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 three (or five) places behind the last ranked runner, their second unranked runner would finish six (or 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. If you have 7, get them to the line. If you only have 3...get them to the line. Your region may be depending on you.

Region I: This Region could advance 4 teams, but it looks like it will only be 3. Philip Barbour has had 5 run at some point, but I'm told they've only entered 4. Remember PB, she only has to start. If it is 3 teams, then they look fairly set...sort of. Frankfort looks like they're in the top spot with East Fairmont in the 2nd spot. In the 3rd spot sits Oak Glen. They have a pair of runners who have not competed since September 13th, and each has only competed twice on the season due to soccer conflicts. I'm assuming they'll be available for this meet for purposes of this preview. If they aren't, then things open up, and Fairmont Senior becomes the favorite for the spot. Individually, it looks like this Region should advance 13 runners. That's getting everyone available on the line, though. One runner doesn't show up, and we're down to 12. Get on the line. The current top 13 are Hannah Kliner, Addison Tharp, Taylor Hess, Kailee Haymond, Emily Viani, Addison Lease, Ava Barrick, Layna Grassi, Adriana Bond, Naomi Young, Ainsley Friend, Lacey Cameron, and Audrey Helmick. Helmick has not competed since September 9th, so her availability and conditioning if available are questionable. Next in line if she's out is Paisley Raines. Runners within 60 points of the top 13 not on an expected advancing team are Fairmont Senior's Aubree Street (16th) and Fairmont Senior's Bella Haught (17th). There are 35 ranked runners in Region I. 32 would be expected to advance in Region III.

Region II: This Region will almost assuredly only advance 2 teams. Braxton and Elkins should easily hold those two spots. I have Braxton in the top spot by 16 points, and Elkins over 40 points ahead of 3rd. 10 Individuals should advance. The current top 10 are Julia Angiuli, Laura Cain, Julia Biola, Addison Lloyd, Leah Payne, Emilia Tenney, Teagan Huff, Cianna McKenna, Mallory Bennett, and Hannah Rowan. There is only one runner within 60 points of the top 10 that is not on an expected advancing team. That is Roane's Adalaide Taylor (11th). There are 20 ranked runners in Region II.

Region III: This Region can advance 3, but in order for that to happen, both Liberty Raleigh and Westside must get their 5 on the line. I'm going to assuem they do so. Shady Spring should win with ease. I have them over 30 points ahead of the field. Herbert Hoover looks to be in line for the 2nd spot with Nicholas in the 3rd spot. A lot hinges on the unranked runners for this one, so there could be a lot of movement. It looks like only 10 individuals will advance. The current top 10 are Jenna Brown, Carli Spade, Gwynn McGinnis, Bre Crouse, Journey Wisthoff, Haley Johnson, Adrienne Truman, Abby Honaker, Kyndal Lusk, and Audrey Justice. There are no runners within 60 points of the top 10 not on an expected advancing team. The closest is Clay's Cheyanne Taylor (13th). There are 13 ranked runners in Region III.

Region IV: This Region should advance 2 teams. Winfield is the class of the field, and Wayne should easily take the 2nd spot. 10 Individuals will advance. The current top 10 are Ava Ethridge, Olivia Williamson, Kayla Taylor, Sophie Briscoe, Hanna Starcher, Holly Bach, Roxy Angell, Cora Kozen, Makaila Armstrong, and Laura Queen. There are no runners within 60 points of the top 10 not on an expected advancing team. The closest is Chapmanville's Hannah Miller (17th). There are 17 ranked runners in Region IV.