Mississippi's cross country scene is all set for a thrilling season, with ninth-grade girls adding a fresh vigor to the mix. Leading the pack of returners is East Rankin Academy's Leah Collipp, who has set a challenging precedent with a remarkable 5K time of 19:30, the only freshman returner under 20 minutes.
However, the spotlight isn't solely on Collipp. The class of 2027 is brimming with both established and future stars who have proven their mettle on the field and promise to redefine the standards of Mississippi XC racing.
Hendrix Eldridge, a familiar figure in the MAIS 5A category alongside Collipp, and Eliza McCarley from Baldwin, who already has a varsity titles to her name. Reese Johnson and Anna Morgan Anderson are key contributors to the robust MAIS 6A program at Madison Ridgeland Academy, while Ano holds the title of Large School Junior High Girls Cross Country Champion.
Adding to this notable lineup, the MHSAA 5A varsity medalist Isabella Iles, and the strong MHSAA 6A...