Gabrielle Hoots won the Region 2-6A championships
6A Girls
This has been a strange season for the UIL 6A girls classification.
First, Shewaye Johnson (Prosper) came to Texas and flexed her muscles becoming a household name, and then the Flower Mound girls established themselves as powerful without Natalie Cook.
Here we are now, finally arriving at the state meet when the 6A races will happen on Saturday, November 6, 2021.
Last week at the Region 1-6A championships, Cook put a hurting on a tough Mae Simmons course. Her 16:39.70 course record was one of the most impressive runs I've seen and it earned her a 163 speed rating, one of the top national marks this season.
Also running well in Lubbock was Lauren Walls-Portillo (El Paso Eastwood). Her 18:05 earned her a 134 speed rating was impressive and she has a 17:47 5K PR this season.
Also running well at Region 1-5A was Johnson, the Iowa transfer - 18:09, Samantha Humphries (Flower Mound) - 18:13, Aubrey O'Connell (Prosper) - 18:25, and Adelynn Rodriguez (El Paso Eastwood) - 18:28.
Gabrielle Hoots (Klein Oak) won the Region 2-6A race in 17:58 followed by Kathryn Koonts (Klein) in 18:17 on a fast course. Kennady Fontenot (New Braunfels) - 18:17 and Sophie Wollan (Austin Westlake)- 18:35 also beat the elements in Corpus Christi to qualify to Round Rock with good performances.
There are some very strong teams heading into the state meet. Flower Mound, Southlake Carroll, and The Woodlands were the three trophy winners last year and they are all strong once again.
Flower Mound is ranked No. 9 in the MileSplit 50 rankings and The Woodlands are No. 19.
Austin Vandegrift and Prosper have both been good all year long as has Round Rock. Northwest Eaton has been the surprise of the season and they don't seem to be satisfied with just making it to state; they want more.
Predictions
Cook has been one of Texas' top runners since she arrived at Flower Mound. She has run sparingly this season, but when she has it's been worth the wait.
It will take a great effort to beat Cook, she is my pick in the girls 6A race.
The Flower Mound girls are also the favorites to repeat as state champions. They have been dominant this year with and without Cook in their line up and they should defend their state title.
As good as Flower Mound has been, Southlake Carroll has also been very good this year. Not only are they good as a team, Kaylie Cox, Audrey Dunn, and Ava Bushaw could all finish in the top 10 as individuals. Their ability to run a low to mid 18 minute average and to do it with the split they're capable of, it at can't be matched by many teams.
Third place will be where the battle is going to be. Prosper will try to make it a DFW sweep, but Vandegrift, Klein Oak, and The Woodlands should be the major players for that spot
Here is my top six team finishing order: Flower Mound, Southlake Carroll, Prosper, Vandegrift, Northwest Eaton, The Woodlands