Preseason Northwest Conference Power Rankings

As always, preseason rankings are what they are – preseason rankings.  This means last year’s x-c performances and this past Spring’s track performances are the main factors considered.  Limited information is known on incoming runners, but what information is known is used.  Incoming frosh play less of a role on the boys side, but this year could be an exception as both Sehome and Bellingham have some quality freshmen entering their programs. At this point, these rankings are based mainly from returning x-c performances.  Hunches and speculation have been limited.  These rankings are a prediction of where the teams will be at the beginning of the season.  They are not a prediction of what will happen at the end of the season.  Keep in mind that with their move to 4A, Mount Vernon has moved to the WESCO Conference.

Boys

Expect the three schools from Bellingham to battle all year long.  They could be the best three teams in 2A.  Bellingham may not show up on some early State rankings as due to a strong District 1, they did not make the state meet last year.  Don’t sleep on Blaine at the 1A level.

     1.      Squalicum – return full top 7, led by defending 2A champion Gibson. Health may be key.

     2.      Sehome – return 5 of 7, a couple quality incoming frosh. Strong 1-2 with Johnsen and Henderson, with Overman looking to make it a strong three.

     3.      Bellingham – return 5 of 7, quality incoming frosh. Strong track seasons for Charboneau and Speidel.

     4.      Ferndale – Jungkuntz twins powerful 1-2 punch, can they build team around them?

     5.      Lynden Christian – return all 7 from 5^th place 1A state team, senior laden

     6.      Anacortes – bring back 4 varsity seniors

     7.      Burlington – Zabelka leads young squad

     8.      Blaine – led by Bradley and Fontes, could surprise. Bradley should contend for 1A individual title

     9.      Meridian – 5 of 7 back from 10^th place 1A State squad

    10.  Mt. Baker – move to 1A and a healthy Quintana should help

    11.  Sedro-Woolley – young squad looking for a front runner

    12.  Nooksack Valley – like Sedro Woolley, a young squad looking for a front runner with Beard’s graduation

    13.  Lynden – look for improvement as team lost only two members to graduation

Girls

Sehome is an early 2A state favorite, along with Cheney.  Bellingham and Burlington both bring back strong teams that should also have the state podium in their sights.  Look for Meridian to make a serious challenge at the 1A state level and for Mt. Baker to take advantage of their new 1A status.

  

     1.      Sehome – 5 of top 7 back including defending 2A champion Pittis, along with an infusion of freshmen talent

     2.      Bellingham – 6 of 7 back from last year’s 4^th place state team

     3.      Burlington – may be overlooked in many preseason poll’s as an off district meet in a deep district cost them a state berth last year.

     4.      Meridian – an improved Gray combined with a stand-out incoming freshman makes them very dangerous at the 1A level.

     5.      Mt. Baker – move to 1A should help, look for Baker to earn a state bid

     6.      Lynden Christian – Return 6 of 7 from 8^th place state team, led by Hielkema

     7.      Squalicum – Individual title contender Gappa, hoping to get some help around her

     8.      Nooksack Valley – 6 of 7 return from 7^th place state team

     9.      Ferndale – 6 of top 7 return from team that made big strides last year

    10.  Sedro Woolley – 6 of top 7 back from young team.  Move to 2A should be helpful for team’s   development / confidence

    11.  Lynden – All 7 girls back from last year’s team

    12.  Anacortes – Senior O’Clock leads a young team

    13.  Blaine – Return 2 runners from last’s team, led by sophomore Kiele