Sectional 19- Noblesville
Teams: Carmel, Guerin Catholic, Hamilton Heights, Lebanon, Noblesville, Sheridan, Tipton, Tri Central, University, Western Boone, Westfield
Girls: Another heavy favorite here as Phoebe Bates has been sensational all season long, even making the Milesplit Flo 50 rankings at one point in the season. If the coaching staff sits her for the weekend, Maria Mitchell of Hamilton Heights will become the favorite to win the sectional title.
Now for the team race, it will be a dog fight between the host Millers and the Greyhounds. Carmel has the faster 1-5 average, but in a mock meet Noblesville is the favored by three points. If both teams put out their best, every point will be crucial to decide the winner. Westfield, Guerin Catholic, and Hamilton Heights will also have strong chances to move on to the regional round as well.
Boys: Quinn Gallagher has been strong all regular season, and in the postseason he always seems to take it to the next level. He might be challenged by Bates and Hickner early on, but if he doesn't want to stick on them for too long he could break away for a major victory.
Coming off of a big win this weekend, Carmel is the clear favorite to win even if they hold out a majority of their top 5. The team is deep enough to be able to win as their 12th fastest man this year ran 16:47.5. Noblesville and Westfield will have a close battle for 2nd and should advance with no issues. Other teams with a good chance of advancing are Guerin Catholic and Western Boone.
Sectional 20- Brebeuf Jesuit
Teams: Brebeuf Jesuit, Heritage Christian, Indianapolis Arsenal Tech, Indianapolis Bishop Chatard, Indianapolis Cathedral, Indiana School for the Deaf, Lawrence Central, Lawrence North, North Central, Pike, Park Tudor, Traders Point
Girls: Brebeuf girls are going to have a decent chance to go 1-2-3 this Saturday with Zoe Simmons, Madeline Keller, and Kate Ricks who have all gone sub 18:40 this season. Elizabeth Stanhope will try and break up the party though and go for a win of her own.
For the team race, it should be only a couple points separating Brebeuf and Pike for the victory. Right now Brebeuf has the edge, but Pike can put their 5 all before Brebeuf's 5th so it will come down to the wire. North Central, Cathedral, and Lawrence North should all advance as well, but that 3rd place position is up for grabs.
Boys: No shocker here: the favorite is Flo 50 #10 Cole Hocker. It would be surprising to see Hocker put up another 100% effort here three weeks away from the state meet, but if he puts on a show, he could maybe accomplish his goal of sub-15 on a quick Brebeuf course. The mix for 2nd will include teammates Nick Hruskoci, Ryan Pehlman, and North Central's Alex Frey.
Two of the top teams will be going at it with Cathedral and North Central. If Cathedral runs the way they did at Nike Twilight, they would be in good shape to take the sectional title. Also in the mix will be Brebeuf Jesuit, Lawrence North, and the newcomer to this sectional, Pike.