Colo.) on March 10 and Colorado Academy (Colo.) on March 14. Previous: 3
4. Loyola-Los Angeles (Calif.), 6-2
Loyola’s only losses this season are from two of the Top 10 South Region ranked teams, a narrow 17-16 loss to No. 5 St. Andrew’s (Fla.) in overtime and a 14-3 loss to No. 1 Benjamin (Fla.). The Cubs defeated Belen Jesuit (Fla.) 14-6 to close out their Florida road trip. Loyola is now on a five-match winning streak heading into a three-game slate this week: St. Francis (Calif.), No. 1 St. Ignatius (Calif.) and Crespi (Calif.). Previous: 7
5. Marin Catholic (Calif.), 3-1
The Wildcats shut out league opponent Archie Williams (Calif.) 21-0 before falling 12-6 to No. 3 Valor Christian (Colo.). This week Marin Catholic faces two more conference foes, Terra Linda (Calif.) on March 14 and Branson (Calif.) on March 15. Previous: 6
6. St. Margaret’s Episcopal (Calif.), 2-0
St. Margaret’s dominated conference opponents University (Calif.), 16-4, and Portola (Calif.) 19-2. Up next is Laguna Hills (Calif.) on March 12. Previous: 4
7. Sacred Heart (Calif.), 1-0
The Gators defeated Redwood (Calif.) 11-4 in their season opener. Sacred Heart preps for conference opponent Junipero Serra (Calif.) on March 12 and De La Salle (Calif.) on March 14. Previous: 5
8. Cherry Creek (Colo.), 1-0
Cherry Creek dominated Monarch (Colo.) 17-1 in its season opener with senior middie Ollie Nolting (Johns Hopkins) registering four goals and four assists. The Bruins face Poudre (Colo.) next on March 12. Previous: 8
9. Cathedral Catholic (Calif.) 4-1
Cathedral Catholic defeated its first league opponent, Coronado (Calif.) 10-4 before falling 18-11 to No. 2 Torrey Pines (Calif.). Next up is Bishop’s on March 15. Previous: 9
10. Arapahoe (Colo.), 1-0
Arapahoe defeated Rock Canyon (Colo.) 13-4 in its season opener. The Warriors were led by senior middie Brody Nelson and sophomore attack Landon Wilson with three goals apiece. Up next is Regis Jesuit (Colo.) on March 11 and Poudre (Colo.) on March 14. Previous: 10
— Theresa Palmquist
