Texans lining up for a chance at nationals
By Doug Binder, DyeStat Editor
NXN SOUTH ENTRIES
The NXN South Regional, scheduled for Bear Branch Park in The Woodlands, Texas on Saturday, is largely a one-state party for the Lone Star State.
Although there are five states in this region, there will be virtually no impact on the championship races from Mississippi and scant representation from Arkansas, Oklahoma or Louisiana, which conducted its state meet earlier this week.
That leaves the Texas powers, primarily from Class 4A and 5A, to sort out the NXN berths.
In the boys race that means a compelling rematch between 5A champion Southlake Carroll and College Park. At the UIL state meet, SLC scored 80 points and CP 85. Third-and fourth-place teams Strake Jesuit and Timber Creek were close enough to merit serious consideration this time as well.
Jenks of Oklahoma scored 23 points at its state meet and will find out how it measures up with the best teams in a much bigger state.
Rogers of Arkansas and St. Paul of Louisiana, likewise the best teams in their respective states, are also entered.
Individually, the top guys in the Texas 5A field -- Frank Lara, Jacob Pickle, Austen Dalquist -- could be joined in that lead pack by Jacob Shiohira from Arkansas.
Experience could tip the girls team race to the two programs with the most NXN appearances -- The Woodlands and Southlake Carroll. Both teams made it to Portland last year.
But The Woodlands' chances hinge on the performance of Madi McLellan, the team's No. 1. She is entered on Saturday but did not factor into the team's state meet peformance and the Highlanders finished seventh. If she run up to her capabilities, it would make a tremendous difference.
Southlake Carroll won the 5A title, just ahead of New Braunfels. Those teams, plus College Park and 4A champion Canyon Randall figure to have the best shots of finishing in the top two.
Norman North from Oklahoma appears to be the best non-Texas team in the field.
Individually, Texas' best performers could make for a great race: Paige Hofstad, Natalie Rathjen, Madie Boreman, McLellan, Julia Heymach, Kellee McCann and Devin Clark.
Gabrielle Jennings, a sophomore from Louisiana, may be a factor if she can recover from her state meet run on Tuesday.
