GHSA Girls AAAAAA State Preview

                                   'GHSA Girls AAAAAA State Preview'

Girls Team Race:

This may be the only race with a clear favorite, oh wait, favorites. Peachtree Ridge and Brookwood have been the top two teams all season. Currently, Peachtree Ridge has a 2 to 1 advantage head to head, but by a combined 3 points margin of victory. That is about as close as you can get, and at Coach Wood their outcome came down to the #6 runner, don’t expect state to be much different. Peachtree Ridge has probably been more consistent during the season, but Brookwood knows how to run their best at state (i.e. 2012). If either or both the Lady Lions and Lady Broncos don’t have a good day, their lie some Lady Hoyas and Lady Blue Devils ready to pounce. Harrison and Marietta have traded blows and both have come on top at different times. Marietta, like Roswell, has three that should score low for them, but their finish rests on how well their #4 & #5 run. Harrison is deep and will try to keep their pack near the front. Etowah, one point behind Walton in region 5 despite losing their number 1, was briefly the top ranked team in the state, and if they can put everyone on the line somewhat healthy could easily surprise. Collins Hill, Centennial, and West Forsyth are much like Harrison and could sneak into the top 5 if anyone stumbles. Walton, like Peachtree Ridge, has a front runner, but will need its pack to run well to contend for a podium spot for the 5^th straight year. The depth on the girl’s side is at an all-time high as Mill Creek, South Forsyth, Woodstock, Lambert, and North Gwinnett could all be top 10 teams with the right performance.

Girls Individual Race:

Continuing the theme of a wide-open 6A state meet, the girl’s individual title is up for grabs. Savannah Carnahan of South Forsyth has the most victories this season and put down the fastest time at Ascis runway. However, she has not been perfect and has many in close company. Peachtree Ridge’s ace Addy Lippitt has the most races under 19 minutes and has been strong on both speed and strength courses. Walton’s Avery Bussjager has finished 11^th and 9^th in the past two state XC meets and comes off a PR winning region 5 and should be in the front pack. Lauren Hovis has been a revalation for Mill Creek after a great track season has carried over into a fast season as a harrier. Lauren Brennan is Brookwood’s #1 and the Lady Broncos always put at least one in the top pack. None of these ladies want Marietta’s Mary Jeanne Assinzo near them with 800 meters to go, as she probably has the most track speed in the meet. Who from this group will try to pull away early? If nobody pushes the pace, there are many girls that could contend for a medal. Laurel Sumner of Brookwood hopes to make it two lady Broncos racing up front while Laurel Wilson of Peachtree Ridge hopes to help Peachtree Ridge’s title chances. Mariah Maring is a top returner from Collins Hill who has a history of top finishes at state. Kingsley Green of Etowah can be up there if she can rebound from region. The girl’s state meet, like the boys, tends to have some surprises jump into the top 10. Those most likely to assert themselves into the conversation are Rebecca Dow and Kayla Dawson of Marietta, Alexandra Melehan of Woodstock, Courtney Czerniak of North Gwinnett, Milicent Bergey of South Forsyth, Hannah Lopez of Mill Creek, Caroline Williams of Peachtree Ridge, Kyla Resnick of Etowah, Audrey Smith and Kennedy Sorge of Harrison, Claire Warren of Hillgrove and a slew of runners from Centennial, Brookwood, and Roswell.