Shore boys lacrosse Preseason Top 12 team rankings

It's time to set the bar for boys high school lacrosse at the Shore.

More: Jersey Shore boys, girls lacrosse: What to know for the opening day of 2024 season

With rivalry games, the Shore Conference Tournament, state tournaments and the Kirst Cup, there are a lot of games to be had. So let's get started with APP Preseason Top 12 rankings.

1. Rumson-Fair Haven (Last season: 21-4)

The Bulldogs finished last season as the SCT and state champions which puts them deservingly at the top going into this spring. They'll be without their top scorer Cole Cashion (Yale) this season, but they'll have senior Andy Croddick and sophomore Luke Lydon who were among the top scorers of last season.

2. Manasquan (17-6)

It will be John Naslonski's first season as head coach for the Warriors after 25 years at Randolph High School. However, there's still high expectations as they'll be led by Nick Bounassi (High Point commit), Parker Harms (Villanova commit), Kyle Capodanno (Bryant commit) and more Division I talent.

3. Christian Brothers Academy (11-8)

CBA has multiple players that are already committed to top programs next year in Davis Campbell (Holy Cross), Ryan Martin (Villanova, he was hurt last year), Jackson Gervais (Air Force) and more. Longtime head coach Dave Santos expressed defense will be their strongest asset.

4. Wall (17-6)

The Crimson Knights beat Manasquan last year to win sectionals before losing to Summit in the group final round. They'll still have senior Shea Brennan as one of their best attacks and senior Lucas Seelinger at goalkeeper.

5. Holmdel (17-5)

The Hornets came up short in sectionals and the SCT to the hands of Manasquan, but they'll hope to change that. They'll have eight returning starters including Will Gilfillan who's on pace to score 100 goals and assists, which will be a school record for each.

6. Red Bank Regional (14-4)

It'll be on senior midfielder Andrew Pape to be the anchor on both defense and offense for the Bucs. They'll likely sit way above the other teams below, but will struggle against the top squads.

7. Shore (13-6)

Senior Sam Madalone will be back, he was one of the Blue Devils' top scorers on the team. Senior Noah Karaban will protect the net this year, last year he had solid numbers with 86 saves.

8. Middletown South (10-5)

The Eagles lost a good amount of seniors that contributed a ton. However, they'll look to senior attackman Logan Bailin and senior Sean Burns at goalkeeper to lead the team.

9. Southern (13-7)

Senior attack Konnor Forlai and junior Liam Griffin (Saint Joseph's University Commit) will lead the way for the Rams after a monstrous season last year. Southern may cause some upsets thanks to their roster filled of upperclassmen.

10. Red Bank Catholic (11-8)

Senior attacks in Peter Villare and Jackson Lu, plus defenseman Connor Harms will return this season for the Caseys after proving to be significant pieces last year.

11. Howell (10-10)

Senior midfielder Ian McDow and junior midfielder Nicholas Turturro will likely be the Rebels leading scorers this season.

12. Jackson Memorial (11-6)

Senior attackman Drew Barocas is on pace to break all of Jackson Memorial's scoring and points records. They will also have senior attackman Elias Craig, sophomore longstick midi Elijah Coffman, and junior Brendan Albiter.

This article originally appeared on Asbury Park Press: Shore boys lacrosse Preseason Top 12 team rankings