Lauren Peterson, Farmington (MN)
After an up and down 2017 season, Peterson rallied to earn an NXN berth for the second year in a row. Expect her to extend that streak, as Peterson has consistently been the third best runner in Minnesota this season. She's backed that up with a third place finish at Griak, and a runner-up finish to Emily Covert at the Class AA State Meet. Peterson has cruised to back to back sub-17:30 performances, and as a senior with three national meet appearances, owns much more championship experience than many of the top runners in the field. At times, Peterson has also shown that she's the most willing competitor to try to hang with Covert as long as she can. Peterson owns the fifth fastest season best in the field, and will certainly have a chance of breaking 17:00 for the first time on Sunday.