7. Layla Warren | Simpson Academy
5K PR: 19:38
Grade: 9th
Classification: MAIS 5A
2021 ranking: Not Ranked
Accolades: 4 x MAIS 5A State Champion | 2021 Mississippi XC Meet of Champions 11th place
Starting off the list is someone that could potentially rise up this list as the season progresses, and that is the four-time state champion and private school stud from Simpson Academy, Layla Warren.
Warren struggled with injuries that cut off much of her 2021 cross country season, yet still came back to place 11th at the 2021 Mississippi XC Meet of Champions.
She removed any doubt of how talented she is, however, when she ended her 2022 track and field season with PR's such as 2:27 in the 800m, 5:24 in the 1600m, and 11:52 in the 3200m, finishing inside of the top four in the whole state in both the 1600m and 3200m.
Warren also won the 1600m and 3200m at the 2022 MAIS 5A Track and Field Championships over a stacked field.
A fearless and versatile competitor, watch out for Layla Warren this season as she goes for her first ever state title on the grass.
6. Aubree Justice | Alcorn Central High School
5K PR: 19:40
Grade: 11th
Classification: MHSAA 3A
2021 ranking: Not ranked
Accolades: 2021-22 MHSAA 3A Cross Country, 1600m, 3200m State Champion | 2021 Mississippi XC Meet of Champions winner
Number six on the list is the front-runner out of Alcorn Central, Aubree Justice.
Justice has an exponential amount of momentum coming off of her sophomore season, as she popped onto the Mississippi High School Girls distance running scene at the 2021 MHSAA 3A Cross Country Championships whenever she took down St. Andrews standout Emily Ireland to win her first-ever state title, then came back a mere five days later to win the 2021 Mississippi XC Meet of Champions, leading the entirety of both races.
She hasn't looked back since, securing two more state titles and adding nine more wins to her resume in her 2022 outdoor track and field campaign.
Justice looks to be coming back to the grass with a vengeance and is another that we would not be surprised to see climb up the rankings as the cross country season progresses.
Stay tuned for No. 4 and 5 next week!