Lacrosse still struggling to become official sport in Southern Section

Lacrosse is still short of having enough schools playing the sport in the Southern Section to hold section-sponsored playoffs and championships.

With 582 schools, 20% or 116 schools need to be participating.

As of Wednesday, Southern Section spokesman Thom Simmons said there were 84 boys’ teams (32 more needed for playoffs to occur) and 73 girls’ teams (43 more needed).

Of concern is that growth has slowed. There were 81 boys’ teams and 68 girls’ teams last year. That means only three more boys’ teams and five more girls’ teams.

But schools continue to add the sport. Sherman Oaks Notre Dame is in the process of hiring a lacrosse coach to start its program next year.

For the latest on high school sports, follow @LATSondheimer on Twitter