Sectional 23- South Dearborn
Teams: Batesville, East Central, Greensburg, Jac-Cen-Del, North Decatur, Oldenburg, Rising Sun, South Dearborn, South Decatur, South Ripley
Girls: Up front, sophomore Brenner Hanna of Greensburg and senior Megan Cole of South Ripley are the main two individuals in the field. Both are sub 18:50 this season already which should provide a close race for this Saturday.
As far as the team race goes, the top 3 spots are wide open between Batesville, Greensburg, and East Central all looking to contend. South Ripley's low stick of Cole should allow for a 4th place finish, and South Dearborn is looking like the final team to move on to Regionals.
Boys: This sectional could prove to be a dominant one for Batesville. Ean Loichinger has the potential to have a special postseason as a freshman and can help lead Batesville to the team championship. Teammates Moster and Myers are looking to finish 2nd and 3rd overall as well.
Batesville is a major favorite for the sectional title, and after that Greensburg and East Central should be a close race for 2nd. Jac-Cen-Del and Oldenburg Academy should round out the top 5 teams advancing to regionals.
Sectional 24- Franklin Community
Teams: Center Grove, Christel House Academy, Eminence, Franklin Community, Greenwood Christian Academy, Greenwood Community, Indian Creek, Monrovia, Mooresville, Shelbyville, Waldron, Whiteland Community
Girls: Lillian Lacy of Franklin Community is coming off two back to back wins and should use that to her advantage here on her home course. Her biggest challenger will be Gabrielle Harrell of Center Grove for the 1st place finish.
Center Grove should take the victory here with a 1-5 split of 1:05. Others looking to advance as well are Franklin Community, Whiteland, Monrovia, Shelbyville, Indian Creek, and Mooresville. Our mock meet has only 17 points between 4th place and 8th, so the last two spots are definitely up for grabs.
Boys: There are 4 main boys in this field, and all have the opportunity to go sub-16 this weekend if the weather works in their favor. Will Jefferson, Andrew Bixler, Jacob James, and Wyatt McCullough all battled it out in the same 3200m race at regionals, and now will get a rematch on the grass. Should be one of the closer sectional finishes we'll have.
The team race won't be nearly as close as Franklin Community should easily walk away victorious on their home course. Center Grove isn't too far behind but will need a lot to contend. Finishing out the top 5 will be a mix of Whiteland, Mooresville, Greenwood Community, and Shelbyville.