Regional Boys’ Lacrosse Powerhouses: A Fresh Look at the Latest Rankings and Recent Champions
In the aftermath of the latest boys’ lacrosse rankings released by The Washington Post, a remarkable surge of success has unfolded among D.C.-area public schools, with three programs clinching state titles in quick succession. These victories highlight the evolving landscape of high school lacrosse in the region, showcasing both established dominance and surprising breakthroughs.
Triumphs in the State Championships
Severna Park High School continued its reign with an impressive ninth consecutive Maryland state championship, reaffirming its status as a lacrosse powerhouse. Meanwhile, Independence High School achieved a historic milestone by defeating Riverside-five-time defending champions-in the Virginia Class 5 playoffs, securing its first-ever boys’ lacrosse state title. Not far behind, West Potomac High School stunned many by navigating a challenging Virginia Class 6 playoff bracket to claim its inaugural championship, marking the school’s first title in any sport since 1990.
Upset-Filled Playoff Landscape
The Virginia playoffs, particularly in Class 6, were characterized by unexpected results. Madison High School, once a strong contender, failed to qualify for the state tournament. The defending champion, Robinson, was eliminated in the semifinals, while Langley-who had upset Madison to reach the tournament-was ousted early by Robinson in the quarterfinals. These surprises underscore the competitive volatility that often defines high school lacrosse at the state level.
Private School Dominance and Regional Rankings
While the private school season has concluded, the top of the regional rankings remains largely unchanged. Archbishop Spalding continues to lead, thanks to its comprehensive season performance, which includes a formidable schedule and numerous victories over nationally-ranked opponents. Their consistent excellence cements their position at the top of the rankings, reflecting their sustained dominance in the region.
Current Top Teams in the Region
1. Archbishop Spalding (18-2)
Leading the regional standings, Archbishop Spalding has demonstrated exceptional consistency throughout the season. Recognized as the No. 3 team nationally by USA Lacrosse, they have secured more wins against top-ranked national opponents than any other local program, solidifying their reputation as a national contender. Their impressive résumé keeps them firmly at the top of the rankings.
2. Landon School (18-1)
Close behind, Landon School narrowly missed perfection, suffering only a single overtime loss. Senior attacker Sean Murray earned All-American honors from USA Lacrosse, highlighting the individual talent fueling their success. Their near-perfect record underscores their status as a formidable force in the region.
3. Bullis School (15-4)
Senior attacker Jackson Maher earned the prestigious C. Markland Kelly Award, awarded annually to Maryland’s top high school lacrosse player in the private school division by the Maryland State Lacrosse Coaches Association. His leadership helped Bullis secure a strong season, earning them a spot among the top teams.
4. DeMatha Catholic High School (15-4)
DeMatha’s standout senior attacker, Matthew Beachley, was named a USA Lacrosse All-American after tallying 102 points in the season. His offensive prowess propelled DeMatha to its first conference championship since 2009, marking a significant achievement for the program.
5. Severna Park High School (19-1)
Maintaining their dominance, Severna Park defeated Towson 11-4 on May 21 to secure their ninth consecutive Maryland state title. Their consistent excellence continues to set the standard for high school lacrosse in the state.
6. St. John’s College High School (11-6)
Defensive standouts Jayden James and Ellis Strong earned first-team honors in the Washington Catholic Athletic Conference, reflecting the team’s strong defensive core and overall competitive performance this season.
7. Independence High School (19-2)
Making a notable debut in the rankings, Independence emerges as the top-ranked public school in Virginia. Their victory in the Virginia Class 5 championship was particularly impressive, as they defeated six teams that advanced to at least the state semifinals across multiple classifications, demonstrating their strength against top-tier competition.
8. West Potomac High School (17-6)
West Potomac’s unexpected journey culminated in a Virginia Class 6 championship, highlighted by dramatic victories over Battlefield in the semifinals and a last-second goal against Cosby with only 1.8 seconds remaining. Their remarkable playoff run has garnered widespread attention and respect.
9. Broadneck High School (15-4)
Despite falling short in the Maryland Class 4A championship game for the second consecutive year, Broadneck has established itself as a consistent contender, reaching four straight state finals. Their resilience and competitive spirit keep them among the top-ranked teams.
10. Good Counsel High School (13-6)
Rounding out the rankings, Good Counsel’s youthful roster offers promising prospects for the future. With four players earning all-state honors in Maryland, the team’s potential remains high as they prepare for the upcoming season.
Notable Changes and Absences
Teams that have dropped out of the rankings include Georgetown Prep and Madison, reflecting the dynamic and competitive nature of high school lacrosse in the region. As the season progresses, these rankings will continue to evolve, highlighting emerging talents and shifting power dynamics.
