3A Boys' Individuals Preview - PIAA State Championships
The race for the top individual spot could get very interesting on Saturday.
The favorite looks to be Daniel McGoey of North Allegheny. The junior was third last year as a tenth grader, and became the top state meet returner at that point. McGoey has been consistent all season, save for a sickness-ridden TSTCA race. He ran No. 2 to his teammate Zach Kinne for most of the season, but last week the WPIAL title went to McGoey, who ran a perfect race to take the victory. McGoey always runs well at Hershey, and he'll loom to become the first junior since 2014 (Jake Brophy) to win an individual AAA state title.
Now to NA's Kinne, who transferred from Illinois over the summer. He was fourth at IL state last year. He sat at PA#1 for much of this season, claiming big wins at Red, White & Blue, Foundation, and Paul Short. He was second at TSTCAs and then placed eighth at WPIALs last week, which included a visit to the hospital. If he's healthy, Kinne is definitely a contender for the win.
There are no shortage of contenders, who will be looking to knock off those NA Tigers. Patrick Anderson of Mount Lebanon is the most familiar with McGoey and Kinne. Anderson won the TSTCA title and then took second at WPIALs in a great race. Anderson is a tough runner that is capable of winning it all. Fox Chapel's Christian Fitch ran well to take third in D7 and is hitting his stride at the right time.
Other top WPIAL entries include Seneca Valley's Seth Ketler (big breakthrough at districts) and Sam Owori, Mount Lebanon's Peter Cosentino, and Mars Area's Zachary Leachman.
Wallenpaupack's Tyler Wirth was fifth at states last year. The senior sought out the best competition at PTXC, Foundation, and Paul Short this season. He cruised to the District 2 title, and will look to close out his PIAA XC career with a victory.
Unionville's Cole Walker kicked to the District 1 title last week. He's undefeated this season, and has picked up some momentum coming off his dramatic district title win. His teammates Ethan McIntyre and Cole Driver also stepped up with big district performances. Downingtown West's Payton Sewall, Boyertown's Christian McComb, and North Penn's Noah Demis are among the other D1 runners that were in the lead pack at Lehigh.
District 6 champion Brayden Harris of Mifflin County is having a huge sophomore season. He's won his last three races, including the Mid-Penn title before his district victory. Along with Chayce Macknair, who was 18th at states last year, Mifflin County could have a pair of runners inside the top 10.
Evan Dorenkamp of Manheim Township came away with the District 3 title. He's got a good kick which will bode well for him a states. Ephrata's Andrew Foster, Mechanicsburg's Brandan Knepper, and Carlisle's Jack Wisner are among the other D3 boys that will be in the mix for high finishes.
LaSalle's Vincent Twomey has led the Explorers this postseason, with a number of other LaSalle boys, who have medal potential. Easton Area's Cosmo Cardone and Joseph Ozgar went 1-2 in District 11, and will be looking to convert those into good state runs.
It's been a while since Pennsylvania has had a truly surprise state champ in AAA. That could change Saturday with a number of contenders looking to seize the day.