2023 Varsity Girls All-MileSplit MS XC Teams: Edition No. 3

Breaking into the All-MileSplit Mississippi XC Team list at No. 7 is Pearl's Katherine Neal.

Demonstrating a phenomenal uptick in performance this 2023 season, Neal consistently shaved over 20 seconds off her previous personal records in each race. Her recent sub-20-minute 5K performance at the Southern Showcase, clocking in at 19:37, positioned her as the second-fastest Mississippian, a testament to her burgeoning prowess. Furthermore, her record-breaking stride at the Fleet Feet Invitational ousted the previous record held by the Long Beach legend, Brooklyn Biancamano.

As a senior at Pearl, Neal's entry into this esteemed list speaks volumes about her dedication and potential. We eagerly anticipate her future performances this season.

Securing her third consecutive spot on the All-MileSplit Mississippi XC Team list, Layla Warren of Simpson Academy clinches the No. 6 position.

Since the last update, Warren has showcased an impressive trajectory: a sub-20-minute performance and near top-10 finish at the Gulf Coast Stampede, a commanding win at the Jackson Academy Invitational, and a closely contested runner-up finish to her teammate, Lilly Overby, at the MRA Cross Country Invitational, clocking 19:54. Her most recent Choctaw Trails performance, achieved in hotter conditions and with reduced competition, was merely eight seconds shy of her time at The Opener.

Warren's consistent performances signal her rising form. As temperatures drop, we can anticipate her challenging the sub-19-minute 5K benchmark, further solidifying her standing on Mississippi cross country circuit.

Maintaining her presence for the third consecutive edition of the All-MileSplit Mississippi XC Varsity Girls team, Tupelo High's Brookelyn Morgan claims the No. 5 spot.

Morgan's recent blistering run at the Southern Showcase in Huntsville, Alabama, saw her clocking a 19:13 5K, making her the foremost Mississippian to finish, even outpacing the No. 7 ranked Katherine Neal. Currently, she boasts the third fastest 5K time in Mississippi.

With her only season loss to a Mississippian against Madison Central's Alex Lee, the stage is set for a thrilling rematch, and spectators are keenly waiting for their next encounter.

Earning her place at No. 4 on the All-MileSplit Mississippi XC Varsity Girls list is Madison Central's Alex Lee.

After marking her debut on this distinguished list in the previous edition, Lee has underscored her belonging among the state's elite, showcasing her consistency across the 2023 Mississippi Cross Country season. Her season started with a notable triumph over Ella Rankin at the Victors Kickoff at the Quarry. This victory was followed by a stellar top-10 placement at the Memphis Twilight Classic, where she was the first Mississippian to cross the line.

Recently, Lee recently clocked a 5K personal best of 19:20.8 - marking the fourth fastest 5K in Mississippi this year - securing a runner-up finish at the stacked Saltillo Cross Country Invitational.

Lee's trajectory this season has been nothing short of impressive, and her forward momentum indicates even brighter performances on the horizon.

Ascending a remarkable four positions to secure the No. 3 spot on the All-MileSplit Mississippi XC list is Simpson Academy's own Lilly Overby.

Despite a slow start to the 2023 season, Overby's recent performances have been nothing short of blazing. A highlight includes her stellar third-place finish at the competitive Gulf Coast Stampede in Pensacola, Fla., where she posted a 19:01 5K - marking the second fastest time in the state for the year. Notably, her triumph at the MRA Cross Country Invitational with a time of 19:33 demonstrated a significant improvement, nearly half a minute faster than her run at The Opener, illustrating her sheer dominance.

Overby's momentum is undeniably building, and the trajectory suggests she's nowhere near her peak.

Claiming the No. 2 spot on the third edition of the All-MileSplit Mississippi XC Varsity Girls list is the prodigious Ocean Springs junior, Addison Rainey.

As the reigning MHSAA 6A Cross Country Champion and the 2022 Gatorade Runner of the Year for Mississippi Girls Cross Country, Rainey's reputation precedes her. Demonstrating remarkable consistency, she remains unbeaten by any Mississippi contender this season.

Launching her 2023 campaign, she clinched a commendable third-place at The Opener, clocking in at 19:23.2. This time not only ranks as the fifth quickest this season but also stands as the swiftest by a Mississippi girl on the Choctaw Trails this year. Impressively, this was just a mere 13 seconds shy of her personal best, considering she hadn't raced since January. Her other noteworthy performance this season includes a decisive victory at the Pass Christian Invitational with a time of 19:45.

Having taken a break from competition since January 2023, Rainey's triumphant return speaks volumes, suggesting she's on a trajectory for even greater heights.

Topping the All-MileSplit Mississippi XC Varsity Girls rankings, and rightly so, is the "Hernando Herculean," the blazing Kaitlyn Burge.

A true testament to her prowess on the course, Burge has displayed unparalleled dominance, remaining undefeated in all four of her races this season and setting three new course records in the process. Her recent electrifying performance at the 2023 Saltillo Cross Country Invitational is worth noting. Not only did she break the coveted 19-minute barrier, but she also achieved this feat with room to spare, clocking an astonishing 18:25.5. This makes her the first Mississippi girl to smash this benchmark this season and her time stands as the swiftest in the state, outpacing the closest competition by over half a minute.

With such an explosive trajectory, the question on everyone's mind is: Can Burge take on the formidable challenge of the 18-minute barrier as the season unfolds?