The time has come to reveal The Baltimore Sun's top ranked boys lacrosse team.
The entire Top 15 poll, along with the top players to watch, will be available online Thursday night and the entire preview package will be in Friday's print edition.
Here's a look at No. 1 St. Paul's
Coach: Rick Brocato
Last season: 13-7, No. 2
Postseason: MIAA A Conference final
Outlook: With the talent and balance in the Maryland Interscholastic Athletic Assoication A Conference this season, a handful of teams could be in this spot with no argument. The Crusaders get the nod because of the experience they have returning -- led by four-year starting attackman Carter Flaig and senior goalie AJ Barretto -- and the added motivation of reaching last year's title game and falling short.
Six starters and 18 letter winners are back from last year's team, and an explosive offense is the team's unquestioned strength. Coming off a 36-goal, 31-assist junior season, Flaig is in line to become the porgram's all-time leading scorer. That's only the starting point for the Crusaders. Alex McGovern, Mitch Gordon, Joe Pollard and Jack Pollard all scored 10 or more goals last season.
Tyler Rockhill returns to handle most of the faceoff chores. On defense, St. Paul's has three-year starting goalie AJ Barretto, who consistently makes big saves and is a vocal leader in back.
All of the top MIAA A teams have plenty of strengths while some concerns. The Crusaders offset any of shortcomings with their explosive attack and strong play from Barretto to help their inexperienced defense settle in.