2022 girls cross country area watch list
Aug. 25—Players to watch
(In alphabetical order)
Lily Ayer, Jr., Cardinal: Had a strong sophomore campaign with four top-five finishes, with a best of second in the CVC Valley meet. Will be leading a young group of talented runners.
Emma Burkey, Sr., Mayfield: Had a breakout year a season ago with four top 10s and a best of second. Her 18th at district propelled the Wildcats to a team regional bid.
Brielle Collins, So., Hawken: Was a consistent member of the top 10 in every meet a season ago, capped with a 14th at state. Will need to be a leader as the goal is for a team bid this season.
Cecilija Dautovic, So., Beaumont: Took the inaugural Crown Conference title and once again will be a top runner for the Blue Streaks. Took 29th at district.
Savannah Dennison, Sr., Mentor: Last year's Runner of the Year looks to continue her march up the podium at the state meet. Finished last year with four wins and a seventh at the state meet, which was her worst finish of the season.
Eve Downs, Jr., Chardon: Posted a second at the WRC meet a season ago and had another top 10 outside of that. Will need to slot into the No. 2 spot for the Hilltoppers if they hope to reach regionals as a team.
Grace Dubsky, Jr., Geneva: Four top 10s a season ago and a solid postseason of 15th at districts and 34th at regionals. A part of a strong one-two punch for the Eagles.
Mya Evangelista, Jr., Geneva: The other half at the top of the Eagles' lineup. Another strong runner for the Eagles, recorded six top 10s a year ago.
Emerson Greene, Jr., Kenston: Had a solid sophomore campaign that was halted at regionals. Recorded four top 10 finishes with her best being a pair of third-place finishes.
Mila Gresh, Jr., Chagrin Falls: Composed a very strong postseason a year ago with a fourth and sixth at district and regional, respectively. Capped off with an All-Ohio finish of 24th at state. Will be the leader for a young Tigers squad.
Taylor Jasinski, Sr., Riverside: Found another level at the district meet, where she finished 24th to advance to her first regional meet. Also recorded a pair of top-five finishes.
Rae Kawalec, Jr., Chardon: Four top 10s a year ago, will look to be a leader for the Hilltoppers again this season. Was 54th at regionals.
Mai Ly Marella, Sr., Mayfield: Returned to form in her junior year with solid races all season, capped with the WRC title. Also advanced to the regional meet, where she finished 80th.
Elena Padley, Jr., Hawken: Had four top 10s a year ago, but just missed on the state meet with a 33rd at regionals.
Ada Sabo, Jr., Mentor: Established herself as the number two runner for the Cardinals and helped propel the team to a state berth with her 15th at regionals. Worst finish last year came at state with a 66th.
Tori Stiles, Sr., Wickliffe: A very strong junior year as she was always around the top 15, ended with a 23rd at district. Will look to take the next step to advance to the regional round.
Clare Valenza, Sr., Gilmour: Now with a year of experience under her belt, will continue to run with the front of the pack. Placed top 10 in every meet before a 17th at state. Now in D-II, will be called on to help lead the Lancers' charge.
Kelly Ward, Jr., Lake Catholic: Took second at the Crown Conference meet and 11th at district to advance to her second regional meet. With a young Cougars bunch this year, will be the leader as the team embarks on its D-III adventure.
Amy Weybrecht, Jr., Gilmour: Had four runner-up finishes a season ago, and shows no signs of slowing down. Will once again be called to be a leader for the Lancers.
