Scouting Mid-Suburban League boys cross country
Scouting Mid-Suburban League boys cross country
Where: Willow Stream Park, Buffalo Grove
When: 11 a.m. Saturday
Host: Buffalo Grove
Last year’s team champion: Palatine
Last year’s individual champion: Quentin Shaffer, Prospect
Boys team to watch (rankings by Illinois Track and Cross Country Coaches Poll): No. 3 Hersey, No. 15T Palatine, Buffalo Grove, Barrington, Prospect.
Boys individuals to watch: Zach Dale (Jr., Conant), Steven Salvano (Sr., Buffalo Grove), Kevin Salvano (So., Buffalo Grove), David Rodriguez, (Jr. , Hersey), Andy Philipose (Sr., Hersey), Blake Hallman (Sr., Prospect), Mike Anderson (Jr., Prospect), Jake Herb (Sr., Barrington), Harry Winter (Sr., Fremd), Billy Thomas (Sr., Hoffman), Graham Brown (Jr., Palatine), Argeni Bailon (Sr. Palatine).
Outook: Hersey is seeking to snap Palatine’s streak of 10 consecutive MSL championships. The Huskies are a deep and powerful team that has risen to No. 3 in the ITCCCP. Rodriguez and Philipose power Hersey’s attack. Senior Erick DeLoera , junior Grant Von Der Lippe, senior Jack O’Neil and senior Matt Stadnicki add plenty of depth for a Hersey team that won the MSL East title and is looking to make a extended run this postseason. Hersey has definitely made separation from the chase pack that will include Palatine, Barrington, Buffalo Grove and Prospect. Zach Dale has been the most consistent runner in the MSL from start to finish. Dale is coming off a victory as the Sterling Invite and seems primed for a big finish at the MSL. Buffalo Grove senior Steven Salvano and Hoffman Estates Billy Thomas both have the potential to make some noise, but have been slowed this season by injuries and illnesses. Palatine junior Graham Brown took first at the Northside/Southside challenge on Sunday and will be in the hunt. Hersey junior David Rodriguez will make an impact.
— Michael Eaken