Anonymous wrote:Given the Wash Post dismantled its sports department, whether you love or hate CM, at least Mad Lax is taking the lead on covering area HS Lacrosse.
Pre-season rankings are what they are; they are pre-season. We've heard this several times, it's not where you start, its where you finish. As they always do, the rankings begin to make some sense after the month of March and results are taken into play.
A few observations, based on the past few seasons below is my top 5:
1. SJC has underachieved the past 2 years. Their offense has been anemic since Ince departed ways. Whether it's talent or not having true OC, the Cadets are not nearly as dynamic as they once were on the offensive side of the field. The Cadets on paper are loaded, but can they finally put it together after two subpar seasons?
2. Prep has a new head coach and coaching staff. Hilgartner is considered one of the best coaches in the MIAA. I expect the Hoyas will take a big step forward on the National Stage this Spring. (Having the dorms helps too) The IAC is down this spring, given the graduation losses at both Landon and Bullis. The Hoyas on paper have the only 5 star attackman in the land. How far will he be able to carry them?
3. Landon graduated a 2025 class. While the Bears didn't have any 4-star blue-chip recruits last year, they beat you with their athleticism in between the lines, a strong FOGO, and running a very disciplined offense. The Bears have a weak senior class, and a relatively unproven junior class. One thing is for sure: Landon is extremely well-coached and will be a tough out for anyone.
4. Good Counsel is littered with offensive firepower, but can the Falcons play defense? On paper, the Falcons look as strong as any program in the DMV. This is now Dane Smith's 4th year at GC, and I do believe this is the year, the Falcons will be back in the WCAC ship.
5. Gonzaga: The Purple Eagles always have depth. Don't buy into the rumors; it's all doom and gloom on Eye Street. Eagles always have the athletes to compete with anyone. The Eagles lacked an alpha on the offensive side of the field last year, will that change this Spring?
HM:
PVI
Bullis
+1
CM is at least giving the DMV lax scene a voice and exposure.