Centaurus
Last year's fourth-place State finisher looks better than ever. They return six of their top seven, which is more than any other team in last year's top seven.
On paper Katie Hooten is their fastest returner with an 18:28 PR, though she was their fifth runner at State. Riley Geldean was their other sub 19 5ker from last year, and she's flanked by Maggie McCleskey, Grace Armstrong, Natalie Kramer, who all cracked 19:40 last year.
What makes Centaurus additionally dangerous is the fact that they've got strong No. 6 and No. 7 runners in Emma Sundberg and Bailey Snyder - both ran 20:04 last year.
Thompson Valley
Thompson Valley finished ninth at the Big Dance last year, but what makes them dangerous this season is the fact that they return everyone from that squad. I repeat: Everyone.
Leading them this year, like last year, are the Krueger sisters: Kenadi Krueger, and Olivia Krueger. This 1-2 punch will be tough to counter, as both ran under 18:30 last year.
Add sub 19:40 5kers Victoria Kavvadas, and Jayda Nix to the mix, along with Madeleine Boyles and Julia Lundgren, and you've got six from the 'Valley to contest with.
Durango
Double The Dark Horse Coming From Out West!
A year ago they finished seventh at State, though they return five of their seven, and those five are relatively young.
Leading them will be lone senior and a Dark Horse on the individual side: Madeleine Burns. Junior Kiara Hamlin is joined by a trio of sophomores, Angela McManus, Tea Forrest, and Kayleigh Frazer, who have all cracked 20:30.