Annually, the Nike South Invitational is one of the biggest meets in the Houston area. Many years, it includes some top teams from the DFW, East Texas, El Paso, and sometimes beyond the good ole Lone Star borders.
With a lot of emphasis being placed on the Nike Cross Regionals South (NXR South) this year, we will see a couple of the the major DFW programs making their way down to The Woodlands to get they eyes and a run in Bear Branch Sports Park.
Last year, at the girls NXR South, we saw three teams make it to Portland to compete at the National Championships. Lovejoy, Flower Mound, and Southlake Carroll either all earned or were granted as team qualifiers.
Related: Predictions: Nike South Invitational Boys
On the boys end, it was Southlake Carroll and Grapevine getting the nods.
With all three girls teams back and just as strong as last year or better, it's possible they could all get back to nationals, but nothing is promised.
Participating Teams
GIRLS | BOYS |
|---|---|
| Freshman Boys Race | |
| JV Girls | JV Boys |
| Varsity Elite Girls | Varsity Elite Boys |
| Varsity Girls B | Varsity Boys B |
The boys race this year will possibly be the best team competition in the history of NXR South.
The usual suspects of The Woodlands and Southlake Carroll both will be running to get back to Portland and have history on their sides. However, they'll have several teams challenging them. Squads like El Paso Franklin, El Paso Eastwood, McKinney Boyd, Austin Vandegrift, Coppell, Canyon, Lovejoy, Katy Tompkins, and Bridgeland will all be vying to earn a spot and they all have legitimate chances.
Outside of Texas, this is perhaps the best year of bordering state teams and their potential. Bentonville (AR), Deer Creek (OK), and New Orleans Jesuit (LA) have their strongest squads ever and will be making a push this year.
See who will be making appearances this weekend at the Nike South Invitational.