I just saw Leedke wasn't entered for Carmel. Unless they return to the where they were the week of Nike Twilight, I don't think they will make NXN. If Leedke is removed from the state meet results, Carmel loses to both Zionsville and Center Grove. Add in Plainfield South and Mason, and they slide all the way back to fifth, which would make them ineligible for an NXN bid.
I just saw Leedke wasn't entered for Carmel. Unless they return to the where they were the week of Nike Twilight, I don't think they will make NXN. If Leedke is removed from the state meet results, Carmel loses to both Zionsville and Center Grove. Add in Plainfield South and Mason, and they slide all the way back to fifth, which would make them ineligible for an NXN bid.
If Carmel doesn’t make NXN without Leedke, the good news for them is that they will be very young this year. They will return 5 guys under 16 just like Noblesville. They are looking to be the best 2 in the region next year unless a team from Illinois comes out of the Woodwork
Mason Oh has 3 issues:
- Neuberger (last year’s 1 nonsenior) had health issues and is now midpack JV
- Their #1 (Isaac S) dropped out at state. He better not at NXR
- Xu (their regular 2 or 3 guy) had some underwhelming last few races. He was only their 5th at state
Another team to watch will be Hinsdale Central IL. Their 5th runner is making progress and they lost to Plainfield South by only 1 point.
I just saw Leedke wasn't entered for Carmel. Unless they return to the where they were the week of Nike Twilight, I don't think they will make NXN. If Leedke is removed from the state meet results, Carmel loses to both Zionsville and Center Grove. Add in Plainfield South and Mason, and they slide all the way back to fifth, which would make them ineligible for an NXN bid.
If Carmel doesn’t make NXN without Leedke, the good news for them is that they will be very young this year. They will return 5 guys under 16 just like Noblesville. They are looking to be the best 2 in the region next year unless a team from Illinois comes out of the Woodwork
Mason Oh has 3 issues:
- Neuberger (last year’s 1 nonsenior) had health issues and is now midpack JV
- Their #1 (Isaac S) dropped out at state. He better not at NXR
- Xu (their regular 2 or 3 guy) had some underwhelming last few races. He was only their 5th at state
Another team to watch will be Hinsdale Central IL. Their 5th runner is making progress and they lost to Plainfield South by only 1 point.
This race will be SO interesting!!!
There are only four at large bids up for grabs. If they finish fourth, I'm guessing they will be on the outside looking in. Other than Mathison and Provenzano, the rest of the team hasn't replicated what they did at twilight, and I would guess the committee at least partially looks at how teams are trending. I think if they finish third they are probably able to get in on the strength of Mathison and Provenzano and their resume.
Predictions for 2023? On the boys side, Carmel is the most likely to win again. They lose 4 seniors from state, but they return 5 guys from the championship race NXR squad. They will come into the season with a chip on their shoulder after not making NXN (because they were missing their #3).
Noblesville is looking to get second, but will give Carmel a run for their money. It will be hard for both of these teams to autoqualify for NXN at the same time, since Downers Grove North made it and they keep most of their guys.
And Carmel has more depth beyond their top 5. Noblesville has the whole offseason to find a 6 and 7 for next year.
For Individuals, it will be a tight battle between Anthony Provenzano and Cameron Todd. It was very close between the 2 at state. I think Cameron Todd will take it because he made nationals for champs sports but Provenzano didn’t.