1. Lisle (Benet Academy)
Coach: Katie Paski
Last Season: 2A STATE CHAMPIONS
Key Returners: Emily Spellman (Sr.), Elizabeth Camic (Sr.), Meaghan Andrews (Sr.), Joy Jackson (Sr.), Amelia Parisi (Jr.), Mary Weber (Jr.), Louisa Diamond (So.), Kelly Andrews (Sr.)
Breakdown: The defending state champions will have a little bit of a different look for 2020, but not from the roster perspective-- the entire top seven returns from last year. Head Coach Scott Brooks retired on top and handed the program to former assistant Katie Paski. The Redwings returns all starting seven harriers from an impeccable run and is the safe favorite for the 2020 championship. This team is an interchangeable pack of runners, all of whom could finish all-state. The pack is typically lead by Emily Spellman and Elizabeth Camic, although Joy Jackson, Amelia Parisi, and Meaghan Andrews spend time in the front as well. Mary Weber, Louisa Diamond, and Kelly Andrews each could score on any given day for the Redwings. Their depth makes them fit to weather a number of injuries.
The Redwings is so strong this year that without the potential of a state championship meet, it is unlikely they would be challenged by any 2A competition this year. Benet will have to test its mettle against 3A competition in its area, particularly the Naperville schools, but should be able to hold its own as it would project to a top-10 3A team. The status of Benet to repeat as state champions are also uncertain, since 2021 classifications would put Benet back in 3A under the current rules, although it is unclear at the moment whether this procedure will be followed. But as it is, Benet was a true champion last year and will have to have their trophy taken from them by a remarkable challenger because they will not be giving it up easily the strength they return in 2020.