#3 Winchester
Perhaps we’re taking a chance on Winchester at three, but we think they have the potential to outperform expectations. Last year they were sixth at the Meet of Champions down one of their top runners, so they do have some question marks leading into this fall.
Like all teams from the ML-12, their PRS are crazy fast due to a fast course at the League Championship. If you look at the D1B race at Wrentham, you get a better idea of what they’re capable of. The Red and Black were able to edge Concord-Carlisle by three points. Millie McDonald and Julia Ramsey were third and fourth in that race, with Chloe Chan and Caroline Lanz in seventh and ninth. It was these key positions that enabled them to win.
That group should be joined by Riley Newman this fall. The incoming senior returned in the spring after dealing with injures through the fall and winter. With her she brings PRs of 5:02 and 11:03. While she could slot in as their fifth runner, she could also come back as their top runner. That’s tough to say with how strong their top four was last year. McDonald was just a freshmen last season so she could be in line for some big improvement. However, she did not run track so it’s a bit of a mystery.
Of all the teams in the top five, Winchester may have the most intrigue. They face Lexington on 10/13, which could be the fastest dual meet in the state.
Projected Top 5:
Julia Ramsey 18:03
Millie McDonald 18:20
Chole Chan 18:32
Caroline Lanz 18:34
Riley Newman 19:03
