Mike Gabel's 2025 IL High School Rankings Preview

Mike Gabel's Preseason Top-10 IHSA Boys

LOMBARD, IL – Spring lacrosse is back! The 2024 season was an exciting one in Illinois high school lacrosse, bringing two public schools to the championship weekend. The 2025 season will see some up and coming teams who want to make a statement this year. As we anticipate the start of the season, here are the pre-season top 10 rankings.

1. Saint Viator

Viator once again boasts what I believe to be the best team in the state on paper. They have college-ready talent across the board, including standout seniors like goalie Jack Hartman (Ohio Wesleyan) and faceoff specialist Michael Touscher (High Point). With elite players in these key positions, they have a clear edge over the competition and the ability to control tight games.

Much like last year, I expect this team to average around 12 goals per game. Their offense is powered by experienced veterans, including senior midfielders Emerson McGrath (High Point) and Franco Caputo (Iona), as well as senior attackmen Wes Starr (Ohio Wesleyan) and Luca Scandroli. Adding to their firepower is junior midfielder Keaton Franzen (UMASS), whose speed makes him a dangerous scoring threat.

Defensively, Viator is just as dominant, featuring senior defender Ethan Angst (Quinnipiac), junior defender Gunnar Higdon, and sophomore Braeden Tedio—an aggressive unit capable of shutting down opponents.

This team has everything needed to win. Now, it’s just a matter of meeting expectations and getting the job done.

2. Lake Forest

Congratulations to the Scouts on their championship win last year! However, the focus now shifts to the 2025 season. This is a well-coached team that returns the core of both its offense and defense but will need to fill the void left by last year’s top goalie in the state, Augie Silver. Their zone defense was a major key to their success, but opponents will likely be better prepared to counter it this season.

Defensively, the Scouts remain one of the strongest teams in the state, led by senior Danny Van Camp (Yale), senior LSM Marty Hipple, and rising junior defender Fin Michael. On the offensive side, they have plenty of firepower, with a mix of attackmen and midfielders who can finish at a high level. Senior midfielder Lucas Kroner (Lafayette) will be the leader up top, supported by senior midfielders Jimmy Rappel and Jack Walsh. Behind the cage, sophomore attackman Emmet Lee and senior Brayden Thiergart will be key finishers inside.

For this team to replicate last year’s success, first-year starter junior goalie Thomas Walsh will need to step up as the new anchor of the defense. If they stick to their proven formula, the Scouts will once again be a top contender for the championship.

3. Glenbard West

The Hilltoppers have long been regarded as a “solid” team from the western suburbs, but now they’ve elevated themselves into the conversation as one of the top teams in the state. Are they exceeding expectations, or simply proving what they’ve always believed they were capable of? Either way, they remain one of the toughest matchups in the state.

Yes, they lost some key scorers and top defenders from last season, but their core impact players return. Senior goalie Drew Crosby isn’t just a reliable shot-stopper—he’s the quarterback of their transition game, quickly pushing the ball up field to create scoring opportunities. Supporting him on defense are juniors Jacob Quintos and Nile Woods, forming a tough, disciplined unit.

Offensively, GBW retains a wealth of firepower, led by all-time points leader senior attackman Sam Clark (Providence), senior midfielder Cooper Kinney (DePauw), junior Andrew Engel, and sophomore Will Hoisington. At the faceoff X, senior Cole Glascott provides a steady presence.

This is a gritty, hard-nosed team that thrives on winning ground balls, applying relentless pressure in the ride, and excelling in the little details that separate good teams from great ones. Expect them to be a force once again this season.

4. New Trier

The Trevian’s have been steadily climbing their way back to the top of Illinois lacrosse, and this season presents their best shot at reclaiming their place at the summit. With a roster stacked with experienced three- and four-year starters, this team is battle-tested and ready to make a statement.

Offensively, the attack unit is led by senior Trevor Martay (DePauw) and senior Shea Kreisa, while their dynamic and athletic midfield features two-way playmakers like seniors Hans Huber and Tyler Kenyon (DePauw), along with junior Walker Chessen.

On defense, the Trevian’s are anchored by 6’7” senior Ian Schnizline, providing a formidable presence in front of returning senior goalie Graham Stuart. Rounding out their roster is one of the nation’s top-ranked faceoff specialists, junior Aaron Pressman (Denver), giving them a major advantage at the X.

With a veteran core and the right pieces in place, this team has the potential to take the next step. If they can build confidence throughout the regular season, expect the Trevian’s to be a serious Final Four contender. They still need to get over their first hurdle: beating Loyola.

5. Loyola Academy

The Ramblers had a strong season last year, dropping only three in-state games, including a Final Four loss to eventual champion Lake Forest. While they lost key defenders and their faceoff specialist, they return plenty of talent and remain a force to be reckoned with.

Anchoring the defense is senior goalie Aiden Hughes, who brings experience and stability between the pipes. He’ll be supported by senior LSM Mack Klein, junior defender Lucas Day, and junior defensive midfielder Konner Sayer (UMASS), forming a solid defensive core.

On offense, opponents will have to contend with the sheer power of 6’5”, 235-pound senior midfielder Tommy Ghislandi (Army Football), a dominant presence who can rip shots with both hands. The offense is further bolstered by junior midfielder Drew Schwitzenberg (Air Force), junior attackman Tommy Wolfberg, and sophomore attackman Griffin Oiler, providing a balanced and dangerous scoring threat.

Though younger than last year’s squad, don’t underestimate this team—they have the talent and discipline to compete at the highest level. As always, Loyola remains a powerhouse from the North Shore.

6. Wheaton Academy

Don’t overlook WA at the #6 spot this year. This program consistently reloads, seamlessly integrating younger players into key roles to fuel deep playoff runs. Well-coached and disciplined, they play a methodical style, taking calculated risks and controlling the pace of play.

Leading the offense are senior attackmen Charlie Foley (Lafayette) and Cooper Miller, who will dictate the tempo. They’re backed by one of the most athletic midfield units in the state, featuring senior Zach Moravec (Grove City), junior Lincoln Hoger, and sophomore Grant Adams. At the faceoff X, WA has an experienced presence in senior Jack Roth (Taylor), giving them a reliable option to gain possession.

While they graduated their long-time starting goalie, they have capable players ready to step into leadership roles, along with a developing group of young defenders. WA may be younger in some areas, but their system and talent make them a serious threat once again.

7. Saint Ignatius

In case anyone needs a reminder, the Wolfpack finished #3 in the state series last year. This is a team that commands respect, especially with the offensive firepower they bring to the table this season.

They return a dominant group of midfielders who can move the ball and find the back of the net. Seniors Benny Besztery (Tampa) and Marty Junkins (Denison), along with junior Kevin Conroy and sophomore Henry Aiden, are all capable of picking apart opposing defenses.

Defensively, they have plenty of athleticism, led by senior Trip Arnold and junior LSM Maxwell Meyer. In goal, they bring back last year’s most impactful player, Brody Netzky, providing stability in the net.

The Wolfpack cannot be overlooked—if this offense gets hot, they will be a tough team to slow down.

8. Barrington

Some may be surprised to see Barrington in the top 10—but not if they played them last year. Coming off one of their best seasons at 17-5, they return 20 players from last year’s varsity squad, making them a team to watch.

Offensively, they have dominant scoring threats, led by senior attackman Jack Fischel (Bellarmine) and senior midfielder Aiden Weiszhar (Alabama Huntsville). On the defensive end, they bring back most of their starters, with senior defenseman Cole Slatter leading the unit.

It’s great to see Barrington back in the conversation, and with their depth and experience, this could be one of their most well-rounded teams yet.

9. Lake Zurich

Yes, LZ has cracked the top ten! This is yet another sign of lacrosse’s growth across the state. LZ has proven they can compete with anyone, coming off a strong season with 16 wins before falling to #8-ranked Barrington in the playoffs.

Offensively, they have the versatility to push the pace in transition or slow things down and strike at the right moment. Their attack unit is the foundation, led by senior Coplan Oettinger, junior assist leader Evan Peterson, and sophomore goal leader Camryn Powers.

Defensively, they boast some of the best talent in the state, including seniors Reece Katzenberger and Brady Powers (Lewis). At the faceoff X, sophomore Damian Kepka returns to give them an edge in possession.

With their depth and talent, I fully expect LZ to make another strong playoff push this spring.

10. Neaqua Valley

The Wildcats are this year’s sleeper team. You might get the better of them in the regular season, but when it matters most, they find a way to win. Reaching the Final Four last year despite 10 losses was no small feat, proving their ability to step up in big moments.

They return a strong core of impact players, led by senior attackman and goal-scorer Jonah Frank (Denison). He’ll have key support from junior midfielder Grant Randolph and junior faceoff specialist Ben Stefanski.

Defensively, senior Mason Rathell (College of DuPage) anchors the unit, while senior goalie Owen Barth returns to provide stability in net.

If the Wildcats can maintain consistency throughout the season, expect them to make another deep playoff run.