My current Team Rankings
Class 5 Boys
1) Liberty North
2) Rock Bridge
3) Kickapoo
4) Rockhurst
5) SLUH
6) Jackson
Notes: Liberty North is the favorite based on the combination of low sticks and depth. Kickapoo is a little weak at the 5 spot but they came through when it counted last year. Rock Bridge is always there and has 2 low sticks up front. Rockhurst and SLUH will likely battle with Jackson for the fourth and final podium spot. Individual favorite is Sage Wilde. Others to watch Tyler Harris, Ian Kemey, Andrew Hauser, and Hobbs Campbell.
Class 4 Boys
1) Hillsboro
2) Festus
3) West Plains
4) Webster Groves
5) Smithville
Notes: Hillsboro is poised to end Festus' state title streak which stands at 8 straight. But don't count out the Tigers yet. Cullen Krieg made his season debut in the JV race at Gans Creek. If he returns to fitness, that will make things much more interesting. Coach Wright's boys will not give up without a fight. West Plains looks to return to the podium after a down year. Webster Groves and Smithville have a shot to take one of the four podium spots as well. Josh Allison is the individual favorite right now. Others to watch, Evan Stevens, Isaac Rivera, Ian Schram, and Jonah Allison.
Class 5 Girls
1) Cor Jesu Academy
2) Lafayette (Wildwood)***
3) Blue Springs South
4) Blue Springs
5) Raymore-Peculiar
6) Rock Bridge
This is an interesting race. Cor Jesu is probably the favorite right now based on 3 low sticks and a solid 4-6. Lafayette could be the favorite but #1 runner Grace Tyson is currently out with an injury. If she does not return, they are likely fighting for the 3rd or 4th spot on the podium leaving Blue Springs South to battle Cor Jesu. If she is running, they have a great shot to win. That would give them 3 girls in the top 10, maybe top 5. Blue Springs South is very deep but lacks a big punch up front. Their number one likely comes in 15th-20th. Lafayette and Cor Jesu will already have 3 in by that point. They could still win, but will have to hope Cor Jesu and Lafayette can't get their 4/5 in early enough. Or they could move their whole pack up a little higher! Blue Springs, Ray-Pec, and Rock Bridge will be fighting for the fourth and final podium spot. All three have a couple decent low sticks but don't quite have the back end to win. Grace Tyson would be the favorite if she is 100% healthy. Otherwise the favorite will be Carolyn Ford.
Class 4 Girls
1) Clayton
2) Kearney
3) Rockwood Summit
4) Father Tolton
5) West Plains
6) St. Joseph's Academy
Notes: Clayton looks like a clear favorite right now. Julia Ray is a clear individual favorite.
