By Chris Goldberg
Phillylacrosse.com, Posted 6/4/12

The debate rages on as to who is the No. 1 boys’ team this year in Philly, as four teams stake their claim.

Last week we pegged Haverford School is the top team, slightly over Episcopal Academy – which toppled the Fords in the Inter-Ac Invitational championship game in a truly standout performance.

In the PIAA, two-time defending champion Conestoga and La Salle merit consideration as they prepare for semifinal games Tuesday. Ever-improving Radnor also deserves a plug for reaching the PIAA semis.

This week’s rankings:

1, Haverford School (21-2) – The Fords got the nod for No. 1 based on an undefeated Inter-Ac League season, a four-game sweep of MIAA teams, a dominating win over Conestoga, and a victory over La Salle. Prev: No. 1

2, Episcopal Academy (18-5) – There continues to be sentiment from readers for the Churchmen to be No. 1, after their 15-11 triumph over Haverford School in the Inter-Ac Invitational and their overall dominating performance in the tourney. Inside Lacrosse put EA ahead of Haverford School and Conestoga in its rankings after not having the Churchmen ranked the previous week. Prev: No. 2

3, Conestoga (21-3) – The Pioneers face Central League and neighborhood rival Radnor in the PIAA semifinals Tuesday at a site and time to be determined. Prev: No. 3

4, La Salle (19-4) – The Explorers looked dominant in their 12-5 PIAA quarterfinal triumph over Downingtown West. They meet District 7’s Mt. Lebanon in the PIAA semifinals Tuesday at a site and time to be determined. Prev: No. 4

5, Radnor (18-7) – The Red Raiders are scorching hot, having won six of seven playoff games. They get their third shot at Conestoga in the state semis on Tuesday. Prev: No. 8
6, Garnet Valley (17-7) – The Jaguars’ highlight was reaching the District 1 finals for the first time. Prev: No. 5

7. Downingtown West (22-2) – The Whippets won an undefeated Ches-Mont League championship. Prev: No. 6

8, Lawrenceville School (17-4) – The Big Red won the Mid-Atlantic Prep League championship and reached the Inter-Ac Invitational semifinals. Prev: No. 7

9. Salesianum School (16-3) – The Sals blitzed Caesar Rodney, 13-2, to win their second straight Delaware state championship. They have a lot of young talent back and should continue to get notoriety outside of the First State. Prev: No. 10

10, Great Valley (14-10) – The Patriots overcame injuries and an up-and-down regular season to reach the District 1 semifinals and advance to the state tourney. Prev: No. 9

Honorable Mention: Abington (15-7), Bishop Shanahan (15-5), Central Bucks East (19-3), Downingtown East (14-6), Germantown Academy (10-10), Hatboro-Horsham (18-4), Henderson (17-3), Hill School (9-6), Malvern Prep (8-10), Penncrest (14-6), Penn Charter (13-12), Pennsbury (17-3), Ridley (16-4), St. Augustine Prep (13-6), St. Joseph’s Prep (13-7).