Having run 16:59, 17:01 and 17:11 at Woodward this year, it's likely that Hagen Reedy goes out with Baxter and could push her most of the way (and we could even hope for a race such as Hasay-Chetelat in the 2008 state 3200). Running in D5, Hasay never had anyone remotely close to her at State XC. Of course, Baxter doesn't need to be pushed; she just seems to run. The 16:00 at Mt. Sac was amazing to witness. She went to the front immediately and no one tried to stay near her. Same thing occurred at SS Finals, only Baxter shut down about half way and cruised in. Be interesting to see what happens on Saturday.
If she goes for the record, Baxter certainly could run in the 16:30s. Boys running 16:00 at Mt. Sac are usually projected to run near 16:20 at Woodward. This year's perfect weather at Mt. Sac probably pushes the conversion higher.