* Major Sports News Outlets: Websites like ESPN, MaxPreps, and USA Lacrosse Magazine often publish high school lacrosse rankings, but these are usually not comprehensive national rankings and often focus on specific regions or states. They may have state-by-state rankings which can give you a sense of the top teams.
* Lacrosse-Specific Websites and Publications: Many websites and publications dedicated to lacrosse coverage might publish national or regional rankings. Search for "high school lacrosse rankings" along with terms like "national," "boys," or "girls" to narrow your results.
* State-Level Rankings: Start by finding rankings for your state or region of interest. Many state lacrosse organizations or high school sports associations will have their own rankings. This will give you an idea of the top teams in your area, which might be nationally ranked by some publications.
Important Considerations:
* Methodology: Pay attention to how a ranking system is compiled. Some may rely heavily on head-to-head matchups, others on strength of schedule, and still others on a combination of factors. Understanding the methodology helps you interpret the rankings with more context.
* Timing: Rankings are dynamic and change throughout the season. A ranking from early in the season might be drastically different from one published near the end of the season or playoffs.
* Bias: Be aware that rankings can reflect biases, both conscious and unconscious. A publication's geographic location or connections might influence the ranking.
In short, there's no single "best" source. To get a comprehensive picture, you should consult several different ranking systems and compare their findings.