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Midwest Region Girls Preseason Rankings 2021Published by
Naperville North looks to extend memorable run, with rising Illinois power York pursuing its NXN debut; Carmel primed to end Indiana drought and return to Oregon for possible eighth appearance, with Michigan and Ohio both featuring potential first-time qualifiers in one of country’s deepest regions By Erik Boal, DyeStat Editor Girls NXR Midwest Preview Two of the longest all-time streaks of girls programs qualifying to compete at Nike Team Nationals or Nike Cross Nationals have come from the Midwest in the past decade, with Naperville North High in Illinois having made eight consecutive trips from 2012-19 and Carmel High from Indiana competing seven straight years from 2010-16. The success of those teams is just one indication of how challenging it is to secure one of the two automatic berths to race in Portland in December, let alone hope for one of four potential at-large bids presented to programs across the country to be part of the 22-team field. Although groups like Beavercreek and Centerville from Ohio, along with Northville High in Michigan, have represented the region well competing in Oregon, the depth in Illinois and Indiana remains consistent and this year is no different. And it could be a first-time national qualifier in York High from Elmhurst, Ill., leading the charge, looking to join the most successful programs in regional history, in addition to capturing the school’s first state championship in more than two decades. In addition to York and Naperville North, two-time national qualifier Yorkville could also find itself in contention in both Class 3A, as well as at the regional meet. Downers Grove South, Minooka and Prospect are also formidable challengers. Carmel is looking to end a five-year drought for Indiana programs at NXN, with Columbus North seeking its first national meet appearance. Hilliard Davidson has the potential to enjoy the spotlight, not only in Ohio, but at the regional level, which could propel the group to its first Division 1 state title since 2002 and a potential national berth. Ann Arbor Pioneer and East Grand Rapids continue to represent Michigan with strong programs, but it remains to be seen if the state will allow either group to compete should they qualify for nationals without the athletes risking any eligibility for future seasons. 1. York IL. The Dukes have come a long way since finishing 18th in the Illinois 3A state final and 29th at the Nike Midwest Regional in 2019 to developing into one of the top lineups in the country this season. Although there wasn’t a true state meet last year at Detweiller Park, with the ShaZam Club Championships taking its place at Three Sisters Park, York prevailed in the Division 3 final by placing five scorers in the top 25 and all of those athletes return this season for coach Lauren DeAngelis. York is seeking its first state championship since 2000, with junior Brooke Berger and sophomore Michaela Quinn forming one of the most consistent tandems nationally. Senior Katelyn Winton, junior Bria Bennis and sophomore Katherine Klimek have demonstrated continued improvement, with great competition for the final two spots in the lineup as well. Although the Dukes missed out on an opportunity to secure their first national berth last year as a result of NXN being canceled because of the COVID-19 pandemic, York has all the components this season to not only qualify to race in Oregon, but excel in December. 2. Naperville North IL. The most reliable girls program in Illinois history, and one of the most impressive in the history of Nike Team Nationals and NXN, Naperville North made eight consecutive trips to Oregon from 2012-19, before the cancellation of the event last year put that streak on pause. The Huskies placed runner-up to York at the Divison 3 final at the ShaZam Club Championships last year, but despite graduating Maggie Gamboa, Audrey Mendrys and Campbell Petersen from that lineup, coach Dan Iverson returns senior Lucy Westlake and a strong supporting cast that includes juniors Logan Brennan and Marissa Magna, in addition to senior Sophie Golobitsch. Iverson also has plenty of options, as seniors Jackie Liu and Safiya Bhanpuri, along with juniors Samantha Falkman and Peyton Milligan are also capable of contributing in the postseason. Following a strong performance Sept. 4 at the Pleasant Valley Invitational in Iowa, the Huskies will get another opportunity to compete against other elite programs from the Midwest and Heartland regions Sept. 24 at the Roy Griak Invitational in Minnesota and Oct. 2 at the Nike XC Town Twilight, presented by the Garrett Companies, in Terre Haute, Ind. 3. Carmel IN. Following seven straight NXN appearances from 2010-16, Carmel and the rest of the Indiana girls programs have been shut out of competing in Oregon at the past three editions of the national meet. But the Greyhounds appear ready to return to Portland after capturing the Indiana state championship last season and placing fifth at the XC Town USA Meet of Champions, presented by the Garrett Companies, in Terre Haute. Coach Taylor Marshall will showcase a balanced lineup led by junior Jasmine Klopstad, with seniors Alivia Romaniuk and Jamie Klavon, along with sophomores Cara Naas and Kara Wenzier providing necessary depth to repeat as state champions and challenge the top programs from Illinois, Ohio and Michigan for the two automatic berths at the regional meet. Carmel will have the opportunity to measure itself against several elite opponents at the LaVern Gibson course Oct. 2 at the Nike XC Town Twilight, presented by the Garrett Companies. 4. Ann Arbor Pioneer MI. With one of the most formidable front-running pairs in the country and plenty of veteran experience from a lineup that won the Michigan Division 1 state championship last season, the Pioneers have the capabilities to challenge for their first national berth if their younger runners can continue to develop in order to perform well in November. Coach Nancy Boudreau has six athletes returning from the state final last year, led by Division 1 runner-up Rachel Forsyth, a sophomore, and senior Cookie Baugh, who finished fifth. Fellow seniors Sarah Forsyth and Charlotte Batra are important contributors in the middle of the lineup, but in order for Pioneer to elevate from a fifth-place regional finish in 2019 and knock off the top teams in Illinois and Indiana, junior Emily Cooper and sophomore Sylvia Sanok Dufallo will be relied on to perform well during the postseason. 5. Hilliard Davidson OH. The Wildcats have found themselves overshadowed in Ohio the past seven years by strong teams from Beavercreek and Centerville, but returning the top five scorers from last season’s runner-up lineup at the Division 1 state championship meet has provided plenty of optimism for Hilliard Davidson, which is looking to improve on its sixth-place regional finish from 2019 and earn its first trip to NXN. Juniors Dillon Sweetman and Caitlyn Jones finished 17th and 19th at last year’s state final, but have demonstrated improvement, which will be necessary in order to remain competitive with the top athletes from Illinois, Indiana and Michigan. Senior Alyssa Mason, junior Keagan Gehring and freshman Emi Schroyer provide valuable depth for coach Nathan King, who also returns sophomore Sophie Lane, in addition to junior Allison Michael capable of being an important factor in the lineup as the Wildcats pursue their first state championship since 2002. WATCHLIST More news |
