Scouting Mid-Suburban League girls cross country
Scouting Mid-Suburban League girls cross country
Where: Willow Stream Park, Buffalo Grove
When: 10:30 a.m. Saturday
Host: Buffalo Grove
Last year’s team champion: Palatine
Last year’s individual champion: Lauren Conroy , Barrington.
Girls teams to watch: (rankings by Illinois Track and Cross Country Coaches Poll). No. 3 Palatine, No. 15 Schaumburg, Hoffman Estates, Barrington.
Girls individuals to watch: Kaitlyn Ko (So., Buffalo Grove), Brooke Wilson (Fr., Prospect), Vanessa Sanchez (Sr., Rolling Meadows), Caroline Reynolds (Sr., Barrington), Lauren Conroy (So., Bar), Zoe Shoro (So., Conant), Ayako Higuchi (Jr., Fremd), Solome Haile (Sr., Hoffman Estates), Alondra Aguirre (Jr., Hoffman Estates), Kelly O’Brien (So., Palatine), Liz Cox (Sr., Palatine), Caroline Kurdej (Jr., Schaumburg), Ellie O’Connell (Fr., Schaumburg), Ali Gutt (Jr., Schaumburg).
Outlook: Palatine has been near the top of the Class 3A rankings since the start of the season. Senior Liz Cox, Jessica Lincoln, and Cassidy McPherson give the Pirates strong leadership, and sophomore Kelly O’Brien and Sabina Yosif have given them some energy. Palatine is deep and versatile, and will be looking to win its second consecutive MSL title on Saturday. Schaumburg, Hoffman Estates, and Barrington will certainly be in the chase. Buffalo Grove sophomore Kaitlyn Ko has been strong from start to finish this season and will be favored in the individual race. Schaumburg junior Caroline Kurdej will lead Schaumburg. Barrington senior Caroline Reynolds has been strong this season and will be near the front. Hoffman Estates senior Solome Haile also has had an impressive campaign.
— Michael Eaken