RETURNER XC RANKINGS: MHSAA 3A Girls
The upcoming MHSAA 3A Girls Cross Country Championships promises a highly competitive field, setting the stage for an enthralling individual title race. Multiple contenders have emerged from 2022 season statistics, promising a championship dogfight unlike any other.
Top Returner: Eva Null
Leading the pack is Eva Null, a rising senior from Kossuth High School. She secured a 2022 season-best of 20:45 at the Tupelo End of Season State Meet Prep and concluded her campaign with a fourth-place finish at the 2022 MHSAA 3A Cross Country Championships. Null is a promising athlete to watch as she aims for the top spot in the 2023 competition.
The Middle-Distance Specialist: Sarah Sanders
However, Null's supremacy is far from uncontested. Sarah Sanders of Mooreville, a middle-distance specialist transitioning from MHSAA 4A, presents a formidable challenge. With a lifetime best of 20:52 in the 5K (XC) - a mere seven seconds shy of Null - and an eighth-place finish at the 2022 MHSAA 4A Cross Country Championships, Sanders is well-poised to compete fiercely for the title.
Rising Star: Henrietta Doxey
Another notable contender is Our Lady Academy's Henrietta Doxey. Holding a personal record of 20:56 from her win at the MHSAA District 5-6-7 Super Regionals, Doxey has proven her mettle on the course. As a rising eighth-grader who also clinched victory at the 2022 Biloxi Indians XC Invitational, Doxey's emerging talent is one to keep an eye on.
Sophomore Duo: Jayden Ware and Lillieann Bentz
Saint Patrick's duo Jayden Ware and Lillieann Bentz, both rising sophomores, bring added intrigue to the race. Ware, who finished third at the 2022 MHSAA 3A Girls Cross Country Championships, is the top returning athlete to the meet. Meanwhile, Bentz, the runner-up in the 3200m at the 2023 MHSAA 3A Track and Field Championships, adds further depth to the competition.
The Underdog: Molly Harlow
Additionally, middle school star Molly Harlow from Hatley is another runner to watch in this thrilling race.
The Team Title Face-Off: Kossuth vs. Saint Patrick Catholic
In the team title race, top-heavy Kossuth and depth-rich Saint Patrick Catholic are neck-and-neck. The competition could well come down to whether Ware and Bentz finish in the top three and how the teams' number 4 and 5 runners perform.
With so many talented athletes vying for the individual and team titles, the 2023 MHSAA 3A Girls Cross Country Championships promise to be an exhilarating display of competitive spirit and sportsmanship. It's an event you won't want to miss.