Now about a month into the cross country season, some eye-catching talents have risen to the heads of their respective classes.
When it comes to the distance athletes leading the way for the class of 2024, many of them rank among the best in Mississippi among all grade levels.
Look no further than Saltillo star Parker Shannon, who not only leads all junior boys with his 5k mark of 16:03.30, but also sits atop the MHSAA 5A at this point in the season.
On the girls side, Riley Jackson of Hernando has emerged as the early-season junior stud, clocking 19:59.9 at the 2022 Saltillo Cross Country Invitational to become the only junior girl to break 20 minutes in the 5K so far this season.
Jackson's teammate, Kaitlyn Burge, is close behind in 20:01.1.
Which other class of 2024 athletes have posted some of the top times for their grade level?
Click the links below to see which juniors rank among the top of their class for 5k at this early point in the 2022 cross country season.
