Remember, this is only how it looks from the rankings heading into the regionals. This is not a prediction based on any analysis of races held during the season. If a team has fewer than five ranked runners, it is assumed that their first unranked runner would finish five places behind the last ranked runner, their second unranked runner would finish ten places behind the last ranked runner, etc. Runners run above and below their ranking in every meet, and the Regionals will be no different. The important thing is that if you have five runners, get them to the starting line. Your region may be depending on you.
Region I: This Region should advance four teams with 13 having run complete teams at some point this season. Doddridge appears to have a slight advantage with East Fairmont not far behind. Also in the mix will be Braxton. The battle for the 4th spot should come down to North Marion and Wheeling Central. I have the two separated by just 6 points with North Marion having the edge. Their 4 and 5 runners will need to have good days to pull it off. Individually, I'm projecting 18 runners to advance. The current top 18 are Desirae Schoonover, Olga Hawranick, Taylor Trowbridge, Adriana Abruzzino, Katrina White, Gwynn Napier, Kenadee Wayt, Kasey McNamara, Abby Charles, Sydney Edge, Abby Cowher, Emma Eickleberry, Amanda Reynolds, Tiara Hunter, Emily Maddow, Bethany McPherson, Ireland Wayt, and Courtney King. King hasn't run since mid-September, the next one in would be Jordan Delaney. Those within 60 points of the top 18 that aren't on an expected advancing team are Magnolia's Jordan Delaney (19th), Oak Glen's Toni Powell (20th), Clay-Battelle's Miranda King (21st), Tyler consolidated's Katie Pratt (22nd), Wheeling Central's Nicole Billie (24th), Magnolia's Breanna Barbera (26th), Magnolia's Ariel Hostettler (27th), St. Marys' Ryan Wilson (28th), Tyler Consolidated's Jahnvi Duncan (29th), and Williamstown's Carsen Hesson (30th). There are 49 ranked runners in Region I.
Region II: This Region could advance four teams. It's very shaky though. To get a 4th team out, Grafton will have to run a complete team. They haven't done so since mid-September. Most meets, they've only run three. Robert C. Byrd, Tucker, and Trinity will have to get everyone to the line as well. For purposes of this review, I'm going to assume they all come through. It's a strong region. I have Philip Barbour taking the win by a single point over Berkeley Springs. That, of course, assumes everyone is running and healthy. Frankfort is just 9 points out and has beaten both teams in recent weeks. Bridgeport is the 4th team and the one hoping that everyone else gets to the line. They could work their way in even if only three advance, but it will take a great effort to do so. Individually, I'm projecting 13 to advance. The current top 13 are Stephanie Golden, Jessica Melvin, Julianna Butcher, Kierra Hodge, Amanda Lupton, Rachel Rogers, Piper McLaughlin, Lavania LeMasters, Jenna Soltesz, Abby Beeman, Hannah Ramirez, Lace Shoemake, and Brianna Williams/Hannah Moore Those two are tied for the 13th spot. Those within 60 points of the top 13 and not on an expected advancing team are Liberty Harrison's Hannah Moore (if she isn't the 13th) and Grafton's Hannah Louzy (21st). There is also the wildcard of Grafton's Alicia Parsons, the two-time defending champion. She hasn't run a meet since September 15th and has dropped from the rankings due to inactivity. It looks like she'll have to toe the line to get another team out. There are 39 ranked runners in Region II.
Region III: This Region will likely only advance two teams. Richwood and PikeView look to be far ahead of the rest of the field with Richwood holding a 5 point advantage. Individually, the Region will likely advance the minimum of 10 runners. Only 8 are ranked, so, they'll be expected to advance. Those are are Amelia Sebok, Caitlin Cowell, Madison Frame, Courtney Rogers, Alexis Sheets, Brittany Vaught, Amelia Bard, and Rebecca Sheets. Obviously, that leaves two spots up for grabs. There are 8 ranked runners in Region III.
Region IV: It looks like this Region can advance three teams. For that to happen, both Herbert Hoover and Scott have to get their runners to the line. Neither has accomplished that in October. For purposes of this preview, I'll assume they come through. I show Nicholas holding the top spot fairly firmly. Charleston Catholic appears to have the advantage over Wirt for the 2nd spot. Those three teams are well ahead of the remainder of the field. Individually, I'm projecting 12 to advance. The current top 12 are Hannah Gacek, Madison Kelbaugh, Alyssa Woods, Aidan Payton, Katie Napier, Lia Preston, Mary Kerby, Madison Michels, Emily Pelfrey, Lucianna Martin, Makayla Pritchard, and Emer Carrington. Those within 60 points fo the top 12 and not on an expected advancing team are Ravenswood's Kassidy Anderson (17th) and Buffalo's Sydney Smith (18th). There are 26 ranked runners in Region IV.