GIRLS' TEAM RANKINGS 30-22
30. Mandeville
Division I Mandeville is routinely a year-in-year-out capable program that has had historic success. This year they return two low-sticks sophomore Olivia Hayes and senior Phoebe Endriss. After those two, there is a considerable gap between the remainder of their seven runners which poses the biggest obstacle for these girls to overcome this season. However, it would not be surprising if they brought some young talented runners from middle school to fill that gap.
29. Zachary
Another notable Division I team, Zachary. Although more recently known for their men's side of distance running, the team still has great potential. Junior Rylee Deignan leads the way as the highest returning runner and the only competitor from her team that competed at the state meet last year. The challenge that faces her team is the gap that separates their 2-5. The gap just seems too large to make for the team to be able to shorten it within one season. Finding a way to close the gap between their runners will be the greatest task facing this team this Fall.
28. St. Louis High
We now see a middle ground school making an appearance on this list. The Division III program of St. Louis is most well known for its senior Ella Segura. Her ability on grass and on the track has been nothing short of impressive this past year, however, without a closer following of teammates behind her, climbing the rankings may prove more difficult.
27. St. Thomas More
The Division II school St. Thomas More has a more tightly knit squad than what we have seen previously, but they are having to rebuild after losing two of their top seven runners from the previous year. They most likely have some of the best potential from what we have seen so far, as most of their returning runners are very young and have very little previous experience in cross country. Who knows how they could fare as they gain more experience?
26. Holy Savior Menard
The first small school to make an appearance on this list is none other than Division IV Menard. Menard has been well-known for its distance programs in recent years and, per usual, they tend to run together in groups. The Menard girls have two strong front runners returning, Chesney Matthews and Kannin Cole, that can deliver a strong 1-2 punch for the team. More good news for the team is that they have a close-knit following for their 3-5 runners. The downside is that there is a considerable gap between them and the team's low sticks. Though Cole did not compete at the state meet last year and despite Menard losing their top two finishers from the state meet last year, they still look to be in promising shape.
25. Walker
Next up is Division I Walker. Though they are only losing one of their top seven from last year, they still have a very prominent 1-2 punch with the names of Ava Pitarro and Avery Guidry. The only weakness that this team has is a wide gap from their top two to their third to fifth runners.
24. Metairie Park Country Day
Yet another small school cracks into the 30 with Division IV Metairie Park Country Day. This team has a consistent 1-3 that plays in their favor, however, when it comes to the remainder of the top 5 it is where the team is most vulnerable. Though they are vulnerable in that respect, the drop-off between their runners is not as significant as seen in other teams.
23. Ponchatoula
Division I Ponchatoula is a formidable force with names like Marley Richard and Jadyn Brettel on their squad. The two are some of the best within the state and provide two reliable leading runners. Even with that said, that does not guarantee that they will be a top-ranked team. There is a considerable gap between their top two runners and the remaining three of their top five. However, a strength that they possess is a fifth and sixth runner on their squad that are similar in ability. This allows for leniency for off days for those two with little to lose.
22. Lafayette High
Another Division I school makes an appearance with, Lafayette. This team is heavily influenced by their low stick, Amber Broussard. She is hands-down one of the best runners in the state and is the main reason that her team is ranked so high. The team is talented but it is especially at risk when it comes to the split between their second-best returning runner and their fifth, which spans roughly three minutes.