Boys' Class AAA
Photo by Ethan Rissell
Sam Affolder of Carlisle is the top returner for next year from the state meet. But the sophomore, who moved with brother Noah in the summer from New York, comes from a military family and his residency status is unknown for next year. But even if he doesn't return, Affolder will have plenty of competition for the AAA crown next year. Butler's Noah Beveridge, Neshaminy's Rusty Kujdych, West Chester Henderson's Spencer Smucker, Council Rock North's Ryan Campbell, ands Mechanicsburg's Morgan Cupp make up a long list of strong returners. Owen J. Roberts' Liam Conway, who had a rough race at states, is another to watch out for.
The team race should be interesting. Council Rock North, led by Campbell, lose Bryan Keller and Tim Haas, so can they retool enough to make it a repeat? Downingtown West loses six of seven, but they have a deep JV squad that should allow the Whippets to be in the conversation. LaSalle, too, graduates quite a bit, but has a lot of depth all around. Meanwhile, Seneca Valley loses Trey Razanauskas, but returns six of seven from their fourth place state team. North Allegheny led by a Daniel McGoey, who will be a sophomore next year, is never a team to count out. Spring Ford, which had some hard luck at districts again and didn't make states, brings back five of seven.
Way Too Early Prediction: Council Rock North repeats as state champs, winning narrowly over Seneca Valley and North Allegheny (the two WPIAL squads have another great season battle, but SV gets the slight advanatge). Sam Affolder stays in town and the Carlisle junior takes the individual crown to make it two in a row for the Affolders, beating out Ryan Campbell, Noah Beveridge, and Rusty Kujdych in a close one!