Photo by Don Rich
D3-AA Girls - Team Breakdown
- Class AAA Preseason Team Rankings
- State Qualifying Spots For Teams: 3
- 2016 Champion: Northern York (70 points)
It was quite a season for Northern York last fall, as the squad, paced by a star freshman that nearly came away with the individual state title, won the District 3 crown and finished fifth in Pennsylvania in Class AA.
Marlee Starliper only got better as the season went along. Last year, as a freshman, Starliper took second to Greencastle-Antrim's Taryn Parks at both districts and states, leading the way for Northern. But this squad had some strong depth with Morgan Starliper and Katie Anthony having strong seasons. Northern brings back all seven from last year's team and should once again compete for a district title and look to get in on the state title conversation. It certainly has the firepower.
Speaking of returners, we can't forget about York Suburban, which brings back six of seven from last year. YS was second to Northern last season, jus six points off the win and ended up 14th at states a week later. Courtney Ohl came in strong as a freshman last and was the team's top runner last year. Look for York Suburban to be in the mix once again this fall.
Big Spring will be strong again, too. The hosts of the District 3 meet earned the third and final states spot narrowly over Wyomissing Area by just four points. Big Spring brings back six of seven and its whole top five from the team that placed 13th at states, ahead of York Suburban. Sam Crouse will likely lead the way for Big Spring. Wyomissing, meanwhile, loses some seniors, but had a strong breakout from freshman Alexandra Amin last fall, so they shouldn't be counted out.
East Pennsboro, Boiling Springs, and Eastern York are among other teams with a decent shot at one of the three state qualifying spots in what should be an exciting year for this classification.