2025 NXR South Girls Preview: Deep Individual, Team Fields

NXR South Regional Championships
William Grundy

Girls compete at the 2024 NXR South 

A New Era in the South: NXR Moves to College Station

For the first time in Nike Cross Regionals South history, the familiar pine-lined loops of Bear Branch Park will remain silent on championship weekend. Instead, the region shifts west to College Station, where the Dale Watts Cross Country Course is becoming regarded as the premier racing venue in Texas, and becomes the staging ground for one of the deepest recent South Region girls' fields.

Where Bear Branch offered tight turns, gradual rollers, and a distinctly Woodlands atmosphere, Dale Watts presents something different: a championship-built 5K route with wide, sweeping sightlines, professional-grade mowing, and terrain designed to reward both aerobic strength and controlled aggression. It is a course built for true distance runners. It has hosted SEC Championships and NCAA South Central Regionals. Professionally measured, rigorously maintained, and widely respected, the Watts course offers something few high school athletes have ever experienced: speed with honesty. Good footing, fast grass, and clean tangents, but no shortcuts.

The course is accurate, and by most expert accounts, even slightly long, anywhere from 50 to 100 meters beyond the visual "5K mark" before the measured finish line. Athletes who raced it at the 2025 Nike South Invitational felt that distance. Times were fast, but not artificially so. This is a fair test, not an oxygen-max exhibition.

And that's important because the South Region Girls field in 2025 is arguably one of the most complete, nationally relevant collective the region has produced, even compared to last year.

Texas alone brings multiple national-caliber squads and a historic individual class. Arkansas arrives with two NXN-pedigree state champions. Oklahoma offers its strongest depth since 2018. Louisiana's stars are peaking at the right time, while Mississippi brings a legitimate low-stick threat.

The stage is set, and the course is worthy.


Texas: One Of The Deepest States In The Nation This Year

Texas is once again the center of gravity in the South. But this year's storyline isn't simply "Texas is strong." It's that Texas brings five teams with legitimate NXN contention and more than a dozen athletes capable of finishing inside the top 40 at nationals.

Flower Mound: The Standard of Excellence, Again

Flower Mound is loaded - again, still, always. Coach Cook's squad has been the model of consistency, depth, and major-meet execution over the past four years, and the 2025 version remains a top-tier NXN contender.

Their 2025 Nike South Invitational performance told the story clearly:

  • 2 - Adeline Bennett (17:29.6)

  • 6 - Liana Cluley-Garza (17:54.3)

  • 19 - Keira Primer (18:26.3)

  • 32 - Mckayla Kohutek

  • 34 - Eliana Rivera

87 points. A tight 1-5 spread. An 18:25 average on a slightly long course.

Adeline Bennett remains the front-runner - and her 16:xx training-level ability makes her one of the few athletes in the entire region who could contest the individual win. Liana Cluley-Garza and Keira Primer are both sub-18 threats on any honest course. Eliana Rivera and Mckayla Kohutek are reliable, experienced closers who thrive in November.

Combine that with the program's 1:24 split and 18:18 average from last year's NXR win, and the picture is clear: Flower Mound is an automatic qualifier if they run to expectation.

Northwest Nelson: Texas' Best 1-5 Compression

If Flower Mound is the proven powerhouse, Northwest Nelson is the upstart machine built with precision.

Their statistical profile is stunning:

  • 17:17 / 17:38 / 17:43 / 17:54 / 18:07 for a 17:44 average

  • 49-second 1-5 split - the best in Texas

  • UIL 6A District + Region dominance

  • 2nd at Nike South Invite (123 pts)

Nelson's calling card is reliability. They don't often break. They often don't blow up. And on a course like Dale Watts - honest, linear, rhythm-based - that matters. They did have a sub-par race at the UIL state meet where they only ran 19:01, however they stayed tight with a 0:24 gap.

Elena Sather has become a true low-stick (17:17), Lyla Calaway is one of the most improved runners in the state, and their 3-4-5 are near-interchangeable.

They are one of the safest top-4 teams in the region.

Bridgeland: The State Champions With the Firepower

Bridgeland is the 2025 UIL 6A State Champion, and they earned it:

  • 38 points at state

  • 0:49 spread

  • 18:03 average on Old Settlers; 18:32 average 0:53 Spread at Texas A&M Inv. on Dale Watts Course

  • Led by Rowan Saacke (17:04) - a national-level frontrunner

Bridgeland is built for a course like Dale Watts: big engines up front, a sophomore-heavy back end that holds well, and one of the best race-day coaches in the region. In fact, they showed their familiarity and ability to handle Dale Watts in September at the Texas A&M Inv. They ran a 18:32 team average with a 0:53 second gap. Rowan Saacke is a contender to win NXR outright as is Hope Smith. At (17:44), Susana Rawls (17:59), and Alexandra Montgomery (18:10) form an elite supporting cast.

Bridgeland is a near-lock for a top-5 finish and very likely an NXN auto-qualifier.

Carroll: The Quiet Giant With a November Switch

Carroll didn't dominate early-season invites, but they quietly improved all fall, and by Nike South Invitational, they looked like a team ready for a top-4 run.

At Nike South Invite (6th place):

  • 16 - Bergman

  • 27 - Gutierrez

  • 30 - Perez

  • 41 - McIlvain

  • 55 - Dukes

169 points, but with a 1:13 spread and an average of 19:06 on a long course. Carroll historically peaks in November - and the data shows they're right where they should be.

Luna Gutierrez (17:29 PR), Megan Bergman (17:51), and Abigail Perez (18:00) form a legitimate trio that can keep Carroll inside the NXN bubble.

Don't overlook Carroll; even though they only finished fifth at the state meet, they are still a threat. This program has a history of improving its state meet performance at NXR South and notching a top-two finish. Look at last season for evidence; they placed sixth at state last season, but finished second at NXR South to become an automatic qualifier.

Katy: The Consistent Wildcard

Katy is developing a knack for podium finishes at the UIL state meet. They've produced two third-place finishes in a row in Round Rock, and the next step to their becoming known as a top program is qualifying for NXN or another big-time National-level finish. At state, they just ran an 18:31 team average with a 0:35 second gap.

It is also important to note that while Katy did not race at the Nike South Inv., they did run a week earlier at the Texas A&M Inv. Their 19:00 team average and 0:39 second gap is nothing to overlook.

If Katy has their best day, and a team like Flower Mound or Bridgeland has an off day, they could sneak into the top four, or perhaps top two.

Others With NXN Bubble Potential

  • Katy - elite compression

  • Keller - historically strong November program

  • Lovejoy - 5A state champions, strong averages

  • The Woodlands - improved significantly since September

  • Highland Park - reliable but needs more firepower

Texas will send at least 2 teams automatically, likely 3, and possibly 4 if the At-Large Committee favors the region.


ARKANSAS: TWO NATIONAL POWERS + A DARKHORSE

If Texas brings depth, Arkansas brings star power. This is one of the best cycles in Arkansas girls' XC history, with two teams capable of automatic NXN qualification and multiple top-10 individual contenders.

Rogers: The Most Dangerous Team Outside Texas

Rogers is the one team Texas coaches keep mentioning in quiet tones, the program most likely to break the Texas wall and steal an NXN auto bid.

Their credentials are undeniable:

At the Southlake 5K Invite - the first major interstate clash

At the Arkansas 6A State Meet

  • 2nd place (44 points)

  • 18:54 average, 1:45 spread

  • Beshears wins her second straight 6A title

Statistical Profile

  • Beshears (16:47) - national title range

  • Schmersahl (17:46) - top-10 threat

  • Scudder twins (18:14 / 18:17) - potent midpack

  • Eggers (18:32) - reliable fifth

Rogers is the real deal. They have a better front three than nearly all Texas schools, and the big-race experience translates.

If a Texas powerhouse falters, Rogers is the first team through the door.

Bentonville: The Quiet, Balanced Monster

Bentonville won the Arkansas 6A state meet with 37 points, beating Rogers head-to-head.

They are built differently:

  • No 16:xx superstar

  • Five girls between 17:35 and 18:38

  • A perfect November temperament

Their top five from stats:

They lack a low-stick like Beshears, but their compression is excellent, and their pack closes hard late.

On a course like Dale Watts, which is honest, fair, no hiding, Bentonville is dangerous. Their state meet battle with Rogers shows they can battle legit teams.

They are a legitimate top-5 NXR team and a bubble auto-qualifier.

Providence Academy: Front-Loaded, but Not Complete

Gabbie Bishop (16:58) and Maggie Bishop (17:17) may be the best 1-2 punch in the entire South Region, but Providence struggles at 4-5.

  • #3 runner: 18:14 (excellent)

  • #4: 19:41

  • #5: 20:18

This is too much time to give away in a race of this caliber.

Providence will have two top-15 individuals, but is unlikely to contend for a team ticket.


OKLAHOMA: A RESURGENT STATE WITH MULTIPLE CONTENDERS

Oklahoma enters 2025 with its best overall depth since the 2010s, headlined by a legitimate low-stick threat and several NXN-at-large caliber teams.

Edmond Memorial: The Most Complete OK Program

Edmond Memorial checks every national-contender box:

  • 18:44 average at 6A state

  • 58-second spread

  • Two top-10 individual finishers at their state meet

Top runners:

They're not going to break Flower Mound or Bridgeland, but they can absolutely beat multiple Texas teams.

Edmond Memorial is a top-10 NXR South program with potential to sneak into the top 7.

Owasso: The Team With the Star

Owasso's strength starts with Ava Cornelius - 17:06, one of the best non-Texas athletes in the region. She gives Owasso a single-digit scorer at NXR.

Add Lilith Johnson (18:14) and a strong 3-4-5, and you get:

  • 55 points at OK 6A State

  • 18:39 team average

  • A top-three state finish

The problem is compression, a 2:24 team spread is too wide at a race like NXR.

Owasso is a top-10 contender, but outside the true NXN qualification range.

Jenks: The Deep, Balanced Pack

Jenks has:

They are consistent, experienced, and tough - but lack the firepower to challenge the Texas/Arkansas giants.

Expect a finish between 7th and 12th.

Ponca City: The Wildcard With the Fastest OK Runner

Ponca City has Paetyn Price - 16:44, the fastest girl in Oklahoma history and a true contender for the NXR individual title.

But the team gap behind her is huge:

  • #2: 18:39

  • #3-#5: 19:26, 19:48, 19:57

They're too far back to contend for team glory, but Price puts them on the map.


LOUISIANA: Two Stars, One Strong Team, and a Wildcard

Louisiana's teams run 3-mile courses all season, so their stats require conversion and context. But the talent is real, particularly at the top.

St. Joseph's Academy: The Most Complete LA Squad

Their stat line when converted is competitive:

  • Hannah Schneider - 18:16

  • Hope Lemoine - 19:03

  • Manda - 19:13

  • Barbier - 19:29

  • Khuri - 19:32

  • 19:06 average (converted)

They are well-coached, accustomed to championship pressure, and have multiple runners in the 18:30-19:15 range.

They're not a top-10 NXR team, but top 15 is realistic.

Mt. Carmel: The One With the Front-Runner

Stella Junius (17:53) is a legitimate top-30 NXR individual threat - she's strong, smooth, and fits the Dale Watts course well.

Mt. Carmel, however, lacks the back-of-pack power to score competitively at NXR.

They finish somewhere between 15th and 22nd.

Parkview Baptist: Underrated and Front-Loaded

Lucy Cramer (18:01) and Molly Cramer (18:06) give Parkview a potent start.

But the drop to 18:20 / 20:49 / 21:02 makes them a non-factor at the team level.


MISSISSIPPI: Two Stars, but Limited Team Depth

Mississippi doesn't bring team firepower, but it brings two of the most compelling individuals in the region.

Madison Central: The True Low-Stick Program

Alex Lee (17:57) is the best Mississippi runner since Gabrielle Jennings. She will finish inside the top 20 at NXR.

Beyond her, however, the team falls to the mid-19s and low-20s.

They finish between 15th and 25th.

Hernando: The Most Balanced MS Team

Their average (19:53) is respectable considering the state's depth.

Not a true contender, but a strong mid-pack regional squad.


TOP INDIVIDUAL CONTENDERS

This year's NXR South girls' individual field is the strongest in meet history. These are the true title contenders:

1. Lilly Beshears (Rogers, AR)

16:47, defending NXR South champion, two-time Arkansas 6A champion. Favorite to win unless someone runs the race of their life.

2. Macy Wingard (Denton Braswell, TX)

The three-time 6A state champion; 16:30 at district. Massive engine. NXN All-American threat. Rested and is a legitimate contender and 3-time NXN qualifier.

3. Elin Latta (South Texas Heat - Christian)

Has rested for the past couple of weeks. A 17:17 at Nike South Invite and 17:38 at Texas A&M on this course. Looked effortless. Qualified for NXN last year, and a true NXR Champ threat.

4. Ava Cornelius (Owasso, OK)

17:06 - best OK time since Destiny Christian era.

5. Laney Barnes (Cypress Woods, TX)

17:09 for runner-up 6A state meet finish. Placed third at Nike South in 17:31.

6. Maya Easterwood (Coppell, TX)

Was third at UIL 6A state meet, and her fourth-place finish at Nike South was the lowest finish of the season, but in 17:36.

7. Addyson Bristow (Canyon, TX)

Bristow won her third UIL 4A state title. Ran 16:44 and 17:51 in her only 5Ks on the season.

8. Adeline Bennett (Flower Mound, TX)

State 4th-place finisher twice. Elite race composure.

9.& 10. Iris & Remy Latta (STX Heat - Christian)

Both 17:15-17:38 range. Strong pack effect.

11. Rowan Saacke (Bridgeland, TX)

17:04. Leads the 6A state champions.

12. Alex Lee (Madison Central, MS)

17:57 at Watson Classic. Runs her best against elite fields.

13. Stella Junius (Mt. Carmel, LA)

17:53, likely to outperform her seed.

14. Samantha Schmersahl & Elizabeth Scudder (Rogers, AR)

Elite #2/#3 runners capable of top-15 finishes.

15. Eva Cragnolio (Austin LASA, TX)

UIL 5A state champion; 17:43 PR and no less than a third-place finish.


SLEEPERS & BREAKOUT CANDIDATES

Teams

  • The Woodlands - rapidly improving, could crack top 7

  • Keller - always dangerous in November

  • Lovejoy - 5A champions with a strong average

  • Jenks (OK) - depth + reliability

  • Edmond Memorial (OK) - best OK chance at top 7

Individuals

  • Evangeline Williams (Wylie East, TX) - 17:36 at Southlake

  • Georgia Bass (Houston Episcopal) - underrated, high ceiling

  • Lucy Cramer (Parkview Baptist, LA) - will beat her seed

  • Charlotte Tangren (Jenks, OK) - extremely strong from August onward

  • Hannah Schneider (St. Joseph's) - 18:16 and rising


PREDICTIONS

AUTO-QUALIFYING TEAMS (Top 2)

  1. Flower Mound (TX)

  2. Bridgeland (TX)

AT-LARGE CONTENDERS (3rd-5th)

  1. Northwest Nelson (TX)

  2. Rogers (AR)

  3. Bentonville (AR)

Note: A Texas/Arkansas combo for at-large is very possible.


INDIVIDUAL QUALIFIERS (If Team Not Qualified)

  • Lilly Beshears (AR) - if Rogers misses

    Wingard (TX)

    Barnes (TX)

    Easterwood (TX)

    Elin Latta (TX)

  • Ava Cornelius (OK)

  • Bennett (TX)

  • Stella Junius (LA)

  • Iris Latta (TX)

    Bristow (TX)

Also in the mix:

  • Lee

  • Williams

  • Saacke

  • Remy Latta

  • Schmersahl

  • Scudder

  • Cramer (LA)

    Cragnolino