Sectional 21- New Palestine
Teams: Beech Grove, East Hancock, Franklin Central, Greenfield Central, Indianapolis Howe Community, Indianapolis Lighthouse Charter, Indianapolis Lutheran, Indianapolis Scecina Memorial, Morristown, Mt. Vernon, Roncalli, Triton Central, Warren Central
Girls: Franklin Central's top duo of Brianna Lawson and Jada Redus will be looking for a strong 1-2 finish to put the team in good position to win the Sectional Championship. They are the only two girls sub-19 in the race with season bests under 18:30, so they should be in prime position to accomplish their goal.
Franklin Central is a heavy favorite as well to win with an average time of 18:57 for the top 5. New Palestine and Roncalli should be a locks for 2nd and third while the battle will be between Mt. Vernon, Greenfield Central, and Warren Central for those two remaining bids to the regional round.
Boys: Nick Perkins, in our opinion, is one of the most overlooked talents in the state and will have a big chance to show the state just that throughout the tournament. His first step toward that goal will be a big showing in this race. Franklin Central's Jackson Andry will attempt to hold off a pack of 4 other sub 16:40 guys to secure a 2nd place finish.
Franklin Central and New Palestine will be the contenders for the championship as both teams have their top 5 averaging 16:50 and 16:53. The winner of this race will be plainly which team wants it more at the finish. Other contenders for 3rd-5th are Warren Central, Roncalli, and Greenfield Central.
Sectional 22- Connersville
Teams: Cambridge City Lincoln, Centerville, Connersville, Franklin County, Hagerstown, Knightstown, New Castle, Northeastern, Richmond, Rushville Consolidated, Seton Catholic, Tri, Union County
Girls: The sophomore Lauren Kelley of Franklin County is the favorite in this one with Shannon Dougherty not too far behind. I'd be surprised to see anyone else challenge both, but anything can happen in October.
Rushville is the favorite followed by Franklin County, Connersville, Union County, and Hagerstown all looking to move on as well.
Boys: Andrew Miller has the fastest time in the field with a 16:29, and his biggest challenger will be Elijah Halcomb from Hagerstown. Both will push each other from the gun and could potentially push each other to some big PR's.
The three teams contending for the win are Rushville, Hagerstown, and Cambridge City Lincoln not too far behind. As far as the final two spots go, it should be close between Centerville, Connersville, and New Castle.