Traditional lax powers are coming back strong and staking a claim in the lohud rankings

It's going to be difficult to beat a growing list of traditional powers.

Iona Prep is coming off back-to-back CHSAA state titles with loads of talent. Rye captured a fourth consecutive Section 1 title last spring with a young roster. Yorktown got back to collecting hardware last season and only graduated a couple of pieces.

All of those programs have the wherewithal to finish the season atop the lohud boys lacrosse rankings. Here is how they rank at the start of the new season:

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lohud Top 10

Preseason

1. Rye — This is quite simply the most successful program in Section 1 over the last four seasons. And the roster is filled with enthusiastic next-level talent. Playing for a state championship has to be the primary goal.

2. Yorktown — Is there a better defensive team in the region? Chris Constantine and Hunter Mezzatesta typically own that end of the field. If the Huskers play smart with the ball, a repeat in Class B is likely.

3. Iona Prep — There is so much young talent back from a team that's won three straight CHSAA Intersectional championships. What this team needs most is willing role players who understand the impact of intangibles.

4. Mamaroneck — Graduation left some holes in the lineup, but there is a well-balanced nucleus capable of reaching another Class A title game and solving rival Scarsdale in place.

5. Pleasantville — Daniel Picart is coming into the season with fresh legs and the Panthers are back with an experienced team that is determined to win a state championship.

Top 10: Traditional lax powers are coming back strong and staking a claim in the lohud rankings

6. Stepinac — The Crusaders are coming off a memorable run. There is no reason to consider this a rebuild, though, as there is enough talent and experience to compete with ranked opponents.

7. Somers — It's a new start for this team under first-year coach Jordan Hirsch. Expectations are high. Mac Sullivan and Miguel Iglesias are the headliners, but this is a balanced roster.

8. Scarsdale — Get out the growth chart. The Raiders lost playmaker Jake Goldstein to a season-ending injury during a scrimmage and will be relying on a cast of newcomers to learn on the fly.

9. Greeley — Last year, these guys were sneaky good. This year, the rest of the section will be ready for a team that has legitimate scoring punch. Is a Class B championship game appearance possible?

10. John Jay-Cross River — The Wolves understand how good they need to be in order to challenge Rye for a Class C title. It's a tall order, but there are some standouts in this lineup, too.

On the bubble: Haldane; Lakeland/Panas; Mahopac; Wappingers.

This article originally appeared on Rockland/Westchester Journal News: lohud boys lacrosse 2024 preseason top 10 rankings