RETURNER XC RANKINGS: MHSAA 1A Girls
As the MHSAA shakes up its classifications, an exhilarating contest is shaping up for the 2023 MHSAA 1A Girls Cross Country Championship.
The Power Trio: Littlejohn, McCarley, and Murphy
Over the past two seasons, French Camp's Lucy Littlejohn has dominated MHSAA 1A, spearheading the French Camp Lady Panthers to consecutive championship victories. But 2023 has brought formidable new contenders.
The new classification has pulled in both Baldwyn and Myrtle to MHSAA 1A, introducing two heavy hitters into Littlejohn's realm - 2021 MHSAA 2A Girls Cross Country Champion Eliza McCarley, and the 2022 titleholder Ally Murphy. This creates an unprecedented situation where three separate MHSAA Girls Cross Country Champions will go head-to-head in the 2023 MHSAA 1A Championship.
Ally Murphy, the middle-school phenom and name we all know well, has been nearly undefeated throughout her career. As a seventh-grader, she accomplished the 800m/1600m/5K(XC) triple in MHSAA 1A. With a personal record (PR) of 19:57, she is the fastest returner in MHSAA 1A this season.
Hot on her heels, however, is Littlejohn, the two-time defending MHSAA 1A Girls Cross Country Champion with a PR just shy of Murphy's at 19:59. Littlejohn's prowess is further cemented with three additional MHSAA 1A track titles.
While Littlejohn and Murphy's rivalry promises a spectacle, it's crucial not to overlook Eliza McCarley. Returning with a season's best of 20:27, and a lifetime best of 20:00 from her 2021 title win, McCarley's tactical acumen makes her a serious contender.
The Team Contest: Can TCPS Reclaim Their Throne?
In the team battle, no one squad stands out as a clear runaway leader. However, the Lady Eagles of Tupelo Christian (TCPS) appear to be the on-paper favorites. With a low stick from middle-distance ace Anna Bishop Powell, a formidable 2-3 combo in Ella True and Hayden True, and the best No. 5 runner Bella Bailey, TCPS is poised to challenge French Camp's recent dominance.
While French Camp and Myrtle appear to be in contention for second place, the season will reveal if TCPS can reclaim their MHSAA 1A throne. Whatever the outcome, the 2023 MHSAA 1A Girls Cross Country Championships promises a captivating showdown between champions and teams alike.