7. Taylor Brown
School: Tupelo High School
Grade: Junior
Class: MHSAA 7A
2023 5K SB: 15:58.9
Season Analysis:
Taylor Brown of Tupelo High School reaffirms his elite status with an impressive comeback on the All-MileSplit Mississippi XC Team.
Making a statement at the Southern Showcase in Huntsville, Ala., Brown clocked a season-best 5K time of 15:58, cementing himself as one of Mississippi's top contenders. Notably, he finished just a breath away from the No. 5 ranked Farren Oberto.
Though his early season hinted at a more modest pace, this recent performance suggests that Brown is hitting his stride just when it counts. With momentum on his side, the Mississippi XC community should keep an eye on him as we anticipate even more exceptional races in the near future.
6. Graham Weiss
School: Hernando High School
Grade: Senior
Class: MHSAA 7A
2023 5K SB:
Season Analysis:
Hernando's Graham Weiss continues to be a force to be reckoned with, securing a spot on the All-MileSplit Mississippi XC Varsity Boys list for the second consecutive edition.
His season boasts an incredible record: out of four races, Weiss has claimed three victories, shattered two course records, and secured a notable second-place finish at the renowned Saltillo Cross Country Invitational. It was at this meet that Weiss achieved a personal milestone, clocking in at a swift 15:57.2, breaching the 16-minute mark for the first time in his career. This impressive time ranks as the fifth-fastest 5K performance in Mississippi this season.
Weiss's remarkable consistency and drive not only earn him a rightful place among Mississippi's running elite but also mark him as one to watch as the season unfolds.
5. Farren Oberto
School: Pearl High School
Grade: Junior
Class: MHSAA 7A
2023 5K SB:
Season Analysis:
Farren Oberto of the Pearl Pirates firmly cements his position at No. 5, showcasing just how competitive and rich in talent the Mississippi Cross Country scene is this year.
As a junior, Oberto's recent exploits include a commendable 16:03.1 finish in the 5K at The Opener, where he clinched a runner-up title and finished as the top Mississippian. Perhaps even more impressively, he followed up with a personal best of 15:52.2 at the Southern Showcase, ranking him with the fourth fastest time statewide. Significantly, at the same event, he was the third Mississippian to finish, with only Andrew Brown and Jaquavion Bryant ahead of him. With the way Oberto's season is shaping up, it wouldn't at all be a surprise to see him dip into the low 15:40's soon.
His trajectory suggests that stellar performances are in the pipeline, backed by consistency and growing momentum.
4. Bailey Kosko
School: Oxford High School
Grade: Junior
Class: MHSAA 7A
2023 5K SB:
Season Analysis:
At No. 4 and climbing a commendable two spots, Oxford's Bailey Kosko is undeniably on fire, leaving a trail of formidable performances in his wake.
Celebrating back-to-back victories, both marked by blistering sub-16 5K(XC) times, Kosko's prowess is undeniable. His triumph at the Mooreville XC Invitational saw him cross the line at an electrifying 15:43.2, which ranks as the third-quickest time in Mississippi this season. Not resting on his laurels, Kosko further cemented his dominance by clinching victory at the highly competitive Saltillo Cross Country Invitational with a time of 15:50.4, notably besting No. 6 ranked Graham Weiss.
His sole defeat this season comes at the hands of the top-ranked Andrew Brown. However, if there's one thing that Kosko's season has underscored, it's that he always rises to the occasion, unyielding in spirit and undeterred in competition.
3. William Fugate
School: Madison St. Joseph HS
Grade: Senior
Class: MAIS 6A
2023 5K SB:
Season Analysis:
Holding steadfast at No. 3 is Madison St. Joseph's William Fugate, a runner whose season tells a story of resilience and unmatched capability.
While a cursory glance at his 16:09 season best might raise eyebrows to such a high ranking, the context paints a more comprehensive portrait of this athlete's mettle. Despite grappling with severe heat stress, Fugate showcased tenacity at The Opener, leading the race up until the 3-mile mark and still managing a commendable top-10 finish in what many may believe to be the most competitive race in Mississippi this season.
Fugate's dominance isn't restricted to just this one event; he has been rewriting the records in his other three races, setting course records in each. His recent victory at the Warren Central Valhalla Invitational by an astounding 52-second margin speaks volumes, especially when considering his average winning lead this season stands at a staggering 70 seconds.
Drawing from his 2022 Cross Country resume, there's little doubt regarding Fugate's potential. As the season unfolds, and as he encounters more intense competition, the Mississippi cross country community will be waiting with bated breath to witness Fugate truly unleash his potential.
2. Jaquavion Bryant
School: Pearl High School
Grade: Junior
Class: MHSAA 7A
2023 5K SB:
Season Analysis:
Making an awe-inspiring ascent of five spots to claim the No. 2 position is the reigning MHSAA 6A Cross Country Champion from Pearl, Jaquavion Bryant.
While his outing at The Opener might not have showcased the full bandwidth of his capabilities, the foresight to maintain his spot on theis list was justified - and he didn't disappoint. Bryant demonstrated his prodigious talent with a scorching 15:42 5K run at the Southern Showcase. This time isn't just the second fastest in Mississippi, but he also emerged as the second Mississippian to finish, nipping at the heels of the formidable Andrew Brown.
Though this recent race was a mere two seconds shy of Bryant's personal best, it's paramount to remember that the season is still young. Given the trajectory he's on, breaking into the 15:30's seems more of an inevitability than a mere possibility for this Pearl sensation.
The Mississippi cross country community should brace themselves for even more exhilarating performances from Bryant as the season unfolds.
1. Andrew Brown
School: Tupelo High School
Grade: Freshman
Class: MHSAA 7A
2023 5K SB:
Season Analysis:
Undisputedly reigning supreme for the second consecutive ranking is Tupelo High School's freshman sensation, Andrew Brown.
Summing up his season succinctly is no easy task, but in essence, Brown is in a league of his own. He has the unique distinction of being the sole top-tier Mississippian runner who remains unbeaten against local competition this season, a testament to his unparalleled dominance on the trails.
Brown's recent exploits, particularly his blazing 15:39 run, set a new benchmark - a freshman state record. This time doesn't merely top the state charts; it serves as a testament to Brown's formidable talent. It's worth noting that in this race, he didn't just edge ahead; he outpaced some of Mississippi's finest, elite runners.
With such dynamism and an evidently upward trajectory, Andrew Brown shows no signs of decelerating, making his future prospects in Mississippi cross country incredibly exciting.