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National High School Girls Team Rankings - 11/21Published by
New York Powers Appear To Be Summit's Greatest Challengers By Erik Boal, DyeStat Editor Often times, the greatest threat to win any championship is the one hiding in plain sight. Summit High is not only the reigning Nike Cross Nationals champion, but has answered every challenge this season on the way to defending its Oregon 6A crown and repeating Saturday at NXR Northwest in Boise, Idaho. Fiona Max, Teaghan Knox, Jasper Fievet, Izzy Max and Barrett Justema all placed in the top 30 at Eagle Island State Park to earn a fourth appearance to NXN in program history, including the third in the past four seasons. But Saturday was also another reminder that two of the biggest challengers to the reigning champion Storm are also ready to take aim at adding another national title to their respective legacies. Fayetteville-Manlius, an 11-time NXN champion, prevailed Saturday in the New York Class A final by six points over 2004 national winner Saratoga Springs, atoning for a one-point setback at last year’s state championship meet. Saratoga Springs’ young lineup, which includes only eighth-, ninth- and 10th-graders and is led by sophomore Ella Kurto, demonstrated it could match up against the veteran group from Fayetteville-Manlius, featuring seniors Claire Walters and Phoebe White. Another NXN fixture, nine-time qualifier Naperville North IL, showed its depth and experience Saturday at NXR Midwest in Terre Haute, Ind., despite not having a senior in its lineup. Naperville North, led by junior Maggie Gamboa, put all seven athletes in front of the fifth scorer from Beavercreek to prevail against the Beavers, who were able to compete as a team at LaVern Gibson Course this season after only Taylor Ewert competed at last year’s regional, since it was scheduled the day after the Ohio Division 1 state final. Along with Beavercreek, another first-time NXN qualifier North Central WA has built momentum during its past three races with the return of junior Allie Janke, who helped the Indians repeat as 3A state champions and place four scorers in the top 30 at the regional meet. Jesuit and Lincoln have continued to show in both Oregon 6A competition, as well as NXR Northwest, that they can compete well against Summit, which could benefit one or both teams should they earn an at-large berth to race Dec. 7 at NXN in Portland after finishing third and fourth Saturday in Idaho. Although Southlake Carroll is expected to advance to NXN for a 13th time entering as the favorite Saturday at NXR South at Bear Branch Park in Texas, there are six ranked teams ready to square off the same day in a challenging NXR Southwest race at Grande Sports Complex in Arizona. Although Arapahoe isn’t competing in the NXR Southwest championship race after capturing the 5A state title Oct. 26, Colorado will still be represented by legitimate contenders Niwot, Battle Mountain and Cherry Creek, along with strong lineups from Cherokee Trail, Mountain Vista and Valor Christian. Utah’s greatest potential rests on 6A winner Lone Peak, with 5A champion Springville also scheduled to compete. Arizona will have its top two champions, Division 1 title holder Desert Vista and five-time Division 2 winners Flagstaff. Top 30 (Previous) |
