4A Mideast Preview
Boys
The 4A Mideast boys competition is set to be rich in competition. Predicted to lead the way for the gentlemen is Jeremy Brown of Broughton. Brown has run 15:08 thus far this season, and that time just-so happens to have been run at Wake Med. He's also run sub-15 at Wake Med before (2014), so we could see a big time come from this guy. This region also include's Middle Creek's Jack Cawley. Cawley has been shown to be a fan favorite by this year's weekly performance polls, and his 15:30 performance at the SWAC Championships last week certainly held up to those high expectations. Also don't count out Ben Savino of Apex; Ben's season best of 15:35 puts him in contention to compete with Cawley for the regional runner-up spot.
Broughton's boys are practically destined to soar high and far ahead of the next team; our virtual meet scores them with 31 points, and they're team performances from this season have definitely warranted that ranking! As to be expected, the next team in the rankings is none other than the Green Hope boys. Green Hope has a rich tradition of domination (especially on the girls side), but even their strongest performance would likely keep them out of reach of Broughton. You can count on the Falcons to claim their runner-up spot, though. Apex shouldn't be far behind Green Hope in the team competition; if the Lions' number 5 guy were to have a break-through race, they might even give the Falcons a run for their money.
Girls
There should be no doubt in anyone's mind who will take the indie win for the 4A Mideast ladies; expect to see none other than Miss Nevada Mareno of Leesville Road to break the tape on Saturday. With a new PR of 16:36 (run at Wake Med), this girl's crown is shining brighter than ever. Her 16:36 was run sans-competition, so don't be surprised if you see her drop the hammer during a solo effort again this weekend. Elly Henes of Green Hope is next in line for the 4A Mideast throne. Henes has run 18:05 this season, and though that is a fast time, a summer injury has kept her from running in the 17's like last year. She ran 17:17 at Wake Med in 2014, but a time that far under 17 might be out of the question at the present time.
The team race will be a VERY tight one between the Green Hope and Leesville Road ladies; the virtual meet has them scoring a mere 5 points apart! Leesville had a stellar run at their conference championship last week, so there is no doubt they have the potential to go for the win. Green Hope is virtually scored to take the win, but, with the strides Leesville's third through fifth runners have been making, the Pride may have the advantage.