USA Lacrosse High School Boys' Regional Top 10 Rankings: Revenge for Valor

Valor Christian (Colo.) won this year's state championship matchup with Cherry Creek (Colo.) to secure its spot the West Top 10 and St. Augustine (N.J.) is the only new team in any region in this week's USA Lacrosse High School Boys' Regional Top 10 rankings, presented by CWENCH Hydration. 

New Jersey is just heading into the postseason, and in the regular-season finale the Hermits defeated Delbarton (N.J.) to add to their resume and move into the Mid-Atlantic Top 10. Episcopal (Pa.), which defeated St. Augustine earlier this season, is now one spot ahead of the Hermits.

There was only one other region that had any movement at all and it was subtle. It was set up when Valor Christian defeated Cherry Creek in their state final and Cherry Creek lost in the regular season to La Costa Canyon (Calif.). Torrey Pines (Calif.) jumped ahead of Cherry Creek after Torrey Pines won their section champion with their second win of the season over La Costa Canyon. 

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

NORTHEAST Top 10

Action was light among ranked teams. The top matchup was one of the only ones as Loomis Chaffee (Conn.) won its third straight Founders League title by downing Choate (Conn.) thanks to a strong start to their second half.

The only other ranked team that had a game last week was Garden City (N.Y.). The Trojans won their Nassau Class B quarterfinals to set up a semifinal matchup against Roslyn (N.Y.) on May 27.

With the rest of the region now done, there won't be much movement possible for Garden City, which is ranked as the top public school team in the country.

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

1. Brunswick (Conn.), 17-3 

After defeating Lawrenceville (NJ) in double overtime in the semifinals, the Bruins edged Deerfield (Mass.), 8-7, to win the Prep Nationals title for the second time in program history. James McGinty scored the winner in transition with 1:25 left in the fourth quarter, and Will Connell (Lafayette) was a brick wall in net. Sawyer Bligh added two goals and one assist for Brunswick, which also won the Prep Nationals title in 2022. Previous: 1

2. Loomis Chaffee (Conn.), 15-2 

Make it three straight Founders League titles for Loomis Chaffee, which defeated Choate (Conn.), 10-5. Griffin Boston (Loyola) and Colton Boorda had two goals apiece, OJ Ika and Jayden Ramirez (Penn) had one goal and one assist apiece, and Rhett King (Denver) made 16 saves as Loomis stormed out of the gate at halftime to quickly turn a one-goal game into a three-goal lead. Previous: 2

3. Deerfield (Mass.), 14-4

A 13-8 win over Salisbury (Conn.) in the semifinals booked the Big Green’s spot in the Prep Nationals championship, but the script was flipped from a regular-season win over Brunswick, as the Bruins won by one at home to claim the title. Cooper Brozek (Harvard) had a goal and an assist, Mack Dance pulled Deerfield to within a goal, Jack Borg (Michigan) tied the score at 7, and Lucas Ward was stellar in cage for the Big Green. Previous: 3

4. St. Anthony’s (N.Y.), 12-4 

Make it seven NSCHSAA championship wins in a row against rival Chaminade (N.Y.) for the Friars, who rallied from a two-goal halftime deficit to win 13-12 at Hofstra’s Shuart Stadium. Billy Atkinson (Bryant) got the party started with a first-half hat trick. Dylan Harrigan (Maryland) had three goals and one assist, Danny Rooney (Maryland) had two goals and an assist, and Dylan Rappaport (Loyola) made 12 saves. Previous: 4

5. Garden City (N.Y.), 16-1

The top public school in the nation is rolling right along, defeating Calhoun (N.Y.), 17-4, to reach the Nassau Class B semifinals. James DeBusschere led the way with three goals, Charlie Koester (Lehigh) had two goals and three assists, and Anthony Asaro (North Carolina) had two goals and two assists. Previous: 5

6. Choate (Conn.), 10-6

Emmanuel Nikitiades won some key faceoffs, Michael Bruketta scored a pair of goals, Paul Wable (North Carolina) gave the Wild Boars a 3-2 lead, and Mac Privateer was again solid in goal, but it wasn’t enough to overtake Loomis Chaffee, which won 10-5 and captured another Founders League title. Previous: 6

7. Chaminade (N.Y.), 13-5  

For a third straight meeting, and a second consecutive title game, the Flyers were outscored 6-1 in the third quarter en route to a loss to rival St. Anthony’s (N.Y.). Brendan Sim (Cornell) scored five goals, James Gillis (Duke) had four goals and two assists, John Balsamo (Virginia) had five assists, and Kieran Walsh (Notre Dame) made nine saves for Chaminade in the 13-12 defeat. Previous: 7

8. Holderness (N.H.), 15-0 

The Bulls entered the Lakes Region tournament as the top seed and lived up to the billing, defeating fourth-seeded Kimball Union (NH), 9-7, in the semifinals and then beating second-seeded New Hampton (NH), 8-7, in the championship game, with Trey Neally (Army), AJ Yeung (Princeton), and Trey Picard (Colby) leading the way. Previous: 8

9. Tabor (Mass.), 18-1

Tabor defeated St. Sebastian’s (Mass.), 14-10, to win its first-ever ISL championship. Leo Kavey (Loyola) and Landon O’Neil had three goals and one assist apiece, Dylan Franzen (Michigan) had two goals and two assists, Colton McNamara (Tufts) and Michael Albert (Saint Joseph’s) had two goals each, and Jayden Walters (Providence) had a goal and two assists. Previous: 9

10. Avon Old Farms (Conn.), 10-4

The Winged Beavers ended the regular season on a positive note, defeating Taft 9-6, but then ran into a Choate team healthier than it’s been all year and lost, 9-4, in the Founders League semifinals. Previous: 10

— Dylan Butler

Mid-Atlantic Top 10

St. Augustine (N.J.) has added another big win to its resume to move into the region's Top 10.

The Hermits picked up a rare win over Delbarton (N.J.) which has now lost another game to an in-state foe. They already lost to Seton Hall Prep (N.J.) and Chatham (N.J.), but the Green Wave do have some notable national wins. The Non-Public Group state tournament begins this week with some potentially interesting rematches in another week. 

Malvern Prep's (Pa.) third win of the season over Haverford School (Pa.) gave the Friars the PAISAA championship. The state title came on their 10th win in a row, and 14th in their final 15 games. Malvern and Haverford knocked out Hill School (Pa.) and Episcopal (Pa.), respectively, in the state semifinals. Episcopal's wins over Lawrenceville and St. Augustine helped keep them in the top five.

Only La Salle (Pa.) still has any games left among the other ranked teams, but the first Pennsylvania AAA state tournament games don't begin until June 2. 

Summit (N.J.) is the tough-luck team to get bumped out of the Mid-Atlantic Top 10 by St. Augustine's rise. Summit lost to Delbarton (N.J.) and both St. Augustine and Seton Hall Prep own more recent wins over Delbarton and wins over higher ranked teams than the Hilltoppers, who begin play in their sectional tournament this week.

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

1. Lawrenceville (N.J.), 13-4

The Big Red’s season ended in a double-overtime loss to Brunswick (Conn.) in the National Prep Lacrosse Championship tournament. It was their second loss to Brunswick this season. Lawrenceville, though, picked up some big wins over teams that we ranked in the region and nationally throughout the season. They knocked off Calvert Hall (Md.), Malvern Prep (Pa.), Deerfield (Mass.), St. Anthony’s (N.Y.), Hill School (Pa.) and La Salle (Pa.). Previous: 1

2. Malvern Prep (Pa.), 20-3 

The top-seeded Friars captured the PAISAA Championship with an 8-6 win over Haverford School (Pa.). It’s their third win of the season over rival Haverford, and it was more of the same for Malvern with Danny Lucovich pacing the offense with three goals, Dan Riely adding two assists and Thomas Ploszay making 16 saves. Ploszay made 10 saves, Joey Murphy scored a hat trick, Riely scored twice and had three assists along with five ground balls and Tommy Onderdonk had two goals and two assists in a 13-7 semifinal win over Hill School (Pa.). TJ Connolly and Matt Connolly combined to go 13 for 23 on faceoffs. Malvern has won their last 10 straight games. Previous: 2

3. Calvert Hall (Md.), 13-4 

The Cardinals repeated as MIAA A Conference champions with a commanding 14-8 win over second-seeded McDonogh (Md.). It took Calvert Hall a few weeks to get themselves together after graduating 10 seniors from a year ago. They lost three of their first five games before winning 11 of their next 12 games to close the season. Previous: 3

4. Haverford School (Pa.), 14-7

The Fords needed double overtime the last time they played Episcopal (Pa.). This time, in the PAISAA semifinals, they took a 12-10 win behind two goals and two assists from Conor Morsell, who notched his 200th career point. Finn French scored a hat trick and Jack Rischitelli also had two goals and two assists. Jackson Gillis made 13 saves and had an assist. Haverford lost to Malvern Prep in the final game of the season, 8-6. It was their 10th game of the season decided by two goals or fewer. Previous: 5

5. Episcopal Academy (Pa.), 13-7

The Churchmen just could not solve Haverford down the home stretch. Three of their losses this season came at the hands of the Fords, the last being the two-goal loss in the PAISAA semifinals to end their season. They also lost twice to Malvern. Their season began with promising wins over Georgetown Prep (Md.), Lawrenceville and St. Augustine (N.J.). Previous: 7

6. St. Augustine (N.J.), 14-2

The Hermits have won 10 straight games since a 4-2 start. Their 10th consecutive win was a 9-8 comeback win over Delbarton (N.J.). Brayon Thurber fed Sebastian Varallo for the game-winning goal. It was Varallo’s third goal of the game. Thurber scored twice in the third quarter and Ryan Diamond finished with two goals. Kyle Helphenstine made 12 saves. St. Augustine is seeded fourth in the non-public state tournament despite a perfect record against New Jersey teams. Their only losses have come against Episcopal (Pa.) and Paul VI (Va.). Previous: NR

7. Hill School (Pa.), 13-4

The Blues' run in the PAISAA tournament ended with a 13-7 loss to Malvern in the semifinals. It was their first meeting with Malvern since 2018, and Hill is a far improved team since then. They picked up early wins this season over St. John’s College (D.C.) and Ohio power Worthington Kilbourne (Ohio). Previous: 7

8. La Salle (Pa.), 18-3

The Explorers won their 10th straight Philadelphi Catholic League championship with a 14-5 win over St. Joseph’s Prep (Pa.). La Salle won their semifinal matchup, 18-3, over Devon Prep (Pa.). Previous: 8

9. Seton Hall Prep (N.J.), 11-7

The Pirates ran their win streak to six games with victories over West Essex (N.J.) and Gill St. Bernard’s (N.J.). Jack Merklinger scored three goals and had five assists in the win over Gill and Owen Dunleavy had a hat trick. Brennan Lyons made eight saves. Previous: 10

10. Delbarton (N.J.), 16-6

The Green Wave had an 8-7 lead on St. Augustine but could not hold it in a 9-8 loss to end their regular season. Chase Houser, Pierce Bolger and Jack Sheridan all scored two goals apiece in the loss. Delbarton will refocus as the No. 2 seed in the non-public group state tournament. They’ll face the winner of Paul VI (N.J.) and Immaculata (N.J.) on May 30. Previous: 4

— Justin Feil

SOUTH Top 10

There are no changes to the South rankings because all of the Top-10 teams had already completed their seasons. Ponte Vedra (Fla.) leads the way for the region.

The only teams in the region that could still factor in the rankings are some in North Carolina. Most of them, however, have not played a crossover game that would offer comparison to any currently ranked teams.

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

1. Ponte Vedra (Fla.), 21-2

The Sharks won their first state championship since 2019, toppling St. Thomas Aquinas 9-8. Ponte Vedra’s season also included an impressive win over Roswell (Ga.). Baylor Vu was the Sharks’ leading scorer with 54 goals. Previous: 1

2. Benjamin (Fla.), 16-5

The Buccaneers completed a three-peat as state champs, toppling St. Andrew’s (Fla.) for the second consecutive year. Benjamin’s 13-11 win came more than two months after St. Andrew’s defeated the Buccaneers 13-11. Benjamin’s season turned after a series of close losses, after defeating Jupiter (Fla.) on April 2. Benjamin also defeated the Texas state champion Dallas Jesuit. Previous: 2

3. Dallas Jesuit (Texas), 11-5 

The Rangers won their fifth state championship and first in four years by defeating Woodlands 9-8. Dallas Jesuit’s path to a state title also included wins over The Woodlands (Texas) and Highland Park (Texas). Previous: 3

4. Highland Park (Texas), 18-2

The Fighting Scots’ season came to an end in the state semifinals, losing to Dallas Jesuit (Texas) 10-5, one year after defeating Dallas Jesuit in the state semifinal. Highland Park had big out-of-state wins over Torrey Pines (Calif.) and Benjamin (Fla.). Previous: 4

5. St. Andrew’s (Fla.), 20-4

The Scots lost for the second straight year to Benjamin in the Florida state championship. St. Andrew’s picked up impressive regular-season wins over Benjamin, Jupiter (Fla.), Boys Latin (Md.) and Ponte Vedra (Fla.). Nick Testa again showed his offensive firepower by scoring 52 goals and 100 assists during the season. Previous: 5

6. Roswell (Ga.), 21-1

The Hornets earned their fourth consecutive state championship and sixth overall by defeating Milton (Ga.) 17-14. Roswell’s only loss was to the eventual state champs of Florida, Ponte Vedra. Kaden Parla led in points with 113, while Jackson Hardwick led in goals with 86. Previous: 6

7. Episcopal Dallas (Texas), 16-4

The Eagles’ season came to an end after losing to Woodlands 14-10 in the playoffs. ESD had appeared in back-to-back state championships. ESD had regular-season wins over Dallas Jesuit, Landon (Md.) and Bullis (Md.). Previous: 7

8. The Woodlands (Texas), 18-3

The Highlanders lost heartbreakingly to Dallas Jesuit (Texas) 9-8 in the state championship. Woodlands had previously defeated Dallas Jesuit in the regular season. Previous: 8

9. St. Thomas Aquinas (Fla.), 17-4

The Raiders were just one goal shy of a state title, falling to Ponte Vedra (Fla.) 9-8 in the championship. The regular season featured a win over Benjamin (Fla.). James Finch had a team-leading 51 goals. Previous: 9

10. Jupiter (Fla.), 15-4

The Warriors' season ended in the regional finals in a loss to St. Thomas Aquinas (Fla.). Jupiter’s season was highlighted by a win over Benjamin (Fla.). David Druhot had a team-leading 54 goals. Previous: 10

— Justin Boggs

midwest Top 10

The rankings did not change, but the Midwest was by far the most active region in the country with only the top two teams having concluded their seasons. The Top 10 teams took care of business over the week.

It was more of the same from MICDS (Mo.), who made it 11 state titles in 12 years to finish their season in top fashion. 

Upper Arlington (Ohio) and St. Xavier (Ohio) expect the games to get tighter as they head into their region semifinals.

Carmel (Ind.) faces a tough semifinal of their own in order to advance to the championship. St. Viator (Ill.) is also cruising toward a championship date. Detroit Country Day (Mich.) is already into its final.

Stillwater (Minn.) retained its unbeaten mark with a solid win, and will try to do so further as it opens the postseason. 

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

1. Western Reserve (Ohio), 14-1

The Pioneers had a tremendous season, beating a number of the nation’s top teams, including No. 3 Culver Academy (Ind.) and five others that were ranked or receiving consideration in the latest USA Lacrosse rankings (Archbishop Spalding (Md.), Loyola Blakefield (Md.), Salesianum (Del.), Seton Hall Prep (N.J.) and St. Mary’s (Md.)). They also avenged their lone loss when they topped the Eagles in the Midwest Scholastic Lacrosse Association Tournament title game. Previous: 1

2. Culver Academy (Ind.), 14-1

Like the Pioneers, the Eagles ended their season on a high note, venturing over to Massachusetts and topping Deerfield Academy (currently ranked sixth in the nation) by a goal in early May. Culver’s impressive resume also includes wins over Western Reserve, St. Anthony’s (N.Y.) and Delbarton (N.J.). Previous: 2

3. Upper Arlington (Ohio), 17-3

The top-seeded Golden Bears have dominated their first three Region 3 foes, holding all three to four goals or fewer. Big challenges await as Upper Arlington faces St. Charles Prep (Ohio) in the semifinals after winning their regular-season meeting by three. New Albany (Ohio) or Worthington Kilbourne (Ohio) would be next, in the Region 3 title game, as the Golden Bears try to avenge last year’s runner-up finish. Previous: 3

4. St. Xavier (Ohio), 17-1 

Just like the Golden Bears in Region 3, the top-seeded Bombers have held their first three Region 4 opponents to four goals or fewer. No. 4 Mason, which has played a stacked schedule like St. Xavier has, looms in the semifinals. No. 2 Milford, one of two teams to hold the Bombers to single digits this year, is a potential regional title game foe. Previous: 4

5. Carmel (Ind.), 15-2

The Greyhounds dominated their state quarterfinal, topping Crown Point 17-1. Luke Shrift had six goals (and two assists) and Evan Coulter had five assists (and one goal) to lead Carmel. Ike Stitle also had a hat trick while Will Bates saved five of six shots as the Greyhounds earned another meeting with Hamilton Southeastern (they won the first by two goals) in the state semifinals. Previous: 5

6. Stillwater (Minn.), 13-0

The Ponies survived a steep test in their lone game of the week, edging Rosemount (Minn.) 8-6. That marked Stillwater’s second close win in a row as it heads into the postseason. The top-seeded Ponies will next play Friday in a Section 4 quarterfinal. Previous: 6

7. Detroit Country Day (Mich.) 16-1

The Yellowjackets posted their second straight shutout, topping Royal Oak Shrine (Mich.) 22-0, and are now yielding just 6.35 goals per game. Undefeated against Mitten State competition this year, Country Day has a tough regional final looming against Cranbrook Kingswood, which the Yellowjackets beat 9-7 in early April. Previous: 7

8. MICDS (Mo.), 17-2

The Rams secured their 11th state championship in the last 12 seasons with an 11-7 win over Chaminade Prep (Mo.). Three days prior, Justin Bishop, Graham Faust and Wyatt Giles tallied four-plus goals apiece in MICDS’ state semifinal victory over Christian Brothers (Mo.). Previous: 8

9. St. Viator (Ill.) 19-2

Since falling to Springside Chestnut Hill (Pa.) in their third game, the Lions have won 17 of 18 (with their lone loss during that stretch coming by two goals). Recent highlights include a 20-3 sectional quarterfinal win over Prospect and Keaton Franzen earning East Suburban Catholic Conference Player of the Year honors. Previous: 9

10. Shawnee Mission East (Kan.) 10-4

For the second straight season, the Lancers closed with a 7-6 Lacrosse Association of Kansas City title game win over Rockhurst Jesuit (Mo.). It capped a noteworthy turnaround given Shawnee Mission East lost three straight games to end April, including a six-goal loss to MICDS (Mo.) and a three-goal loss to the Hawklets. Two games over .500 at the time, the Lancers ended the year on a four-game win streak. Previous: 10

— Jonah Rosenblum

West Top 10

The region had just two teams play last week, and they faced each other. 

Valor Christian (Colo.) avenged last year's title loss with an 8-5 win over Cherry Creek (Colo.) last Monday in a Top-10 battle for the state championship. Both had knocked out ranked teams to get there with Valor Christian stopping Arapahoe (Colo.) in their state semifinal matchup, and Cherry Creek topped the other ranked Colorado team, Regis Jesuit (Colo.), in the other semifinal.

Valor's win upheld their higher rankings. Cherry Creek dropped below Torrey Pines (Calif.), which blew away La Costa Canyon (Calif.) for their eighth straight section crown. La Costa Canyon beat Cherry Creek in the regular season.

The Top 10 teams have all concluded their seasons now.

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

1. Loyola–Los Angeles (Calif.), 20-3

Loyola-Los Angeles finished the season as the clear top team in the West after capturing the CIF Southern Section Division 1 championship and closing the year with a dominant postseason run. The Cubs consistently proved themselves against one of the nation’s toughest schedules, highlighted by marquee wins over Torrey Pines (Calif.) 11-10 in overtime, Mater Dei (Calif.) 19-5, and Santa Margarita (Calif.) in the CIF championship game.  Senior defenders Chase Hellie and Everett Rolph anchored one of the region’s best defenses alongside junior goalkeeper William Russo, while Cash Ginsberg and North Carolina commit Tripp King led a balanced offense that continued to improve throughout the spring. Loyola responded well after difficult East Coast tests earlier in the season and ultimately finished 20-3. Previous: 1

2. Marin Catholic (Calif.), 17-5

Marin Catholic put together one of the strongest seasons in Northern California, finishing 17-5 and capturing the North Coast Section championship after consistently competing against elite opposition throughout the spring. The Wildcats picked up major wins over St. Ignatius (Calif.) 10-6, De La Salle (Calif.) 14-8, Sacred Heart Prep (Calif.) 9-5, and Marin Academy (Calif.) 15-2 while continuing to build momentum late in the year with an impressive postseason run. Marin Catholic’s physical style, disciplined defense, and ability to win key possession battles helped separate them from much of the NorCal field, and they consistently responded in high-pressure moments against top competition. Previous: 2

3. St. Ignatius (Calif.), 18-6

St. Ignatius Prep battled through one of the toughest schedules in California and finished the year with a Central Coast Section championship and an 18-6 record. Early signature wins over Loyola-Los Angeles (Calif.) and Sacred Heart Prep (Calif.) 11-10 showed the Wildcats’ ceiling, while later postseason victories demonstrated their ability to regroup after a difficult stretch against national competition. St. Ignatius also earned quality wins over St. Francis-Mountain View (Calif.) 12-7 and Archbishop Mitty (Calif.) 23-3 before closing the season playing some of its best lacrosse against one of the deepest schedules in the region. Previous: 3

4. Valor Christian (Colo.), 16-2

Valor Christian re-established itself as Colorado’s top program by finishing 16-2 and capturing the state championship after defeating Cherry Creek (Colo.) in the title game rematch. The Eagles steadily improved throughout the season, highlighted by statement wins over Regis Jesuit (Colo.) 14-8, De La Salle (Calif.), Poudre (Colo.) 19-3, and Cherry Creek, while showcasing one of the most balanced rosters in the region. Valor’s disciplined defensive approach, depth across the field, and explosive offense made them difficult to handle throughout the postseason, and they closed the year by winning their fourth state title in program history. Previous: 4

5. Torrey Pines (Calif.), 15-3

Torrey Pines once again proved itself among California’s elite after finishing 15-3 and capturing its eighth consecutive CIF San Diego Section Open Division championship. The Falcons played one of the toughest schedules in the West and consistently responded in major games, including victories over La Costa Canyon (Calif.) 15-4 and The Bishop’s School (Calif.) during the postseason. Torrey Pines also pushed Loyola-Los Angeles (Calif.) to overtime earlier in the season, reinforcing its place among the West’s top championship contenders. Ross Jacobsen emerged as one of the region’s premier offensive players while setting the school’s career scoring record during the playoff run. Previous: 6

6. Cherry Creek (Colo.), 16-2

Cherry Creek followed up another strong regular season with a return trip to the Colorado state championship game, ultimately finishing 16-2 against one of the strongest schedules in the state. The Bruins earned quality wins over Regis Jesuit (Colo.) 9-8, Arapahoe (Colo.) 13-7, Rock Canyon (Colo.) 12-4, and Sacred Heart Prep (Calif.) 12-7 while continuing to showcase a balanced offense and physical defensive play throughout the spring. Cherry Creek consistently controlled tempo against top competition and remained one of the most complete teams in Colorado, though a loss to Valor Christian (Colo.) in the state final kept them just outside the top tier entering the final rankings. Previous: 5

7. De La Salle (Calif.), 19-5

De La Salle finished 19-5 after battling through another difficult Northern California schedule and making a deep postseason run. The Spartans steadily improved as the season progressed, earning strong wins over Sacred Heart Prep (Calif.) 14-11, Monte Vista (Calif.) 14-6, Granada (Calif.) 18-5, and San Ramon Valley (Calif.) 18-3 while developing into one of the region’s most physical teams. Despite losses against elite competition including Marin Catholic (Calif.) and St. Ignatius (Calif.), De La Salle consistently competed well against top opponents and closed the season playing some of its best lacrosse offensively. Previous: 7

8. Regis Jesuit (Colo.), 15-3

Regis Jesuit delivered another impressive season against Colorado’s top competition, finishing 15-3 and remaining among the state’s elite throughout the spring. The Raiders opened the year undefeated and earned key wins over Mountain Vista (Colo.) 9-4, Northfield (Colo.) 17-6, Castle View (Colo.) 17-5, and Chaparral (Colo.) while showcasing strong depth and disciplined team play throughout the year. Although late-season losses to Valor Christian (Colo.) and Cherry Creek (Colo.) prevented a championship run, Regis consistently proved capable of competing with anyone in Colorado. Previous: 8

9. Brophy (Ariz.), 19-4

Brophy Prep capped another outstanding season by winning the Arizona state championship and finishing 19-4 overall. The Broncos consistently dominated in-state competition, highlighted by victories over Notre Dame Prep (Ariz.) 19-3 and Desert Vista (Ariz.) 21-3, while also testing themselves against several strong out-of-region opponents during the spring. Despite a difficult Texas road trip midway through the season, Brophy rebounded well and closed the year playing excellent lacrosse, once again establishing itself among the Southwest’s premier programs. Previous: 9

10. Arapahoe (Colo.), 15-3

Arapahoe finished 15-3 after emerging as one of Colorado’s biggest risers during the second half of the season. The Warriors earned a signature 9-8 overtime win over La Costa Canyon (Calif.) and followed it with dominant victories including an 18-3 playoff win over Grandview (Colo.). With their only losses coming against Cherry Creek (Colo.) and Regis Jesuit (Colo.), Arapahoe established itself as a dangerous postseason team while showcasing one of the more balanced profiles in Colorado by year’s end. Previous: 10

— Sonorah Hunter