Section 3AA Championships
Location: Valleywood Golf Course
Weather: Around 50ºF and cloudy, winds in the mid-teens
BOYS
Season Best Projection: Rosemount (29 points), East Ridge (124 points), Prior Lake (125 points)
Season Average Projection: Rosemount (71 points), Prior Lake (103 points), East Ridge (113 points)
Top Individuals: Luke Labatte (Rosemount, 15:38), Myles Fleming (Henry Sibley, 15:57), Spencer Schultz (Rosemount, 15:58), Ryan Tracy (St. Thomas Academy, 16:13), Trenton Allen (Eagan, 16:23), Joseph Reimann (East Ridge, 16:27), Lloyd Young (Bloomington Kennedy, 16:29)
The Skinny: The Rosemount boys have been on the rise all season long, and their progress has them projected to win this section in both our virtual meets. The battle for the second state bid appears to be an extremely close battle between Prior Lake and East Ridge. They're similar in structure, with a clear frontrunner and four behind that are closer together, so whichever pack can come out ahead will likely decide who advances to State. 5th-ranked Luke Labatte owns the third-fastest time in Minnesota, and should be favored to win by a decent margin. However, Fleming and Schultz have broken 16:00 on the year, and should be in sight of Labatte. With 18 guys that have dipped under 17:00, expect the race for individual qualifying spots to be a nail biter.
GIRLS
Season Best Projection: Rosemount (40 points), Visitation (78 points), Henry Sibley (92 points)
Season Average Projection: Visitation (71 points), Henry Sibley (89 points), East Ridge (90 points)
Top Individuals: Elena Hayday (Bloomington Jefferson, 18:46), Dani Follett-Dion (Rosemount, 19:19), Amanda Kelly (South St. Paul, 19:22), Marykate Schoonover (Visitation, 19:24), Mallory Stach (Prior Lake, 19:25), Rose Dill (Henry Sibley, 19:31)
The Skinny: Unlike the boys race, there isn't really a favorite in the team battle. In terms of ranking, Henry Sibley holds the 10th position in the coaches poll, and are coming off a strong win at the Metro East Conference Championships. On paper though, it looks as though the Visitation girls are the ones to beat, as they place well in both of our virtual meets. Keep an eye out for East Ridge and Rosemount too, as they're within striking distance, and Rosemount even wins the meet when using best times. Individually, Elena Hayday has had a stellar season, and owns the fastest season best by over 30 seconds. From there, the field gets a bit more crowded without a clear favorite. Mallory Stach arguably has the best resume, and watch out for Rose Dill, who just won the Metro East Conference a week ago.