By Austin Vitelli
TopLaxRecruits.com, Posted 2/16/16
The TopLaxRecruits.com 2016 Preseason Girls’ Midwest Rankings (records in parenthesis)
1. Loyola Academy (IL) 24-3
The seven-time reigning Illinois state champions have a slew of seniors committed to Division I lacrosse.
2. East Grand Rapids (MI) 24-1
The Pioneers’ standout 2015 season resulted in a D2 Michigan state championship and wins over Illinois powers Loyola and Hinsdale Central. They return as the state favorite.
3. Upper Arlington (OH) 19-2
The Golden Bears won the 2015 Ohio state championship and are a favorite to repeat.
4. Hinsdale Central (IL) 15-9
The Red Devils fell to Loyola Academy in the Illinois state championship last season and again play a very challenging out-of-state schedule.
5. Hill Academy (Ontario, Canada) 6-2
The Hill play a brief but loaded road schedule in March that includes St. Mary’s Annapolis, Maryvale Prep and St. Paul’s School for Girls from the IAAM, and Episcopal School (PA) and Bishop Ireton (VA).
6. New Trier (IL) 20-3
The Trevians are led by a strong midfield and have some tough out-of-state matchups in 2016, including Upper Arlington, East Grand Rapids and Blake School.
7. Rockford (MI) 21-3
After losing two seniors to Division I lacrosse, the Rams will be led a solid midfield in its hopes of defending their D1 Michigan state title.
8. Sycamore (OH) 17-4
The Aviators fell in the Ohio state championship finals last year and look to challenge for the title.
9. Glenbrook South (IL) 19-5
The Titans finished in fourth in the 2015 Illinois state tournament and looks to contend in 2016.
10. Eden Prairie (MN) 17-1
The Eagles won the Minnesota state championship by winning two overtime games in the semis and finals. They return as a leading contender.
Under Consideration: Blake School (MN) 16-3; Carmel (IN) 14-5; Cathedral (IN) 17-2; Chagrin Falls (OH) 16-4; Columbus Academy (OH) 16-1; Cranbrook Kingswood (MI) 18-4; Dublin Coffman (OH) 13-3-1; Indian Hill (OH) 14-4; Jackson, Massillon (OH) 15-3; Kentucky Country Day (KY) 25-3; Lakeville South (MN) 18-1; Marian (MI) 21-4; MICDS (MO) 18-2; Mt. Notre Dame (OH) 16-3; New Albany (OH) 13-6; Olentangy (OH) 14-4; Prior Lake (MN) 16-3; Rocky River (MI) 17-3; Worthington Kilbourne (OH) 14-5