2023 Varsity Girls All-MileSplit MS XC Teams: Edition No. 4

Emerging as a Mississippi elite, Sophie Santucci of Tupelo High makes her debut on the list, securing a well-deserved No. 7 ranking in the state. Her ascent is marked by a series of commendable runs, the pinnacle being her recent 19:12.1 5K personal record and third-place finish at the 2023 Tupelo Invitational, catapulting her to boast the sixth-fastest 5K in Mississippi. With a trajectory that's unmistakably upwards and the palpable momentum she's building, eyes are set on Santucci as she inches closer to breaking the sub-19-minute barrier at the forthcoming 2023 Jesse Owens Classic.

Madison Central's Alex Lee continues to be a force to be reckoned with on the Mississippi running scene, rightfully earning her No. 6 state rank. Throughout the season, she's displayed consistency, grabbing two victories and leaving her mark notably at the Memphis Twilight Classic, outpacing the likes of Tupelo's Brookelyn Morgan and Sophie Santucci. Additionally at the heavily contested 2023 Saltillo Cross Country Invitational, Lee clinched a commendable runner-up finish. Her most recent triumph at the 2023 Clinton Arrow Cross Country saw her somewhat effortlessly cross the line at 19:28.6. With such an impressive and steady performance streak, Lee's presence in the circuit is nothing short of inspirational.

A familiar and formidable name in Mississippi's running landscape, Addison Rainey of Ocean Springs confidently steps into the top five once again-her fourth such accolade this season. Kicking off with a standout  performance at The Opener by clinching third overall and finishing as the top Mississippian, Rainey's season, while seemingly understated, has been laden with achievements. Racking up three commanding wins in coastal meets, her dominance was particularly evident at the 2023 George County Invitational. While Rainey's consistent superiority has been a spectacle, the anticipation grows as fans eagerly await to see her mettle tested against equally matched competitors, reminiscent of her showing at The Opener.

Tupelo's shining star, Brookelyn Morgan, clinches the No. 4 spot, having recently soared past a significant milestone with her first sub-19 5K at the Tupelo Invitational. Teetering on the brink of the 19-minute barrier for some time, Morgan's breakthrough on her home turf was nothing short of poetic, clocking an impressive 18:58.7 and breaking her own course record. With two commendable runner-up finishes this season under her belt, her top-five ranking is well-deserved. As the Jesse Owens Classic looms, anticipation runs high, with many speculating that another personal record might be on the horizon for this talented Tupelo junior.

One of the more fierce competitors in the state, Simpson Academy's Layla Warren earns her spot at No. 3 in the state rankings with her relentless front-running style. Adding her name to the elite sub-19 5K club this season, she delivered a standout 18:45 performance on her home turf at the 2023 Simpson Academy Invitational, coming in under the course record in the process. Warren's season credentials are impeccable, boasting two victories and an additional trio of runner-up finishes. At the recent 2023 Frank Horton Night Classic, she made her presence felt by finishing as the third Mississippian, conceding only to the formidable Lilly Overby and Kaitlyn Burge. Warren's relentless competitive spirit make her a worthy contender for such esteemed recognition.

Solidifying her status as one of the titans in Mississippi's female distance running scene, Kaitlyn Burge from Hernando High clinches the esteemed No. 2 ranking in Mississippi. Her season has been nothing short of incredible, illuminated by a breathtaking 5K performance of 18:07.5 - the fastest in the state so far this season. While she has been virtually unbeatable with an impressive tally of five wins, it's her remarkable feat of setting four course records that truly accentuates her dominance. Despite facing stiff competition, she's conceded only once to a fellow Mississippian. With such prowess and an unwavering competitive edge, Burge is undeniably one of the most exciting talents to watch, leaving spectators eagerly awaiting her next move.

Ascending to the pinnacle of Mississippi's distance running hierarchy, the sophomore prodigy from Simpson Academy, Lilly Overby, reigns supreme with the coveted No. 1 rank. Overby's performances have consistently left audiences in awe. Her recent races have been astonishing, consistently clocking times under 18:32 in the 5K. At the Frank Horton Night Classic, she not only secured an impressive runner-up finish but also toppled the previously No. 1 ranked Kaitlyn Burge, establishing her dominance. Furthermore, her staggering 18:30 performance on familiar grounds at the Simpson Academy Invitational saw her smash her own course record. With a trajectory that's burning bright, Overby's form and competitive nature suggest she's far from reaching her peak.