The Printout:
What an insightful power weekend that was produced within this classification. After all that was said and done, the gap between the top seven teams is not too large for one to overcome. It is still very early in the season, which means teams have time to continue to organize and mobilize their forces.
The winner coming out of the weekend by the slimmest of margins is Grayslake Central. Led by the double state leader in the shot and discus Julia Reglewski, the Rams also gain contributions from Mia Morello, Bella Domier, and some long relays. How long can they hold down this top spot? We will find out over the next few weeks.
Homewood-Flossmoor, still the defending state champions opened their 2021 campaign and showed some, but not all, of their cards. Look for the Lady Vikings led by Ana-Liese Torian (So) and Alex Edison (Jr) to help raise the bar for the rest of the team.
No one has been mentioning the name of the Evanston Wildkits, that should change after this week as the squad dropped state-leading times in three relays against top competition. Word is that they are missing a piece or two for a few more weeks, uh oh.
Naperville North, a distance powerhouse, is leaning on aces such as Campbell Petersen, Maggie Gamboa, and Audrey Mendrys. Don't forget about the emerging Josie Bond and Lucy Westlake. The Huskies are gaining help from the non-distance side too which should make some worry.
Prospect is on the rise and it's not about the usual distance running prowess. The rise of Daria Tersina, to go along with their long relays make them a threat on the state level. Don't snooze on the rest of the top ten as it is early and many have not rolled out their full lineup.