2A Boys' Team Preview - PIAA State Championships
Last year, just 2 points separated the top two teams in the state, and it was just another 4 points back to the third place team. It very well could be yet another close one to decide the AA boys team champion this Saturday.
After a telling week of district meets, the two top teams heading into the state meet appear to be Grove City Area and Greensburg Salem. Grove City was the PIAA Foundation Invite champs in September on the Hershey course by just 4 points over Greensburg Salem, and those two are set for a rematch on Saturday.
Grove City, the District 10 champions, was fifth a year ago, but brings back 5 of those 7 to Hershey this season. Jonah Powell, the individual district champ, is a threat for the individual state title, as well on Saturday. Joseph Somora and Tobias Jones should also place high for a team that doesn't have much space in between its 2 and 5 runners.
Greensburg Salem, meanwhile, put up just 40 points in a tough WPIAL Class AA. Mark Brown and Cameron Binda went 1-2, respectively, at the meet to lead the way and the three others placed inside the top 20. Seventh a year ago, GS also has a number of returners from that team and they are hungry for more this season.
Both of these teams appear to be running very well heading into states and this could be a battle for the ages. They are both similarly built with a good mix of individual contenders and a strong pack after that. There are a number of other teams that could contend with these teams, though.
York Suburban showed off its depth to take back the District 3 crown. Led by a pair of freshmen in Cole Adams and Shea Walsh, YS has rebuilt in a big way after losing four boys from last year's silver medal state squad. Look for YS to contend again this season. The same goes for the reigning state champs from Wyomissing Area. Wyo, led by D3 individual champ Ben Kuhn, put 4 in the top 18 at districts. With a big day from their fifth runner, this team could surprise.
After Greensburg at WPIALs, Indiana Area and New Castle put down some low scores last week, and could put themselves in the mix at states. Just 40 seconds separated second place Indiana's top 5, and this team seems primed for another strong effort at states. New Castle is led by Anthony Litrenta and had a great pack between its 2-3-4 runners at WPIALs.
North East edged out General McLane in District 10 for the second and final state qualifying spot. After a 7th place Foundation finish, lowstick and title contender Josh Lewis called his team "the underdogs." Now that squad will look for even more surprise success on an even bigger stage.
Lewisburg Area put 3 in the top 6 at the District 4 Championships, led by freshman phenom Jacob Hess. With 53 points, Lewisburg proved it will be another strong squad with good potential, despite its youth, for a strong states run. Holy Redeemer absolutely dominated District 2 with just 27 points with 5 in the top 10 at Lakeland. HR matched up well with a number of these teams at Foundation, where it placed fifth, and the Royals may be even better as they head back to Hershey.
District 6 champs Central Cambria and District 1 champs Pope John Paul II will also be on the hunt for strong showings at states. Grove City and Greensburg Salem were tops at Foundation, but the rest of the field is out to prove that a lot can change in six weeks.