It's the most wonderful time of the year for distance running fans, an

By Colin Altevogt

Girls Running Sports Coordinator

It's the most wonderful time of the year for distance running fans, and our Colin Altevogt brings you all the latest in his 2,500-word look at the upcoming state finals. Westfield and Culver Academies' Alex Banfich attempt to make it three in a row, but our chief expert in girls running says don't crown a team just yet.

The individual medals go 25 deep now, and the field has expanded to six teams from each semistate. Perhaps in a time when the complaints of disparity and exclusion of good teams and individuals is strongest, the response was to make more people feel good. Regardless, the Laverne Gibson course can hold many more teams, and now 24 schools as well as a handful of individuals will do battle in the state finals this Saturday.

Two pretty historic feats will be attempted. Westfield will be going for its third straight team title, while Culver senior Alex Banfich looks for a three-peat crown as individual state champion. The latter is nearly a foregone conclusion, while the team race may be closer than first imagined. The last team to take three consecutive state titles was the last school to win before Westfield. Valparaiso had its streak snapped in 2005 after winning the previous three state championships.

Individually, no girl has won three straight titles since Kankakee Valley's Celeste Susnis, who reigned from 1987-1989. Brebeuf's Courtney Adams also won three championships but had her streak interrupted in 1994 by rival Amy Yoder of East Noble. A win by Banfich puts her in elite company and may even help stake claim as the greatest Indiana distance runner ever.

It's one time for all-time this weekend at the 27th IHSAA cross country state finals. Here is a breakdown of the biggest meet of the season:

The Favorite

Westfield

As always, to be the best, you have to beat the best. There's no dodging the Shamrocks. Westfield's semistate victory last week gives the "Rocks a two-year unbeaten streak by Indiana teams. While this year's result is far from a foregone conclusion, the champs look very tough to beat. Senior Maggie Bingham and junior Kaitlyn Love were second and fourth in the semistate and finished second and eighth in last year's state finals. The two are no strangers to state meet team success either. Bingham's teams have finished second, first and first in her three previous state cross country meets.

Freshman Waverly Neer has a good chance to be in the top 25 as well. The key for a "Rock three-peat will be senior Breanne Ehrman and freshman Breanna Smith. Ehrman was 22nd at the state meet her sophomore year and is certainly a good candidate to have a breakout race. Smith has also raced very well in the past. Since the "Rocks should be leading through three, the two just need to clean up. With the depth of some of the other top teams, however, that may be difficult.

The Contender

Lake Central

The Indians have a legitimate shot to dethrone the champs. Lake Central broke the New Prairie Semistate record with an incredible score of 32 points. In fact, the Indians had a 1-5 gap of 43 seconds with the fifth runner coming in at 19:37. The meet boils down to Lake Central's depth having to overcome the superstars of Westfield.

Lake Central isn't without stars in their own right. The super sophomore duo of Dana Payonk and Megan Plenus could be in the top 15 both as individuals. The two shouldn't see too many points separating them from Bingham and Love. At the three through five spots, the Indians can definitely match up against Westfield. In order to hoist up the bigger of the two wooden Indianas, the Indians need to take advantage of their superior depth by burying Westfield's last two scorers as deep as possible. But that's easier to write about than actually execute.

The Darkhorse

Carmel

In 2005, Westfield was defeated the entire regular season and all the way through the tournament up until the semistate by Carmel. At the state meet, Westfield got the better of the "Hounds as the "Rocks won the state meet with Carmel finishing third. Can the "Hounds turn the table on their Hamilton County rival two years later?

Carmel has a great pack that appears to lack frontrunners. The Sisters McCurdy should be key here. If the girls can recover from their ailments for the state meet and finish in the top 25, they could also receive an All-State performance from rising freshman star Alex Chitwood who has improved in leaps and bounds since ending her JV soccer season.

Podium Potential

Bloomington North

The Cougars started off very slowly, losing to Columbus North and Bloomington South frequently early on. Bloomington North has since closed the gap on their cross-town rival, getting drilled in the sectional before losing the tiebreaker at the regional and laying down the law in their semistate victory. Semistate runner-up Molly Hirt is a potential All-Stater. Everyone else needs a big race, but those seem to be coming at just the right time for the Cougars.

Bloomington South

The Panthers were slammed by their cross-town foes at the semistate, but don't forget that was the first time of the year. South ran very well at the conference meet, sectional and regional in victories over North. The two just appear to be headed in opposite directions. It's a long season for a young team and the Panthers have five freshmen in their top five. But on one day, in one race, anything can happen.

Carroll (Fort Wayne)

Great frontrunning makes the Chargers a near lock for the podium. Freshman Brianna Johnson's breakout race earned her an individual semistate championship as well as the state's fourth best time. Senior teammate Chelsea Blanchard actually owns the third best performance, though she was nearly a minute back in fifth place last weekend. If both of the Charger frontrunners are in the top ten, the depth to medal is assured.

Columbus North

Oh, how history repeats itself. In 2001, the Dogs got a move-in from the Lafayette area named Christian Wagner. A team that finished ninth in the semistate exploded throughout the season to finish on the podium at the state meet with an inexperienced team. Fast forward six years and switch genders. Enter Siri Retrum. The sophomore finished 12th at the Franklin Central Semistate and may very well be on her way to All-State honors. The rest of the team has packed fiercely behind her. What order the next six finish is often a mystery, but the further up the pack races, the greater the chance for some necklaces.

Indianapolis Cathedral

Climbing back to the top of the mountain, the Irish are back in the state finals after a one-year lay off. Perennial All-Stater Katy Achtien gives Cathedral the necessary frontrunning. The last podium may spot may very well come down to the packs of Cathedral against Northridge and Columbus North. The Irish tied with Columbus North last week, losing on the sixth runner. It could be that close again.

Northridge

No stranger to the podium, the Raiders have finished in the medals in three of the past five seasons. The two missing years saw Northridge finish sixth. Like Columbus North, the Raiders line-up seems virtually interchangeable with each runner moving up and down the depth chart every meet. Seniors Karissa Cominator and Hannah Miller are outside shots at the top 25, but if Northridge is to medal it will come from the strength of the pack.

Top 10 Types

Center Grove

The Trojans rode three horses in Sarah Higgens, Shelbi Burnett and Sophie Paquette to the state meet. Center Grove is just a little short on depth to contend for a podium spot after finishing fourth last season.

DeKalb

Sophomore Autumn Beachy could be in the top 25 as an individual. The Barons were tough in the semistate after being defeated by West Noble in the seciontal and regional. State meet veterans Rachel Hissong and Emily Iddins lead the rest of the Barons.

Goshen

After knocking on the door last season, the "Skins have broken into the state meet. Goshen doesn't have any real All-State threats but Rachel Hollinger-Janzen was in the top 15 at the semistate. Sophomore Jillian Zimmerman has run much better than her performance last week and should see improvement this weekend.

Indianapolis Chatard

The Trojans have come on strong toward the end of the season after being lit up in some early meets. Chatard was just 18 points behind Cathedral and Columbus North at the semistate, though the Trojans probably lack the depth to finish in the medals. Potential All-Stater Carly Sobolewski should be huge in putting Chatard in the top ten.

Valparaiso

Tradition never graduates. The Vikings are back in the state meet despite bringing back just two from last year's line-up. Junior Megan Ranegar has top ten potential while the next four come in fairly close after her. The Vikes will end their streak of eight straight championship or runner-up finishes at the state meet but getting here was quite an accomplishment in itself.

West Lafayette

The Devils were a surprising second at the New Prairie Semistate, beating Valpo by seven points. The frontrunning of junior Linsey Daluga and freshman Kaisa Goodman is a big help to West Side since the depth of many teams isn't there.

West Noble

The Chargers have been one of the biggest surprise teams in the state. West Noble has four freshman in its top five, including the Peterson sisters who both finished in the top 15 at the New Haven Semistate. The Chargers definitely didn't run the best race of the season at the semistate, meaning there may be more in the tank for this weekend.

Happy To Be Here

Chesterton

The Trojans are looking to start a new string of state finals appearances after missing last year's meet. Chesterton joins Center Grove, Fort Wayne Concordia and Heritage Hills as the happiest sixth place girls teams ever at a semistate.

Culver Academies

Two-time defending state champion Alex Banfich will make her fourth straight appearance at the state finals with her team. Before that, the Eagles had never gone the distance.

Fort Wayne Concordia Lutheran

The Cadets are in their seventh straight state finals and their first in the post-Peterson era.

Heritage Hills

The alma mater of Jay Cutler is in the state finals after finishing a close ninth in last year's semistate.

Madison

A solid top two in Chelsea Stephen and Kristen Hart should make the Cubs competitive in the lower half of the field.

Munster

The Mustangs are in their first state finals in over a decade thanks to the trio of Devin Gosberry, Jessica Kitchell and Lyndsey Kunz who all finished in the top 25 at New Prairie.

New Albany

New Albany is in its first state finals since 2002 when the finished 20th.

Terre Haute North

Amy Hamilton's decision to run has the Patriots in their fourth straight state finals.

I have vacillated all week between the top two teams. All dynasties eventually run into other dynasties, ultimately culminating in an historic battle. The Bulls had to beat the Pistons. The Colts eventually toppled the Patriots. In 2005, Westfield upended Valparaiso and became the crown program in Indiana up to today. We're in for a battle of current and potential dynasties this Saturday.

It's hard, and most likely stupid, to pick against the champs. But man, is it fun to call the upset!

Predictions

1. Lake Central

2. Westfield

3. Carmel

4. Carroll (Fort Wayne)

5. Northridge

6. Columbus North

7. Bloomington North

8. Indianapolis Cathedral

9. Indianapolis Chatard

10. Bloomington South

11. Valparaiso

12. West Noble

13. Center Grove

14. West Lafayette

15. DeKalb

16. Goshen

17. Munster

18. Culver

19. Fort Wayne Concordia Lutheran

20. New Albany

21. Chesterton

22. Madison

23. Terre Haute North

24. Heritage Hills

Steve Bain's Podium Picks

1. Westfield

2. Lake Central

3. Carmel

4. Columbus North

5. Carroll

INDIVIDUALS

The Legend

Alex Banfich, Culver Academies

Banfich has won four straight New Prairie Semistate titles. Her past three state meets finishes are third, first and first. She has qualified for the past two Foot Locker cross country national championships. By virtue of her track accomplishments, Banfich has won five individual state championships. She has also led her team to the only four state finals appearances in school history. On Saturday, she adds another ring.

The Race for Second

Maggie Bingham, Westfield

The Westfield senior was second last season and her intangibles are through the roof. Bingham always runs her best at the state meet and has the motivation of her team in what should be a close battle for the title. Two points would go a long way toward achieving that goal.

Valerie Burns, Penn

Burns was the runaway favorite at the New Haven Semistate but faded after leading much of the race and finished ninth. Expect the first-time cross country runner to rebound like Charles Barkley in her second ever state meet. Burns was nearly a three-time medalist in the track season with her performaces in the 4x800, 1600 and 3200. Her 18:00 time at the New Haven Classic is the second best of the season.

Brianna Johnson, Carroll

The Carroll freshman had a huge race in winning the New Haven Semistate by 44 seconds last week. Hidden in the shadow of teammate Chelsea Blanchard for much of the season, Johnson is a big meet runner who may just now be fully realizing her capabilities.

Kaitlyn Love, Westfield

The Westfield junior is used to state meet success. Love has won a team title every time she has run on the Laverne Gibson course. Her eighth place finish at last year's race was a bit of a surprise, but get used to one fact. The "Rocks roll best when it matters most.

Megan Ranegar, Valparaiso

Carrying to tradition of perhaps Indiana's most storied girls program, Ranegar challenged Banfich last week in the early parts of the race. That initiative could help her run away from the rest of the field or it could prove to be costly. Ranegar was second to Banfich at the biggest regular season meet at the Culver Invitational.

Sara Terashima, Richmond

Terashima surprised many people last year with her third place state meet finish. She was relatively absent from early season results but has come on strong to end the season after recovering from injury. Another runner who performs best in the biggest spotlight, Terashima has improved with each meet since her comeback.

Lorna Whaley, Avon

The surprise winner at last week's Franklin Central Semistate, Whaley simply ran away from a star-studded field over the final 1000 meters. Whaley's time of 18:18 ranks as the fifth best in the state, for what it's worth. She was sixth in last year's cross country state finals but placed third in both the 1600 and 3200 during the track season.

Predictions

1. Alex Banfich, Culver

2. Maggie Bingham, Westfield

3. Lorna Whaley, Avon

4. Megan Ranegar, Valparaiso

5. Sara Terashima, Richmond

6. Brianna Johnson, Carroll

7. Kaitlyn Love, Westfield

8. Alex Daugherty, Lawrence North

9. Valerie Burns, Penn

10. Chelsea Blanchard, Carroll

11. Megan Plenus, Lake Central

12. Sarah Higgens, Center Grove

13. Carly Sobolewski, Chatard

14. Dana Payonk, Lake Central

15. Lacey Oeding, Jasper

16. Molly Hirt, Bloomington North

17. Ali Hochstetler, Bethany Christian

18. Lyndsey Wall, Franklin

19. Renee Masterson, Beech Grove

20. Autumn Beachy, DeKalb

21. Siri Retrum, Columbus North

22. Kayla Sweet, Norwell

23. Waverly Neer, Westfield

24. Kristal Studer, East Central

25. Alex Chitwood, Carmel

LET'S HEAR IT! Share your thoughts on our Girls Cross Country message board .

STATE FINALS: Will we see an upset?

Published: 10/25/2007

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STATE FINALS: Will we see an upset? It's the most wonderful time of the year for distance running fans, and our Colin Altevogt brings you all the latest in his 2,500-word look at the upcoming state finals. Westfield and Culver Academies' Alex Banfich attempt to make it three in a row, but our chief expert in girls running says don't crown a team just yet ... Published: 10/25/2007 By Colin Altevogt Girls Running Sports Coordinator It's the most wonderful time of the year for distance running fans, and our Colin Altevogt brings you all the latest in his 2,500-word look at the upcoming state finals. Westfield and Culver Academies' Alex Banfich attempt to make it three in a row, but our chief expert in girls running says don't crown a team just yet. The individual medals go 25 deep now, and the field has expanded to six teams from each semistate. Perhaps in a time when the complaints of disparity and exclusion of good teams and individuals is strongest, the response was to make more people feel good. Regardless, the Laverne Gibson course can hold many more teams, and now 24 schools as well as a handful of individuals will do battle in the state finals this Saturday. Two pretty historic feats will be attempted. Westfield will be going for its third straight team title, while Culver senior Alex Banfich looks for a three-peat crown as individual state champion. The latter is nearly a foregone conclusion, while the team race may be closer than first imagined. The last team to take three consecutive state titles was the last school to win before Westfield. Valparaiso had its streak snapped in 2005 after winning the previous three state championships. Individually, no girl has won three straight titles since Kankakee Valley's Celeste Susnis, who reigned from 1987-1989. Brebeuf's Courtney Adams also won three championships but had her streak interrupted in 1994 by rival Amy Yoder of East Noble. A win by Banfich puts her in elite company and may even help stake claim as the greatest Indiana distance runner ever. It's one time for all-time this weekend at the 27th IHSAA cross country state finals. Here is a breakdown of the biggest meet of the season: The Favorite Westfield As always, to be the best, you have to beat the best. There's no dodging the Shamrocks. Westfield's semistate victory last week gives the "Rocks a two-year unbeaten streak by Indiana teams. While this year's result is far from a foregone conclusion, the champs look very tough to beat. Senior Maggie Bingham and junior Kaitlyn Love were second and fourth in the semistate and finished second and eighth in last year's state finals. The two are no strangers to state meet team success either. Bingham's teams have finished second, first and first in her three previous state cross country meets. Freshman Waverly Neer has a good chance to be in the top 25 as well. The key for a "Rock three-peat will be senior Breanne Ehrman and freshman Breanna Smith. Ehrman was 22nd at the state meet her sophomore year and is certainly a good candidate to have a breakout race. Smith has also raced very well in the past. Since the "Rocks should be leading through three, the two just need to clean up. With the depth of some of the other top teams, however, that may be difficult. The Contender Lake Central The Indians have a legitimate shot to dethrone the champs. Lake Central broke the New Prairie Semistate record with an incredible score of 32 points. In fact, the Indians had a 1-5 gap of 43 seconds with the fifth runner coming in at 19:37. The meet boils down to Lake Central's depth having to overcome the superstars of Westfield. Lake Central isn't without stars in their own right. The super sophomore duo of Dana Payonk and Megan Plenus could be in the top 15 both as individuals. The two shouldn't see too many points separating them from Bingham and Love. At the three through five spots, the Indians can definitely match up against Westfield. In order to hoist up the bigger of the two wooden Indianas, the Indians need to take advantage of their superior depth by burying Westfield's last two scorers as deep as possible. But that's easier to write about than actually execute. The Darkhorse Carmel In 2005, Westfield was defeated the entire regular season and all the way through the tournament up until the semistate by Carmel. At the state meet, Westfield got the better of the "Hounds as the "Rocks won the state meet with Carmel finishing third. Can the "Hounds turn the table on their Hamilton County rival two years later? Carmel has a great pack that appears to lack frontrunners. The Sisters McCurdy should be key here. If the girls can recover from their ailments for the state meet and finish in the top 25, they could also receive an All-State performance from rising freshman star Alex Chitwood who has improved in leaps and bounds since ending her JV soccer season. Podium Potential Bloomington North The Cougars started off very slowly, losing to Columbus North and Bloomington South frequently early on. Bloomington North has since closed the gap on their cross-town rival, getting drilled in the sectional before losing the tiebreaker at the regional and laying down the law in their semistate victory. Semistate runner-up Molly Hirt is a potential All-Stater. Everyone else needs a big race, but those seem to be coming at just the right time for the Cougars. Bloomington South The Panthers were slammed by their cross-town foes at the semistate, but don't forget that was the first time of the year. South ran very well at the conference meet, sectional and regional in victories over North. The two just appear to be headed in opposite directions. It's a long season for a young team and the Panthers have five freshmen in their top five. But on one day, in one race, anything can happen. Carroll (Fort Wayne) Great frontrunning makes the Chargers a near lock for the podium. Freshman Brianna Johnson's breakout race earned her an individual semistate championship as well as the state's fourth best time. Senior teammate Chelsea Blanchard actually owns the third best performance, though she was nearly a minute back in fifth place last weekend. If both of the Charger frontrunners are in the top ten, the depth to medal is assured. Columbus North Oh, how history repeats itself. In 2001, the Dogs got a move-in from the Lafayette area named Christian Wagner. A team that finished ninth in the semistate exploded throughout the season to finish on the podium at the state meet with an inexperienced team. Fast forward six years and switch genders. Enter Siri Retrum. The sophomore finished 12th at the Franklin Central Semistate and may very well be on her way to All-State honors. The rest of the team has packed fiercely behind her. What order the next six finish is often a mystery, but the further up the pack races, the greater the chance for some necklaces. Indianapolis Cathedral Climbing back to the top of the mountain, the Irish are back in the state finals after a one-year lay off. Perennial All-Stater Katy Achtien gives Cathedral the necessary frontrunning. The last podium may spot may very well come down to the packs of Cathedral against Northridge and Columbus North. The Irish tied with Columbus North last week, losing on the sixth runner. It could be that close again. Northridge No stranger to the podium, the Raiders have finished in the medals in three of the past five seasons. The two missing years saw Northridge finish sixth. Like Columbus North, the Raiders line-up seems virtually interchangeable with each runner moving up and down the depth chart every meet. Seniors Karissa Cominator and Hannah Miller are outside shots at the top 25, but if Northridge is to medal it will come from the strength of the pack. Top 10 Types Center Grove The Trojans rode three horses in Sarah Higgens, Shelbi Burnett and Sophie Paquette to the state meet. Center Grove is just a little short on depth to contend for a podium spot after finishing fourth last season. DeKalb Sophomore Autumn Beachy could be in the top 25 as an individual. The Barons were tough in the semistate after being defeated by West Noble in the seciontal and regional. State meet veterans Rachel Hissong and Emily Iddins lead the rest of the Barons. Goshen After knocking on the door last season, the "Skins have broken into the state meet. Goshen doesn't have any real All-State threats but Rachel Hollinger-Janzen was in the top 15 at the semistate. Sophomore Jillian Zimmerman has run much better than her performance last week and should see improvement this weekend. Indianapolis Chatard The Trojans have come on strong toward the end of the season after being lit up in some early meets. Chatard was just 18 points behind Cathedral and Columbus North at the semistate, though the Trojans probably lack the depth to finish in the medals. Potential All-Stater Carly Sobolewski should be huge in putting Chatard in the top ten. Valparaiso Tradition never graduates. The Vikings are back in the state meet despite bringing back just two from last year's line-up. Junior Megan Ranegar has top ten potential while the next four come in fairly close after her. The Vikes will end their streak of eight straight championship or runner-up finishes at the state meet but getting here was quite an accomplishment in itself. West Lafayette The Devils were a surprising second at the New Prairie Semistate, beating Valpo by seven points. The frontrunning of junior Linsey Daluga and freshman Kaisa Goodman is a big help to West Side since the depth of many teams isn't there. West Noble The Chargers have been one of the biggest surprise teams in the state. West Noble has four freshman in its top five, including the Peterson sisters who both finished in the top 15 at the New Haven Semistate. The Chargers definitely didn't run the best race of the season at the semistate, meaning there may be more in the tank for this weekend. Happy To Be Here Chesterton The Trojans are looking to start a new string of state finals appearances after missing last year's meet. Chesterton joins Center Grove, Fort Wayne Concordia and Heritage Hills as the happiest sixth place girls teams ever at a semistate. Culver Academies Two-time defending state champion Alex Banfich will make her fourth straight appearance at the state finals with her team. Before that, the Eagles had never gone the distance. Fort Wayne Concordia Lutheran The Cadets are in their seventh straight state finals and their first in the post-Peterson era. Heritage Hills The alma mater of Jay Cutler is in the state finals after finishing a close ninth in last year's semistate. Madison A solid top two in Chelsea Stephen and Kristen Hart should make the Cubs competitive in the lower half of the field. Munster The Mustangs are in their first state finals in over a decade thanks to the trio of Devin Gosberry, Jessica Kitchell and Lyndsey Kunz who all finished in the top 25 at New Prairie. New Albany New Albany is in its first state finals since 2002 when the finished 20th. Terre Haute North Amy Hamilton's decision to run has the Patriots in their fourth straight state finals. I have vacillated all week between the top two teams. All dynasties eventually run into other dynasties, ultimately culminating in an historic battle. The Bulls had to beat the Pistons. The Colts eventually toppled the Patriots. In 2005, Westfield upended Valparaiso and became the crown program in Indiana up to today. We're in for a battle of current and potential dynasties this Saturday. It's hard, and most likely stupid, to pick against the champs. But man, is it fun to call the upset! Predictions 1. Lake Central 2. Westfield 3. Carmel 4. Carroll (Fort Wayne) 5. Northridge 6. Columbus North 7. Bloomington North 8. Indianapolis Cathedral 9. Indianapolis Chatard 10. Bloomington South 11. Valparaiso 12. West Noble 13. Center Grove 14. West Lafayette 15. DeKalb 16. Goshen 17. Munster 18. Culver 19. Fort Wayne Concordia Lutheran 20. New Albany 21. Chesterton 22. Madison 23. Terre Haute North 24. Heritage Hills Steve Bain's Podium Picks 1. Westfield 2. Lake Central 3. Carmel 4. Columbus North 5. Carroll INDIVIDUALS The Legend Alex Banfich, Culver Academies Banfich has won four straight New Prairie Semistate titles. Her past three state meets finishes are third, first and first. She has qualified for the past two Foot Locker cross country national championships. By virtue of her track accomplishments, Banfich has won five individual state championships. She has also led her team to the only four state finals appearances in school history. On Saturday, she adds another ring. The Race for Second Maggie Bingham, Westfield The Westfield senior was second last season and her intangibles are through the roof. Bingham always runs her best at the state meet and has the motivation of her team in what should be a close battle for the title. Two points would go a long way toward achieving that goal. Valerie Burns, Penn Burns was the runaway favorite at the New Haven Semistate but faded after leading much of the race and finished ninth. Expect the first-time cross country runner to rebound like Charles Barkley in her second ever state meet. Burns was nearly a three-time medalist in the track season with her performaces in the 4x800, 1600 and 3200. Her 18:00 time at the New Haven Classic is the second best of the season. Brianna Johnson, Carroll The Carroll freshman had a huge race in winning the New Haven Semistate by 44 seconds last week. Hidden in the shadow of teammate Chelsea Blanchard for much of the season, Johnson is a big meet runner who may just now be fully realizing her capabilities. Kaitlyn Love, Westfield The Westfield junior is used to state meet success. Love has won a team title every time she has run on the Laverne Gibson course. Her eighth place finish at last year's race was a bit of a surprise, but get used to one fact. The "Rocks roll best when it matters most. Megan Ranegar, Valparaiso Carrying to tradition of perhaps Indiana's most storied girls program, Ranegar challenged Banfich last week in the early parts of the race. That initiative could help her run away from the rest of the field or it could prove to be costly. Ranegar was second to Banfich at the biggest regular season meet at the Culver Invitational. Sara Terashima, Richmond Terashima surprised many people last year with her third place state meet finish. She was relatively absent from early season results but has come on strong to end the season after recovering from injury. Another runner who performs best in the biggest spotlight, Terashima has improved with each meet since her comeback. Lorna Whaley, Avon The surprise winner at last week's Franklin Central Semistate, Whaley simply ran away from a star-studded field over the final 1000 meters. Whaley's time of 18:18 ranks as the fifth best in the state, for what it's worth. She was sixth in last year's cross country state finals but placed third in both the 1600 and 3200 during the track season. Predictions 1. Alex Banfich, Culver 2. Maggie Bingham, Westfield 3. Lorna Whaley, Avon 4. Megan Ranegar, Valparaiso 5. Sara Terashima, Richmond 6. Brianna Johnson, Carroll 7. Kaitlyn Love, Westfield 8. Alex Daugherty, Lawrence North 9. Valerie Burns, Penn 10. Chelsea Blanchard, Carroll 11. Megan Plenus, Lake Central 12. Sarah Higgens, Center Grove 13. Carly Sobolewski, Chatard 14. Dana Payonk, Lake Central 15. Lacey Oeding, Jasper 16. Molly Hirt, Bloomington North 17. Ali Hochstetler, Bethany Christian 18. Lyndsey Wall, Franklin 19. Renee Masterson, Beech Grove 20. Autumn Beachy, DeKalb 21. Siri Retrum, Columbus North 22. Kayla Sweet, Norwell 23. Waverly Neer, Westfield 24. Kristal Studer, East Central 25. Alex Chitwood, Carmel LET'S HEAR IT! Share your thoughts on our Girls Cross Country message board .