Talk of the Town: Miss. XC Stars Shine at Frank Horton

A mere five days after setting a personal best and course record at the Simpson Academy Invitational with an 18:30 5K finish, the sophomore sensation once again showcased her burgeoning talent by clocking in at an impressive 18:32.4, finishing runner-up in a star-studded field.

But the headline isn't just the time - It's whom she out-paced. Overby delivered a powerful statement by besting Hernando's Kaitlyn Burge, the top-ranked runner in the state, handing Burge her the first loss of the season.

Burge's 18:40.6 finish, placing fourth, is nothing short of remarkable in its own right. But the narrative of this race is further intensified by the deep field of elite Mississippi talent that showed up and showed out, including notable names like Layla Warren, Riley Jackson, Kyleigh Carter, Kaydi Blanchard, and powerful contingents from top-ranked teams such as East Rankin Academy and Madison Ridgeland Academy.

That said, there is a palpable buzz in the air: Mississippi Girls Cross Country is arguably at its deepest and most competitive. As autumn leaves begin to fall and temperatures dip, the race to supremacy promises high stakes and thrilling twists.

Strap in, Mississippi, because this season is shaping up to be a rollercoaster of record-breaking performances and thrilling finishes.

Weiss breaks Shelby Farms "MS Course Record"

At the 2023 Frank Horton Night Classic, Hernando's Graham Weiss continued his status as one of Mississippi's premier cross country talents, clocking an impressive 16:14 in the Varsity Boys 5K. This wasn't just another notch in Weiss's stellar season; it was a historic run that crowned him the fastest Mississippi boy to ever record a 5K on the Shelby Farms course, snatching the record from Desoto Central's Gavin Brown.

While Weiss claimed the 15th overall spot, his performance remains particularly noteworthy given that he was the top Mississippian to cross the finish line that night. Looking at the bigger picture, only Tupelo's Andrew Brown and Oxford's Bailey Kosko have managed to outpace him this season, further highlighting Weiss's unwavering consistency.

As the season progresses, the question emerges: With such momentum, what other milestones might Weiss achieve? 

Murphy Takes South Pontotoc Course Record

A the 2023 South Pontotoc Invitational, Myrtle's Ally Murphy didn't merely claim first place; she broke the course record, becoming the first-ever athlete to dip below the 19:50 mark on the South Pontotoc 5K course.

Clocking in at an exceptional 19:47.7, Murphy asserted her dominance, finishing 12 seconds ahead of Caledonia's Emma Ruffin, a MHSAA 4A standout who has committed to Blue Mountain College.

Murphy, just an eighth-grader, faced a stacked field that showcased the cream of crop in North Mississippi's small school talent.

If this is a glimpse into the future of Mississippi's cross country landscape, enthusiasts and competitors alike should be both excited and wary. Ally Murphy is on the ascent, and this victory may just be the tip of the iceberg.

Hewes Wins George County, Remains Undefeated

Jack Hewes of Saint Patrick Catholic snagged his third consecutive victory at the 2023 George County Trail Run, not just winning, but dominating with a 48-second gap and clocking in a commendable 16:32.3-his best time this season. Hewes, an unsigned senior, remains one of the few undefeated runner in Mississippi's Cross Country scene.

Despite his consistent winning streak, Hewes has remained somewhat under the radar this season. Yet, those in the know recognize that he's a force to be reckoned with.

As the season unfolds, the spotlight will inevitably shine brighter on Hewes, especially as he is slated to clash with some of the state's top-tier talent. 

Shannon Snags 1st Win of 2023 at South Pontotoc

At the 2023 South Pontotoc Invitational, Saltillo's Parker Shannon made an emphatic statement, claiming his first victory of the season with a stellar time of 16:25.9. This wasn't just any win for the unsigned senior - it was a season's best, and it etched his name as the runner with the second-fastest 5K ever recorded on the South Pontotoc course.