Section 2AA Championships
Location: Gale Woods Farm
Weather: 50ºF, mostly cloudy, 17mph wind
BOYS
Season Best Projection: Willmar (48 points), Chanhassen (98 points), Buffalo (105 points), Mankato West (120 points)
Season Average Projection: Chanhassen (59 points), Willmar (88 points)
Top Individuals: Isaac Basten (Buffalo, 16:02), Nicholas Scheller (Chanhassen, 16:07), Hudeife Mire (Willmar, 16:10), Torin Christianson (Chanhassen, 16:16), Mason Wendt (Willmar, 16:22)
The Skinny: Though on paper Willmar and Chanhassen appear to be the teams to beat, it's anybody's guess which squads will nab the two State berths. Chanhassen's Zach Long has been out with injury since September, creating a chance for the rising Buffalo boys to potentially sneak in. With Long out, Buffalo takes 2nd in our season best projection, but Chanhassen is projected to hold onto the 2nd position when using season averages, so this could be one of the most intense battles of 2017 in Minnesota. Individually, there isn't a huge favorite. Isaac Basten has had a very successful junior year, and holds the fastest season best in the field. However, Nicholas Scheller has been more consistent, and is currently ranked 8th in the state. Hudeife Mire could also surprise, as he looks to be peaking perfectly, so keep an eye out for him as well.
GIRLS
Season Best Projection: Willmar (34 points), Marshall (51 points)
Season Average Projection: Willmar (48 points), Marshall (58 points)
Top Individuals: Heidi Schmitz (Willmar, 18:23), Serena Monson (Willmar, 18:44), Leah Hansen (Willmar, 18:52), Riviera Wock (Orono, 19:03), Meghan Pierson (Chanhassen, 19:07), Kaleesa Houston (Waconia, 19:08), Morgan Radel (Marshall, 19:10), Kaia Sueker (19:13)
The Skinny: With two teams that are ranked among the top 8 in the State, the 2A girls section is one of the toughest to qualify out of as a team. 5th-ranked Willmar, a team that has been of Minnesota's elite program over the past few years, should be a lock for one of the State bids. However, as they're not as deep as in years past, the 8th-ranked Marshall girls could pull an upset for the win. Their fearsome foursome of Radel, Sueker, Natalee and Nichole Sample have been a force to be reckoned with, and Bellamy Sukalski has closed the gap between her and them. Come State, each squad might be in contention for a podium spot. Individually, it's hard to bet against Willmar's trio of sub-19 runners. Though Schmitz, ranked 11th in the state, is the favorite, Kaleesa Houston, Meghan Pierson, and Radel have all been more consistent than the other two Willmar girls. With faster season averages, they could break up the Willmar trio in the standings.