PRESEASON RANKINGS: MHSAA 6A Girls
As Mississippi's high school cross country landscape shifts due to reclassifications in the MHSAA and key graduations, fresh faces are emerging, ready to compete for the MHSAA 6A Girls Cross Country individual crown.
Saltillo High: Continuing A Legacy
Even with the graduation of star runner Anna Caroline Crouch, Saltillo High School's girls team remains a force to be reckoned with in the 6A classification. The team is well-positioned with four runners in the top five and eight in the top 10 in preseason rankings, showing that Saltillo is poised to maintain its stronghold in MHSAA 6A.
The Emerging Star: Landyn Rose McMillan
Saltillo's rising sophomore, Landyn Rose McMillan, is entering the season as the No. 1 seed based on last year's rankings. She finished fourth at the 2022 MHSAA 5A Cross Country Championships and has a 5K (XC) PR of 21:18. While McMillan did not participate in track this past season, leaving some question marks regarding her current fitness level, her past performances indicate a promising 2023 cross country season.
The Ready Challenger: Kylie Truss
Close on McMillan's heels is the No. 2 ranked runner in MHSAA 6A, Kylie Truss of Neshoba Central, boasting a 5K (XC) PR of 21:20. Unlike McMillan, Truss had an active track season, finishing as runner-up in the 3200m at the 2023 MHSAA 5A Track Championships and taking fourth in the 1600m. These accomplishments reveal that Truss is fit, in form, and likely setting her sights on her first MHSAA individual title.
A Dominant Team Picture
Saltillo's girls aren't just about star individuals; they are a powerhouse team. The depth and quality of Saltillo's squad make them the definitive favorites to claim the team title at the 2023 MHSAA 6A Girls Cross Country Championships.
The Verdict
With McMillan leading a stacked Saltillo squad, they seem almost invincible. But Truss, a proven talent with recent track success, could shake things up in the individual race. It's setting up to be a thrilling contest at the 2023 MHSAA 6A Girls Cross Country Championships.
Will Saltillo continue their dominance, and will McMillan rise to the expectations set by her No. 1 seed, or will Truss' recent track form translate into cross country glory? As always in this unpredictable sport, the race will reveal all.