D12-A Girls - Team & Individuals Breakdown
- Rankings: Team | Individual
- State Qualifying Spots For Teams: 2
- State Qualifying Spots For Non-Team Individuals: 10
- 2018 Individual Champion: Anya Gizis (Masterman) - 20:43
- 2018 Team Champion: Masterman - 25 points
Team Preview
Masterman has quite the streak going on District 12. Last year, it moved from 2A to 1A, where it won a number of district titles in the past. The result was the same, though: a district crown. But Masterman's streak could be on the line this season, as a strong Neumann Goretti team will be looking to knock off the defending champs.
Masterman loses its top four from last year's squad that beat NG 25-30 for the D12-A team title. It will have to rely on a number of rising juniors to step up and assume the role of leader this fall. Neumann Goretti, on the other hand, a perennial middle distance powerhouse on the track, brings back 5 girls from last year's team.
The Saints from Neumann Goretti look to be the ones to beat this fall, as Masterman looks to retool. There are, however, two state qualifying spots for D12-A, so both of those spots will likely go to those two. Neumann Goretti should also be a factor on the state scene as a whole in 1A with its strength and depth. Paul Robeson, which won D12-A titles in 2016 and 2017, will be looking to challenge with 6 girls back from last year's varsity squad.
Individuals Preview
The 4 finishers from the district meet last year have graduated, leaving the door open for a new champ. A good bet would be the district champ coming from the strong Neumann Goretti squad. Kami Joi Hickson was fifth at the district meet a year ago and 71st at states, the top Saint across the line.
Mykala Perry and Najah Hunter, Hickson's NG teammates, shouldn't be far behind. We also can't forget about Sherisse Peterson, the 2017 D12-A individual champion, who didn't compete in XC last year. The 5:14 may very well be the one to beat in the district.
Lola Milder of Masterman will be one to watch. She was tenth in the district last year in 22:00.