MISSISSIPPI STATE MEET RECAP

Andrew Brown, Tupelo Boys Finally Overtake Pearl For Class 7A Title; Alex Lee Dominates Girls 7A Race

By Mary Albl of DyeStat 

The 2025 MHSAA State Cross Country Championships produced fast times, repeat winners and program sweeps across a two-day meet at Choctaw Trails (October 31 and November 1)

In the boys 7A race, Tupelo’s Andrew Brown successfully defended his title with a meet-best 15:23.67, leading the Golden Wave to a commanding 54-point team victory over defending champion Pearl. All five Tupelo scorers finished in the top 20.

Madison Central senior Alex Lee repeated in 18:02.80, more than a minute faster than her 2024 win. Hernando packed three runners into the top six to total 72 points and take the 7A crown ahead of Madison Central (82) and Tupelo (86).

Saltillo’s consistency paid off again as the team scored 39 points for another title as Pascagoula’s Eli Seaton claimed the 6A boys individual win in 15:54.52. The Saltillo girls made it a program sweep, repeating in dominating fashion, scoring 32 points behind tight pack running. Olive Branch’s Maykyn Johnson (20:20.34) earned individual honors.

Lafayette’s Kiplin Loprinzi (16:14.06) led from the gun, powering the Commodores to 34 points and another 5A team championship.

In girls 5A action, Caledonia’s Addie Shepherd captured the individual crown (20:21.26), but Pontotoc used depth to secure the team win with 57 points, edging Brookhaven (69) and Caledonia (71).

In Class 4A, the boys team race was a thriller that came down to a single point as West Lauderdale edged Corinth, 50-51. Hunter Walton of West Lauderdale earned the individual title in 16:18.10, and Corinth put three in the top seven.

The Choctaw Central girls captured the team championship with 46 points behind senior Yazlyn Alex’s winning 19:20.38. Senatobia’s young trio of Taylor Hale, Adilyn Sawyer and Carmen Garcia-Escamilla finished 2-3-5 to take second overall.

In boys 3A, St. Patrick repeated as champion with 31 points, led by Joseph Ross (15:51.9) and Nathan Pyron (17:01.3).

Moving up from 2A, the St. Andrew’s Episcopal girls dominated 3A with an incredible 17-point score, sweeping the top four. Evelyn Spellings (20:01.1) led a 1-2-3-4 Saints finish.

Myrtle Attendance Center, last year’s 1A champion, won again in its first 2A season with 37 points, relying on a tight pack over front-running.

Enterprise (Clarke County) took the 2A girls title with 47 points, fending off Myrtle (71).

Hickory Flat’s Nathan Russell (17:11.3) paced the field to lead the Rebels to the 1A team championship with 41 points, placing three runners in the top 10.

Tupelo Christian Prep continued its dynasty with Alexia Fleming (19:53.1) winning individually and leading the Eagles to the team title with 32 points.

Team Champions 

Class 7A - Tupelo boys 54 points, Hernando girls 72 points - RESULTS

Class 6A - Saltillo boys 39 points, Saltillo girls 32 points - RESULTS

Class 5A - Lafayette boys 34 points, Pontotoc girls 57 points - RESULTS

Class 4A - West Lauderdale boys 50 points, Choctaw Central girls 46 points - RESULTS

Class 3A - St Patrick boys 31 points, St. Andrew’s girls 17 points - RESULTS

Class 2A - Myrtle Attendance Charter boys 37 points, Enterprise girls 47 points - RESULTS

Class 1A - Hickory Flat boys 41 points, Tupelo Christian girls 32 points - RESULTS