Zach Reed populates our breakouts list as a result of the massive personal bests he has already posted this spring.
Coming off a strong cross country season that saw him run 16:19 and finish top 10 at the ever-stacked Class 4 Sectional 1 meet, Reed has exploded onto the outdoor track with a 20 second personal best in the 1600 (4:30.63, Perryville Invitational) and a 27 personal best in the 3200 (9:55.47, Tiger Town Invitational).
We can't say we didn't see this coming though. His indoor season told a major breakout story as he went 4:34.52 and 10:11.12, obviously both all-conditions personal bests already.
With a 2:02.66 800 from last year and a sub-10 3200 already in March, Reed's range shows that he may have some options as he heads toward the postseason, especially if he continues to progress on his current trend. He is currently number 12 in the entire state right now in the 1600, though, so he may shift his focus that way.
6. Alexa Brugere - Francis Howell
A dual-sport all-state athlete, Brugere - a Tennesee Tech volleyball commit - has been a key piece to Francis Howell's back-to-back top three performances in the 4x800 as an important table setter from the leadoff position. She has split 2:24 and 2:23 each year and been an aggressive racer in both state meets, getting the Lady Vikings into a fantastic position off the jump. Her focus in the individual events, though, as been confined to the short sprint/middle distance for much of her career, though.
Brugere has stepped up so far to partner with Erin Gilbert to keep their school at the top of the state rankings in the 800. In her debut in the open, Brugere went 2:23.65 at the Holt Invitational for the win.
This should bode well of the Lady Vikings' chances of making it three straight years in the top three in the Class 5 4x800 as they continue to make strides through the season and as the weather warms up. Look for Brugere to possibly set her sights on the 800 as it appears she could be a sleeper pick for a podium spot as we head into the meat of the season.