Team Breakdown: PIAA District 7 Boys


D7-A Boys - Team Breakdown

Winchester Thurston will be shooting for yet another WPIAL title this season after a dominating 68-point victory for the win last season. At states, WT placed fourth behind an individual state win by Tristan Forsythe. But Forsythe has graduated, along with No. 2 runner Gordon Pollock.

Winchester Thurston always finds the pieces in the rebuild, though, and they are still the ones to beat this fall in D7-A. Scott Routledge is expected to be the team's top runner and a threat for the district title. Patrick Malone and Scott Heintzleman will also be strong for the WPIAL favorites in 2018.

Of course, three other state spots (the most of any other Class A district) are on the line this season.

Shenango was third at districts last season and 15th at states. Top runner Matt Salem graduated, but this squad brings back five varsity runners from a year ago, led by Jensen Lewis and Nick Pindel. Expect Shenango to make another bid for Hershey. Riverview was second in the district a year ago and then eighth at states. Four runners are gone from that team, like Ben Barnes, who took seventh at states. Can it rebuild and make the top four this season?

Shady Side Academy was in 2A last season and placed ninth in the district. SSA has shifted to 1A and could certainly compete for a spot in the state meet. Six of seven runners are back, including Leo Liu, who just missed out on qualifying for states individually last year.

Our Lady of Sacred Heart (fourth in 2017), Neshannock, Laurel, and Chartiers Houston will also be hoping for a big race at districts to book a trip to Hershey.