One More Massive Day - Thursday Sections

Section 1A Championships

Location: Northern Hills Golf Course

Weather: Sunny, low 50s.

BOYS

Season Best Projection: La Crescent (62 points), Plainview-Elgin-Millville (75 points), Rochester Area Home (95 points)

Season Average Projection: La Crescent (59 points), Rochester Area Home (74 points), Plainview-Elgin-Millville (96 points)

Top Individuals: Matt Steiger (La Crescent, 15:52), Josiah Eide (RAACHE, 16:36), Nick Meyer (Wabasha-Kellogg, 16:39), Alec Ille (Blooming Prairie, 16:44), Caleb Jones (RAACHE, 16:49)

The Skinny: Individually, 2nd-ranked Matt Steiger stands out from the rest of the field. He's had a more successful season than when he took 2nd at State a year ago, and should again be in the running for a title. Nick Meyer was 16th last year, and RAACHE's duo along with Ille should make a very formidable chase pack. After losing some seniors (including 2015 State champ Zack Emery)and in spite of losing to P-E-M at the Three Rivers Conference Chanpionship, La Crescent still fields a strong team and is the favorite for a State berth. RAACHE and P-E-M appear to be set for a tight battle for the second position: P-E-M comes out on top in the virtual meet when using season bests, while RAACHE nabs the bid when using season averages. It's too close to call, but it should be these three teams that separate themselves from the field.

GIRLS

Season Best Projection: Stewartville (62 points), Lake City (113 points), Winona Cotter (118 points)

Season Average Projection: Stewartville (56 points), Lake City (120 points), Winona Cotter (128 points)

Top Individuals: Grace Ping (Cotter, 17:45), Lauren Ping (Cotter, 18:21), Natasha Sortland (Zumbrota-Mazeppa, 18:37), Abby Orvis (Stewartville, 18:51), Kailee Malone (Stewartville, 18:58), Madeline Perry (RAACHE, 19:13), Kayla Christopherson, (Austin Pacelli, 19:16)

The Skinny: On the girls side, this is the most stacked section in Class A. The Ping sisters have dominated Class A competition this season, and should likely be well ahead of the field. Natasha Sortland has had an excellent debut season (including a win at the Milaca Mega Meet), so she'll likely be leading the chase. Stewartville's dynamic duo of Orvis and Malone has been strong all year, while Madeline Perry has had a consistently impressive year. And don't sleep on Kayla Christopherson, who has placed in the top eight at State each of the past two years. Teamwise, the 2nd-ranked Stewartville girls squad should cruise to a victory. Be sure to take notice of how they perform here, because they very well could be in the running for a State title. The battle for the second State berth is where things get interesting. Cotter and Lake City are projected to be only a few points apart in both virtual meets. It will come down to whether the depth of Lake City, who lack a true low stick, can outweigh the almost guaranteed 1-2 finish from the Pings. With a strong day from their 5th runner, Cotter will win, but if Lake City's pack can keep a tight spread, they will be favored.