State Championship Girls 5-A Preview
Who: Teams: Canyon Randall, Frisco Liberty, Frisco Wakeland, Burleson Centennial, Cedar Park, Canyon, Highland Park
Why: This will definitely be an interesting race. Defending champion Canyon Randall is always a major player, but they haven't ran many 5Ks and it's hard to figure out precisely just how good they are. One thing is for sure, they are still Canyon Randall and are as dangerous as ever. They convincingly won the Region I race and showed that they are primed and ready to go for state.
Early in the year, Frisco Liberty and Burleson Centennial looked like they were going to be the favorites, but some jostling in the last few weeks along with Frisco Wakeland doing some gutsy running have clouded things a little bit. If you think that jumbles things up, keep in mind that Highland Park beat them all at the Region II meet.
Without a doubt, this will be a race you won't want to miss.
Individuals: McKinney North star sophomore LONDON CULBREATH is the clear favorite as she is the defending champion. She hasn't raced much this season and hasn't let loose yet, so this might be the race she makes a statement. Culbreath has been taking a different approach to this season compared to last season when she raced often early. Her training focus has specifically been designed for this part of the season. I suspect we could see Culbreath run at least in the 16:40s, but if it's a good day and if she gets a push far enough into the race don't be surprised if we see mid 16s or a little lower.
The chase pack will consist of the four other girls who have run under eighteen minutes. Frisco Liberty senior CARRIE FISH has been on fire this season and she should run fast. Aledo sophomore GRACIE MORRIS blazed to the Region I win and she goes out hard. Richland's BINTA KA hasn't missed the state meet since she has been in high school and she is looking to end her UIL career on a high note. The girls in the chase pack could make for a very exciting race with each of their strengths being different parts of the race, I expect them to run a strategic race, but still pretty fast.