Here’s what you need to know for the 2025 high school boys lacrosse season in the Baltimore area:

Storylines to watch

Can No. 1 McDonogh make history in the MIAA A Conference? Year after year, McDonogh coach Andy Hilgartner reiterates how senior leadership carries a season. After winning a third straight Maryland Interscholastic Athletic Association A Conference title last season, an achievement only Calvert Hall (2017-19) had previously reached, the No. 1 Eagles are vying for an unprecedented four straight crowns. Three seniors who are four-year varsity players — Brendan Millon, Bogue Hahn and James Tolker — have a chance at making history if the Eagles can win again, becoming the first players in league history to play on four championship teams.

Is Curley’s three-year run as MIAA B Conference champs in jeopardy? After an 18-9 win over Saints Peter & Paul made it three straight titles last year, Curley only has four starters back — attackmen Cooper Granados and Brandon Mejia, midfielder Gavin Albright and defenseman David Fritz — to lead the bid to repeat. In the meantime, Saints Peter & Paul returns just about every starter led by standout attackmen JJ Rardin and Liam Durnbaugh. With last year’s championship loss providing experience and added motivation, the Easton school might be primed for a breakthrough. Gerstell, led by a dangerous one-two on attack in Bronson Peters and Ryan Ellis, will also be in the playoff mix.

Poly aims for four straight in Baltimore City: With only six seniors in the fold, the Engineers don’t have the same returning talent as in recent years. But what the three-time defending league champions do return is game-changing talent, most notably Datris Moore. The attackman scored eight goals in last year’s 15-8 league title win against the Academy for College and Career Exploration. With goalie Jacob Harburger, defenseman Brandon Faison and midfielder Steven Hinnant also back, the Engineers remain the favorite with ACCE and City bringing the biggest competition.

New faces on the sidelines:Several prominent programs have new leadership. At Mt. Hebron, Scott Sorensen, who previously coached at Eleanor Roosevelt and Wilde Lake, takes over for Mike McCarthy. In 18 seasons, McCarthy guided the Vikings to a state title in 2006 and title game appearances in 2016, 2022 and 2023. Cody Bergman, a standout player at Bethany College who later served as an assistant coach there, is the new Liberty coach. He replaces Steve Fabian, who guided the Lions to the Class 1A title game last season. Keegan Wilkinson, who brings 17 years of college coaching experience at Marist, is in place at Severn after Joe Christie resigned after eight seasons. St. Mary’s named Will Dalton its permanent coach after he replaced former coach Victor Lilly on an interim basis midway through last season.

Fallston looks to stay on top in Harford County and Class 1A: Last season, the Cougars went unbeaten against their Harford County foes and then stormed through the Class 1A state playoffs, capped by a 15-2 rout over Liberty for the team’s third state crown in four seasons. Another talented senior class (last year’s team had 13, including eight starters) will set the tone led by defenseman Owen King and midfielder Ian Swartzendruber. Fallston will be primed for conference play with early-season games against ranked South River and Hereford and then battle with C. Milton Wright, Bel Air and Patterson Mill for neighborhood bragging rights. The challenging regular season always has them ready for the postseason.

Players to watch

Hudson Arrup, Towson, junior, attackman:While last season’s numbers stand out — 36 goals and 19 assists in leading the Generals to the Class 3A state title game — Arrup has a uniquely complete package that’s filled with winning intangibles. The UMBC commit brings poise, leadership and game sense with an urgent approach that every outing could be his last one.

Luke Bair, St. Paul’s, senior, midfielder-attackman: Versatile and rugged, the All-Metro first-team pick brings a tough-to-match pace and a lethal shot to overwhelm opponents. The North Carolina commit, entering his fourth varsity season, finished with an MIAA A-high 53 goals last season to go with 13 assists.

Shane DuBois, Glenelg, senior, long-stick midfielder:Bringing quality game sense, work rate and physicality, DuBois consistently disrupts opposing attacks and then brings an efficient pace in transition. In helping the Gladiators to the Class 2A title last season, the UMBC commit finished with 84 ground balls, 83 caused turnovers, 10 assists and three goals.

Jack Fish, Severna Park, senior, midfielder-attackman: A four-year varsity player and jack-of-all-trades, Fish went from handling faceoffs as a freshman to becoming the team’s offensive catalyst last season. Mostly working behind the cage, the All-Metro second-team pick piled up 50 goals and 17 assists in leading the Falcons to the Class 3A state championship.

Matt Higgins, Boys’ Latin, senior, attackman: Full of positive energy and highly skilled play, the All-Metro first-team selection enjoyed a sensational junior season in leading the Lakers to the MIAA A title game. The Maryland commit impacts a game several ways, last season finishing with 46 goals and 43 assists in addition to wreaking havoc to cause turnovers as a rider.

Jack Hitchcock, Westminster, junior, attackman:Coming off a breakthrough sophomore season — his 50 points (21 goals, 29 assists) led the Owls — the versatile lefty proved clutch in big moments and equally adept at scoring and finding teammates. With the team’s explosive attack returning intact and the ball consistently in Hitchcock’s stick, a significant uptick in production can be expected.

Owen King, Fallston, senior, defenseman: While his imposing 6-foot-3 frame stands out first, King’s complete game also features smart positioning, high stick skills and vital vocal leadership. Last season, he collected 37 ground balls and caused 27 turnovers for a defense that limited its three state playoff opponents to a combined six goals.

Brendan Millon, McDonogh, senior, attackman: The two-time All-Metro first-team pick looks to lead the No. 1 Eagles to a fourth straight MIAA A crown. The Virginia commit has been across-the-board fantastic over his career — enjoying a 43-goal, 29-assist junior season that was capped by a three-goal, three-assist effort in last year’s 14-12 win over Boys’ Latin in the league championship game.

Trevor Phipps, South River, senior, midfielder-attack: The Towson commit brings an energized and highly skilled all-around game with one quality that stands out the most: one of the area’s hardest and most accurate shots. The dynamic lefthander, who scored 60 goals and added 15 assists last season, thrives in getting open and making the most of his opportunities.

Aidan Seibel, McDonogh, senior, goalie:A complete package in the cage, the All-Metro first-team pick leans on his big size, smart positioning and reliable hands as No. 1 McDonogh’s leader in back. He was particularly clutch in last year’s postseason, posting 33 saves in three wins that led the Eagles to a third straight MIAA A crown.

Preseason Top 15 poll

1. McDonogh

Coach: Andy Hilgartner

Last season: 14-3 overall, ranked No. 1

Postseason: MIAA A Conference champion

Outlook: The three-time defending champs always lean on their senior class to set the necessary tone and they bring back another quality one in a bid to make it four straight. Attackman Brendan Millon is dynamite up front, midfielder Bogue Hahn and long-stick midfielder Michael Tan are steady rocks and goalie Aidan Seibel is consistently clutch. Only six starters return, so promising newcomers will have to jell effectively.

2. Spalding

Coach: Evan Hockel

Last season: 13-5, No. 3

Postseason: MIAA A semifinalist

Outlook: The MIAA’s surprise team last season, the Cavaliers are poised to continue to climb the ladder. No team has more proven returning talent. Brady Mollot and Joey Matassa lead the attack, faceoff specialist Ryan Criswell consistently wins possession, and defenseman Greyson Dunn, long-stick midfielder Robby Hooper and goalie Jacob Neuman bring cohesive play on the back end.

3.Calvert Hall

Coach: Bryan Kelly

Last season: 10-7, No. 7

Postseason: MIAA A quarterfinalist

Outlook: The Cardinals will lean on substance over flash with a hard-working group that is committed to strong team play. Experienced talent is spread throughout the field led by faceoff specialist Ben Cuomo and long-stick midfielder Jermaine Anderson. Midfielder Jackson Mitchell is a steadying influence with Mark Botek and Peyton Forte the top threats on attack and Cole Hottle and Clay Stauffer the glue on defense.

4. Boys’ Latin

Coach: Brian Farrell

Last season: 14-3, No. 2

Postseason: MIAA A finalist

Outlook: With All-Metro standout attackman Matt Higgins the lone returning starter, the Lakers will be an ongoing work in progress. But make no mistake, the Lakers are talented and hungry to maintain the storied program’s lofty expectations. TJ Shaw and Lincoln Herring join Higgins up front, midfielder Drew McDonald keys the middle, and defensemen Brady Wesloski, Bryce Barrett and Matt Meredith look to keep things tidy in back.

5. St. Paul’s

Coach: Steven Settembrino

Last season: 7-8, No. 9

Postseason: DNQ in MIAA A

Outlook: With one of the area’s most lethal duos on attack — seniors Luke Bair and Jack Iannantuono — the Crusaders will score their share of goals to put pressure on opponents to keep up. Fellow senior Roman Dodson plays a key role as a short-stick defensive midfielder, and sophomore defenseman Evan March enjoyed a fine freshman season to emerge as a leader on the back end.

6. Gilman

Coach: Tony Incontrera

Last season: 12-7, No. 4

Postseason: MIAA A semifinalist

Outlook: Last season, Gilman took a significant leap going from not making the playoffs to reaching the semifinal. With key pieces back — led by the potent one-two punch of attackman Jay Rodgers and midfielder Griffin Graham — the Greyhounds plan to continue the upward trend. Faceoff specialist Joseph Kim is another key cog with a largely inexperienced defense banking on steady play and the leadership of Harrison Schline and goalie Zachary Parks.

7. Severna Park

Coach: Bob Zichelli

Last season: 19-1, No. 6

Postseason: Class 3A state champion

Outlook: Eight straight state titles and 13 overall, Severna Park shows no sign of slowing down with a deep and talented roster that features 13 seniors and 24 juniors. The Falcons’ biggest strength is their highly productive attack with last year’s starting trio — Jack Fish, Timmy Sullivan and Ben Ruppert — all back. Long-stick midfielders William Mazko and Landon Williams also play big roles.

8. Loyola Blakefield

Coach: Will Haus

Last season: 11-6, No. 4

Postseason: MIAA A semifinalist

Outlook: A largely new cast is ready to make its mark with a commitment to put in the hard work needed to be competitive. Seven players return who saw significant time last season with attackman Matt Joerres, defenseman Peter Hopkins and goalie Jess D’Alonzo the standouts and leaders. Haus has seen a group that is tough, accountable and together.

9. Broadneck

Coach: Jeff McGuire

Last season: 15-5, No. 8

Postseason: Class 4A state finalist

Outlook: Defense will be the Bruins’ early calling card while newcomers settle in at midfield and on attack. Defensemen Wyatt Shaw and Grayson Boone and goalie Braedon Goloboski will be leaned on to limit opponents. Midfielder Brayden Schmidt and midfielder-attackman Blake Levicki are the playmakers on offense with faceoff specialist Keaton Walker primed to consistently get them the ball.

10. Severn

Coach: Keegan Wilkinson

Last season: 7-11, No. 9

Postseason: DNQ in MIAA A

Outlook: Wilkinson, who spent 17 years coaching at Marist, takes over for former coach Joe Christie. A solid senior class will be leaned on heavily with playmaking midfielder Tanner Huber and defenseman Casey Gattie the team leaders. Long-stick midfielder Cole Morris and defenseman Jack Fowler also play key roles with attackman Sam Long among a talented nucleus primed to produce goals.

11. South River

Coach: Colin Campbell

Last season: 13-3, No. 12

Postseason: Class 3A East Region I semifinalist

Outlook: A gifted senior class that has shared the field since childhood is the starting point of a promising season. Attackmen Trevor Phipps and Ben Adams, goalie Conner Campbell, faceoff specialist-midfielder Andrew Patterson and defenseman Jacob Dillon are among the catalysts. Depth comes with a promising group of newcomers ready to do their share.

12. Glenelg

Coach: Josh Hatmaker

Last season: 15-3, No. 11

Postseason: Class 2A state champion

Outlook: Glenelg, which went unbeaten in Howard County play before capturing last year’s state crown, is well positioned for continued success. Experienced talent dominates the field with the Gladiators primed to play fast, efficiently and together. Attackman Chase Buscher, midfielders Drew LaPointe and Shane DuBois and goalie Zach Coughlin take on lead roles.

13. Hereford

Coach: Kyle Leppert

Last season: 14-4, No. 12

Postseason: Class 2A state finalist

Outlook: Looking to take the next step and bring home the storied program’s 11th state title, the Bulls, two-time defending Baltimore County champions, have experienced talent in key places to set the tone. Defense will be their calling card with four starters back led by Graydon Young, Zach Baker and goalie Luke Barnett. The team’s leading scorer from last season, Brady Manankil, brings consistent production.

14. St. Mary’s

Coach: Will Dalton

Last season: 5-13, not ranked

Postseason: DNQ in MIAA A

Outlook: After serving on an interim basis last season, Dalton, a 2004 St. Mary’s grad, takes over permanently with an aim at getting the Saints back in the playoffs. Previously the team’s offensive coordinator, he’ll bank on attackman Than Souza and midfielder Jameson McAndrews with faceoff specialist Bradley Strong as the key starting point. Defenseman Conor McAndrews, long-stick midfielder Todd Freeman and midfielder James Brimhall also will play key roles.

15. Towson

Coach: Phil Rossetti

Last season: 15-3, No. 14

Postseason: Class 3A state finalist

Outlook: After putting up a formidable challenge against perennial state power Severna Park in the title game — falling 8-6 — the Generals want more this season. They return five starters — led by dynamic junior attackman Hudson Arrup — and have newcomers ready to do their share. Other key returnees are attackman Alex Tyler, midfielder Max Kosmides and defensemen Jack Nowlan and Zach Mangiafico.

Others considered: Curley (12-7), Fallston (13-4), John Carroll (3-11), Marriotts Ridge (11-6), Mount Saint Joseph (5-9)

Have a news tip? Contact Glenn Graham at ggraham@baltsun.com, 410-332-6636 and x.com/GlennGrahamSun.