THE WILLOW SCOOL SEVENTH GRADER, EMMA ALDANA (4883) HAS THE NO. 1 TIME IN D2 GIRLS!
WATCH THE LHSAA STATE CROSS COUNTRY CHANMPIONSHIP LIVE ON MILESPLIT
When looking at the results from regional action in Division 2, it seems likely the Cougars of St. Thomas More will defend their LHSAA D2 state championship from a year ago. A big reason is senior Camryn Haik, who won the individual title in 2023.
Haik had the fastest time in D2 during regional action. She won the D2 Region 1 Championship with a time of 18:40, 25 seconds ahead of David Thibodaux STEM Academy's Alivia Tassin.
Both Haik and Tassin should keep an eye on The Willow School's Emma Aldana, who has the fastest time in D2 this year with her time of 17:45 at the Catholic High Pete Boudreaux '59 Invitational.
The defending champion in the boys division returns as well, but it will be an uphill battle for David Thibodaux STEM Academy Jackson Jarrett, who finished fifth at last week's regional with a time of 16:23.
West Ouachita junior Jack Kelley, who was the only runner in D2 to break 16:00 during regionals, would appear to be the favorite. Kelley ran a 15:47 at the D2 Region 1 Championships.
Who will challenge Kelley on Monday? Look for David Thibodaux STEM Academy's Barrett Richard and St. Thomas More's John Henry Fitzgerald, who has the No. 1 ranking with a season best of 15:20. If the challenger does not come out of region 1, it could come from Holy Cross' Luke Davis, who won the D2 Region 3 championships with a time of 16:30.
Davis will lead a Holy Cross team which is looking to defend their state championship from last year. It won't be easy for the champions from Region 3. Look for the state champion to come out of Region where David Thibodaux STEM Academy, West Ouachita, and St. Thomas More are all in the mix.
If you are going to force us to pick one, we will go with the chalk from the D2 Region 1 Championships and the Bulldogs of David Thibodaux STEM Academy.
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