Atlantic Physical Therapy 2026 Week 1 Boys Lacrosse Top 10

Atlantic Physical Therapy Boys Lacrosse 2026 Week 1 Rankings

 

1. Rumson-Fair Haven (0-1), 2025 Record: 15-9

The Bulldogs have been one of the Shore Conference’s premier programs, and 2026 looks like another year where they will be right at the top. Coming off a 2025 season that ended with the program’s 10th Shore Conference Tournament title — capped by a dramatic 15-14 overtime win over Manasquan High School — RFH once again enters the year as the Preseason No. 1 after proving it can peak at the right time and win in big moments.

The Bulldogs do have significant losses to replace from that championship group. Most notably, Shore Conference Player of the Year Frank Argilagos, now at Dartmouth, anchored the defense and earned USA Lacrosse All-American honors. RFH also graduated two major offensive contributors in midfielder Grayson Goldin (56 points), now at Colorado College, and midfielder Britt Lumsden (47 points), leaving key gaps.

As usual, though, the Bulldogs reload. Senior attackman Luke Lydon, a Boston University commit, returns after a breakout season with 53 goals and 70 points, earning USA Lacrosse All-American honors. He’s joined by a strong senior core that includes Joseph Whitehouse (Washington and Lee University), Blake Ahmann (Haverford College), and Luke Passalaqua (Trinity College), along with key contributors like Liam Haggerty, Teddy Whitehouse, and Kevin Collard.

Defensively, RFH remains loaded with senior leaders Toby Najenson (Brown University), Danny Sullivan (University of Virginia), and John Paik (Princeton University), while Jaden Cavise (FOGO) and goalie Daniel Jaroschak provide stability at key positions.

With proven production, depth, and championship pedigree, Rumson-Fair Haven has the pieces to absorb its losses and remain the team to beat in the Shore Conference.

The Bulldogs dropped their first game to Chatham, ranked sixth in the NJ Advance Media rankings. They will look to bounce back with games on the road at Toms River East and Scotch Plains-Fanwood this week.

2. CBA (1-1), 2025 Record: 11-10

The Colts have consistently been one of the Shore Conference’s most competitive programs, and 2026 should be no different. Despite a 2025 season that ended with a 1-5 stretch over their final six games, CBA still put together a strong overall résumé, highlighted by a Shore Conference Tournament semifinal appearance and key wins over Rumson-Fair Haven, Southern, Wall, and Eastern. With that body of work — and a talented young core — the Colts open this season as a strong No. 2.

CBA does have major graduation losses to overcome. Senior defenseman Quinn Kelly, now at Harvard, anchored the back line and earned USA Lacrosse All-American honors, while midfielder Davis Campbell (Holy Cross) added 21 goals. The Colts also graduated key contributors in defensemen Luke Krebs (Bryant), Jackson Gervais (Air Force), James Dunn and Michael Poskay, along with attackman Carter McGuire and midfielder Hunter Kilpatrick, leaving holes on both ends.

Still, the Colts are built around one of the Shore’s most promising young cores. Now sophomores, attackman Jackson Chaney (35 points) and midfielder Danny Varone (23 goals) return after standout freshman seasons. They’re joined by a group of college-bound talent that includes John Little (Villanova), Christian Fox (Notre Dame), Caden Lucich (Ursinus), Dylan Stratton (Muhlenberg), and brothers Benjamin and Shayne Breeden (Rhodes and Manhattan).

With high-end young talent, Division I commits, and a program that consistently competes with the state’s best, CBA has the pieces to take the next step and firmly establish itself as a championship contender in 2026.

The Colts earned a 15-6 win over Middletown South in their first game before dropping a game against New York power Iona Prep, 13-5.

3. Manasquan (2-0), 2025 Record: 19-3

The Warriors have consistently been in the mix among the Shore’s elite, and 2026 should be no different. Coming off a historic 2025 season that saw Manasquan capture its first NJSIAA Group 2 state championship with a 13-5 win over Hopewell Valley, the Warriors backed it up with a run to the Shore Conference Tournament final and a Kirst Cup appearance, where they pushed eventual champion Seton Hall Prep in a tight 8-6 loss. Add in an outright American Division title against one of the Shore’s toughest groupings, and Manasquan enters the year as a strong No. 3.

The Warriors do face significant graduation losses from that championship core. Senior attackmen Brandon Kunz (65 goals, 94 points), now at Lehigh, and Ryan Aldi (58 goals, 85 points), now at Bentley, powered the offense, while midfielder Matt Schneider (43 goals, 65 points), now at Monmouth, added another scoring punch. Defensively, USA Lacrosse All-American Parker Harms (Villanova) was dominant as a shutdown presence and transition threat, and goalie Pat Loxley (NJIT) anchored the cage with 237 saves and a 65% save percentage. That group leaves behind a major void in production and experience.

As has become the standard in Manasquan, though, there is plenty returning. Leading the way is senior midfielder Jack O’Reilly (Cornell), one of the Shore’s top all-around players, along with a strong midfield group featuring Lucas Longo (Middlebury) and Dax Klein (Quinnipiac). Kieran Schneider returns as a key offensive piece, while Will Conway (Scranton) gives the Warriors stability at the faceoff X and John Lake (Saint Leo) anchors the defense.

With a championship pedigree, a battle-tested returning core, and proven ability to compete with the state’s best, Manasquan has the pieces to remain firmly in the Shore Conference title picture in 2026.

The Warriors opened the season where they left off handling Red Bank Catholic and Robbinsville.

4. Southern (2-0), 2025 Record: 15-6

The Rams, arguably Ocean County’s flagship program, have consistently been one of the Shore Conference’s toughest teams, and 2026 should be no different. Coming off a 15-win season that included a run to the South Group 4 sectional final, Southern proved it could compete with anyone, with its only Shore Conference losses coming against the teams ranked ahead of it and two one-goal defeats to Kingsway. With a strong résumé and deep returning core, the Rams open the season at No. 4.

Southern does have key graduation losses to replace including Liam Griffin (43 goals), now at Saint Joseph’s (PA), and Joe Kessler (40 goals), now at DeSales, along with faceoff specialist Collin Markoski (69% at the X), now at Illinois Tech. The Rams also lost key defensive contributors in Christopher Solis (Felician) and Anthony Oddo (Shenandoah), in addition to goalie AJ Mattern and several defensive pieces, leaving important gaps across the field.

Despite those losses, the Rams return one of the Shore’s most dynamic — and young — cores. Junior midfielder Kyle Sininsky (Mount St. Mary’s commit) is coming off a massive 46-goal, 87-point season and has already surpassed 100 career points. He’s joined by a strong junior group in Shea O’Donnell (38g, 27a) and Cash McVey (25g, 23a), while sophomore Niko Iliescu (10g, 25a) adds another playmaking threat and his twin, Lukas Iliescu, continues to develop defensively. Junior goalie Nick Hughes steps into a larger role, while Broddie Miller anchors the back line and Lucas Iorio (NJIT), an LSM, adds versatility in transition.

Two impact transfers returned to their hometown from Donovan Catholic in senior defender Jayden Nascimento (Rutgers University commit) and his younger brother junior attackman Gavin Nascimento. Jayden will have to sit-out due to the senior transfer rule, but will be expected to provide a much-needed boost when he returns.

With elite offensive firepower and a young, high-upside core leading the way, Southern has the pieces to build off last year’s success and remain firmly in the Shore Conference title picture in 2026.

The Rams cruised past Allentown and Middletown North in their first two games.

5. Wall (2-1), 2025 Record: 11-12

The Crimson Knights once again find themselves in the top tier entering 2026. Despite an up-and-down 2025 regular season that featured several one-goal losses, Wall found its form late, making a run to the South Group 2 sectional final with wins over Absegami, Seneca, and Ocean City before falling to Manasquan, 9-7. With key wins over Red Bank, Holmdel, and Middletown South, the Crimson Knights showed they could compete with anyone and enter this season at No. 5.

Wall does have impactful losses to replace. Senior midfielder Michael Hoarle, now at Bryant, was the engine of the team with 51 goals, 38 assists, and 117 ground balls. The Crimson Knights also graduated goalie Braeden Buckley (230 saves), attackman Jackson Lemongelli (39 goals), now at Emerson, and key defenseman Riley Cook, now at Eastern, along with several defensive contributors, leaving holes on both ends.

Still, Wall returns one of the Shore’s more productive offensive cores. Now seniors, midfielder Patrick Freud (89 points) and attackman Wyatt Capro (54 goals, 21 assists), a UMBC commit, headline the group after breakout junior seasons. They’re joined by senior midfielder Dylan Cohen and attackman Parker Quinn, while seniors Justin Davis and Brady Kurth anchor the defense.

To fill key gaps, Wall will also rely on a talented freshman group to contribute right away. Midfielder Reid Wehner, attackman Nolan Larkin, and goalie James O’Hara are all expected to play significant roles early, putting added importance on their development as the season progresses.

With proven scorers, experienced upperclassmen, and emerging young talent, Wall has the pieces to build off last year’s sectional run and remain firmly in the Shore Conference’s top tier in 2026.

Wall shut out Middletown North and battled past Middletown South so far this season with a narrow loss to A.L. Johnson sandwiched between the two wins.

6. Shore (0-0), 2025 Record: 12-6

The Blue Devils have steadily built one of the Shore Conference’s rising programs, and 2026 looks like another promising year. Coming off one of the best seasons in program history, Shore reached the Shore Conference Tournament semifinals and picked up statement wins over Southern, Wall, Holmdel, and a 15-win Toms River East team. They also made history with their first-ever win over Rumson-Fair Haven, while head coach Gregg Malfa was recognized as the Shore Sports Insider Coach of the Year. With that momentum, Shore opens the season at No. 6.

The Blue Devils do face significant graduation losses. Midfielder Tucker Malfa (42 goals), now at RPI, was a USA Lacrosse All-American and the team’s top scorer, while midfielder Lukas Villa (31 goals, 51 points), now at Catholic, and FOGO Brendan O’Brien (72% at the X) were key pieces. Shore also graduated attackman Braden Miller (Marymount) and defenseman Will Turner, leaving major gaps in production and experience.

Despite those losses, Shore returns a strong and experienced core. Now a senior, attackman Reid Spallone (RPI commit) is coming off a 70-point season (38g, 32a) and will lead the offense. He’s joined by seniors Jack Madalone and John Mazzacco, along with a younger but important group featuring juniors Brady McHugh, Cole Torres, and goalie Joey Longo. Sophomore twins Justin and Ryan Cregle add to the depth, while senior defenseman Grant Gryta (Eastern) anchors the back line as a key college-bound piece.

With a proven core, strong leadership, and a program coming off a historic season, Shore has the pieces to remain a contender in the Shore Conference in 2026.

The Blue Devils open their season with East Brunswick today before traveling to Southern on Wednesday.

7. Toms River East (0-0), 2025 Record: 15-5

The Raiders enter 2026 looking to build off one of the best seasons in program history. Toms River East won 15 games, captured the Colonial Division title, reached the Shore Conference Tournament quarterfinals, and advanced to the South Group 3 semifinals. A 10-game winning streak highlighted the season, and with much of that core returning, the Raiders open the year at No. 7.

The Raiders do have key losses to replace. Midfielder Nate Cummings graduated after a 92-point season (49g, 43a) and was a major piece of the offense, along with fellow midfielders Tyler Godlesky and Ethan Kelly. That trio leaves a significant void in midfield production and experience.

Despite those losses, Toms River East returns one of the Shore’s most explosive offenses. Now seniors, attackman Nick Caruso (81 goals, 115 points), a Wagner commit, leads the way, while junior attackman Gerard Uzzolino (63 goals, 51 assists) returns as one of the Shore’s top playmakers. Supporting them is a strong returning group that includes senior defenseman Colin Cummings (109 ground balls) and senior Ben Standfast (Drew). In goal, junior Ryan Caruso (Bellarmine commit) returns after posting 163 saves and a 60% save percentage.

With terrific returning scorers, college-level talent, and a proven winning résumé, Toms River East has the pieces to remain one of the Shore Conference’s most dangerous teams in 2026.

The Raiders have a significant test on Wednesday when they host top-ranked Rumson-Fair Haven.

8. Red Bank (1-1), 2025 Record: 9-9

After Red Bank began to find its rhythm late last season, the Bucs enter 2026 looking to build off one of the more momentum-filled finishes in the Shore Conference. A year ago, Red Bank closed strong by winning five of its final seven games, highlighted by a statement 10-6 victory over CBA — the program’s first-ever win over the Colts — along with additional wins over East Brunswick, Barnegat, and Middletown North. The Bucs carried that surge into the postseason with a decisive 13-4 road win over Princeton in the opening round of the North Group 3 state playoffs before falling to eventual Group 3 champion Summit. With much of that core back, Red Bank opens the season at No. 8.

Red Bank does not face the same level of heavy graduation losses as some other contenders, which is a major reason for optimism heading into 2026. Instead, the Bucs return the bulk of their production from a team that proved it could compete with top programs and gain confidence as the season progressed.

Leading the way is senior attackman Gabe Pape, a Boston University commit who is coming off an All-Shore campaign in which he totaled 50 goals and 20 assists. He remains one of the most dangerous pure scorers in the Shore Conference and will once again be the focal point of the offense. Alongside him is junior attackman Justin Valentino, an Iona commit who broke out in a big way last season with 35 goals and 32 assists, emerging as a dynamic playmaker who can both score and distribute at a high level.

With two proven, high-level offensive leaders returning, Red Bank brings back one of the most productive scoring duos in the conference. That experience and chemistry should allow the Bucs to hit the ground running offensively while continuing to build on the confidence they developed late last year. Sophomore midfielder Ryder Kunkel is another name to watch as a potential breakout candidate after posting 14 points as a freshman, giving the Bucs an additional emerging weapon within their offensive group.

If Red Bank can continue its upward trajectory and get consistent contributions around its star attackmen, the Bucs have the pieces to take another step forward and solidify themselves as a legitimate contender in the Shore Conference in 2026.

The Bucs lost a hotly-contested opening day game against Allentown before bouncing back to defeat rival Red Bank Catholic.

9. Holmdel (1-1), 2025 Record: 8-10

The Hornets enter 2026 looking to build on a strong postseason showing. Holmdel reached the North Group 2 quarterfinals last season and nearly pulled off a major upset of West Morris, while also earning quality wins over Middletown South, Manalapan, and Howell to secure a top-10 finish.

Holmdel does have key losses to replace. Faceoff specialist Jack Powers graduated as New Jersey’s all-time leader in faceoff wins with 1,129, leaving a massive void at the X, while attackman Brian Volpe, who scored 30 goals and totaled 46 points, was a major contributor offensively. Those departures take away both production and experience.

Despite those losses, the Hornets return a talented group led by senior attackman Finn Buchan, a Stevens commit who posted 49 points on 26 goals and 23 assists last season. He is joined by one of the Shore Conference’s most versatile players in senior defenseman Marcus Cermele, a Hobart commit who dominated with 107 ground balls while also contributing 19 goals and 14 assists. In goal, senior Jack Tiller returns after surpassing 300 career saves, giving Holmdel a steady and experienced presence in the cage. Sophomore attackman Anthony Serini adds another offensive weapon after a strong freshman season, while junior attackman David Perrotti could be a breakout candidate after scoring 24 goals as a sophomore.

Holmdel could also receive a major boost with the return of senior midfielder Jack Cannon, a Dartmouth football commit and All-Shore quarterback, who did not play last season but adds another high-level athlete to the lineup.

With experienced leaders, versatile talent, and the potential addition of a dynamic midfielder, Holmdel has the pieces to remain a competitive force in the Shore Conference in 2026.

Holmdel dropped their first game of the year against Bridgewater-Raritan but bounced back to defeat South Brunswick.

10. Howell (0-0), 2025 Record: 14-5

After bouncing back in a big way last season, Howell enters 2026 looking to build off a strong return to form. The Rebels won 14 games, finished second in the Colonial Division and advanced to the South Group 4 quarterfinals, reestablishing themselves as a competitive presence in the Shore Conference. They tuned up for the postseason with wins over Steinert and Lacey, and after a dominant 12-2 win over Lenape in the opening round, their season came to an end against powerhouse Eastern. With a mix of returning contributors and new opportunities for emerging players, Howell opens the season at No. 10.

The Rebels have some significant losses to replace from last year’s group. Midfielder Vin Meehan, now at Lenoir-Rhyne, was one of the Shore’s most versatile players, finishing with 36 goals, 26 assists and 62 ground balls while surpassing 100 career points. Howell also graduated leading goal scorer Nick Turturro (42 goals) and attackman Jayden Devino (26 goals, 24 assists), removing a large portion of the team’s offensive production. On the defensive end, Colin Finnegan (Embry-Riddle) and goalie Adam Baker (Manhattanville) leave behind major holes in both leadership and experience, along with additional graduation losses including John Polukort (Centenary).

Despite those departures, Howell returns key pieces that should help keep the offense competitive. Senior attackman Mike Kelly, who scored 30 goals last season, steps into a leading role and will be counted on as a primary scoring option. He is joined by senior midfielder Cole Reinsdorf, a Lynn commit who totaled 37 points and brings versatility and playmaking ability to the midfield. The Rebels will also look for contributions from a new group of impact players, including defenseman Michael Mangano (Holy Family) and midfielder Anthony LaBruzzo (Montclair State), as they take on larger roles this season.

With several key contributors gone, Howell will need to develop new chemistry and find consistency on both ends of the field. If the returning core can step into expanded roles and the next wave of players rises to the occasion, the Rebels have the potential to remain competitive and push for another postseason run in 2026.