Honestly, if you've spent even ten minutes standing on a sideline in Baltimore or Long Island lately, you know the vibe. It is loud. It's intense. And for the 2025 season, the national hierarchy looks a whole lot like the historical one, even if some new blood is starting to make things interesting in the South and West.
When we talk about high school lacrosse rankings 2025, we aren't just looking at a list of schools; we’re looking at a map of where the sport’s soul currently lives.
Calvert Hall is back at the mountaintop. After a wild MIAA "A" Conference run, they’ve solidified themselves as the team to beat. But it wasn't a cakewalk. The gap between the #1 spot and the rest of the top ten is basically a razor's edge this year.
The Boys’ National Landscape: Calvert Hall and the MIAA Gauntlet
It’s almost unfair how deep the Maryland private school circuit is. You have Calvert Hall (Md.) finishing as the national #1 after snatching that MIAA title. They went 16-2, which, in that conference, is basically like surviving a gladiator pit.
Right on their heels? Archbishop Spalding (Md.) and McDonogh (Md.). If you’re following the high school lacrosse rankings 2025, you saw Spalding put up an 18-2 record. They were relentless. But Calvert Hall had that extra gear when the trophies were on the line.
Outside of Maryland, the Northeast is still a factory for elite talent. St. Anthony’s (N.Y.) and Chaminade (N.Y.) are doing their usual thing—suffocating defense and clinical transition play. St. Anthony’s finished 13-4, which sounds "mortal" until you realize they play the hardest schedule in the known universe.
The Top 10 Boys Teams (Final 2025 Standings)
- Calvert Hall (Md.) - The kings of the MIAA.
- Loomis Chaffee (Conn.) - A massive 16-1 season, arguably the best in New England.
- Archbishop Spalding (Md.) - Only two losses in a brutal schedule.
- St. Anthony’s (N.Y.) - Still the standard for New York private schools.
- Lawrenceville (N.J.) - A powerhouse that keeps New Jersey in the national conversation.
- Chaminade (N.Y.) - Classic Long Island fundamentalism.
- Salisbury (Conn.) - Physical, tough, and always in the mix.
- Brunswick (Conn.) - Another New England titan that can beat anyone on a Tuesday.
- McDonogh (Md.) - Never out of a game, even in a "down" year.
- Haverford School (Pa.) - Carrying the torch for the Inter-Ac.
It’s worth noting that the public school side of things had its own hero. Half Hollow Hills (N.Y.) went a perfect 23-0. Think about that. In a sport where a hot goalie can ruin your month, they didn't slip up once. Anthony Raio, their star midfielder, played like a man among boys. He's heading to North Carolina, and honestly, the Tar Heels are getting a kid who just refuses to lose.
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Girls’ Rankings: St. Anthony’s and the Perfect Season
On the girls' side, the story was dominance. Pure, unadulterated dominance. St. Anthony’s (N.Y.) finished #1 with a 19-0 record. They didn't just win; they dictated every single minute of every single game.
But if you want to talk about a "feel good" story that also happens to be a juggernaut, look at Manchester Valley (Md.). They also went 19-0 and captured the Class 2A title. Last year, they lost a heartbreaker in the state finals to Glenelg. This year? They won the rematch 17-9. That’s how you handle unfinished business.
Episcopal (Pa.) also stayed perfect at 18-0. It’s rare to see three teams at the top of the high school lacrosse rankings 2025 all finish undefeated, but that speaks to the level of coaching and specialization we're seeing now. These girls are playing year-round, and the chemistry is off the charts.
Regional Shifts: The South and West are Closing In
Look, the "Hotbed" states aren't going anywhere. But ignore the South at your own peril.
Benjamin (Fla.) finished 24-1 on the boys' side. That’s a massive statement. Down in Georgia, Cambridge and Milton are practically swapping the state trophy every year. Cambridge was a huge surprise in 2025, climbing the rankings and proving that Georgia lacrosse is no longer a "developing" region. It’s here.
Out West, Coronado (Calif.) is the gold standard. They went 19-0. You can't argue with those numbers. Cherry Creek (Colo.) also remains a staple in the Top 25, proving that the altitude isn't the only thing that makes it hard to play in Denver.
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The Players Who Defined the Year
Rankings are great for school pride, but players drive the narrative. Brendan Millon at McDonogh? Best in the country. Period. He’s headed to Virginia, following in a long line of elite scorers, and he finished his high school career as the consensus #1 recruit.
Then there’s Gary Merrill at St. Anthony’s. The kid is a freak of nature. He's a two-sport star who won Gatorade Player of the Year in football as a quarterback and then just decided to dominate the lacrosse field too. He’s going to UNC to do both. Good luck to the ACC defenders trying to stop that.
On the defensive end, keep an eye on Robby Hopper from Archbishop Spalding. He's 6'5". Imagine a guy that size with the stick skills of a midfielder. He’s a nightmare in the transition game and a big reason why Spalding was so hard to score on all year.
Public vs. Private: The Great Divide
The debate always rages: should they even be ranked together?
Some people think the privates have an unfair advantage because they can "recruit" or draw from a wider area. Others say the public school grind—playing for your hometown with kids you’ve known since kindergarten—is the true heart of the sport.
In the high school lacrosse rankings 2025, we see a healthy mix. While the top five is often dominated by the boarding schools and MIAA giants, schools like Half Hollow Hills (N.Y.), Severna Park (Md.), and Springfield-Delco (Pa.) proved they can hang with anyone. Severna Park, specifically, remains one of the most consistent public programs in history. They just know how to win when May rolls around.
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What's Next for the Class of 2026?
As the 2025 season wraps up and the seniors head off to places like Duke, Notre Dame, and Maryland, the spotlight shifts. The 2026 class is already looking "heavy" at the top.
Dylan Faison out of St. Andrew’s (Fla.) is a name you're going to hear a lot. There’s some talk he might even graduate early to get a head start at Notre Dame. If you’re a coach looking at next year’s preseason rankings, he’s the guy you’re game-planning for.
Basically, the sport is getting faster. The sticks are better. The athletes are bigger.
Actionable Steps for Players and Parents
If you're looking at these rankings and wondering how to get your own program or kid into that conversation, here’s the reality check:
- Film doesn't lie: If you aren't using Hudl or a similar service to break down your game, you're behind.
- The Weight Room is mandatory: You can’t just be "good with your hands" anymore. You need the lateral quickness to keep up with guys like Merrill.
- Multisport is still king: College coaches are vocal about this. They love the football/lacrosse or basketball/lacrosse crossover. It builds "game IQ" that you just don't get by playing one sport 12 months a year.
The 2025 season was one for the books. Whether it was Calvert Hall reclaiming their throne or St. Anthony's girls putting on a masterclass, the bar has been raised. Now, we wait to see who puts in the work over the summer to shake up the 2026 list.
Check your local state association websites for final playoff brackets and official All-State honors to see how your local teams stacked up against these national giants.