Foot Locker Girls Northeast Preview

This looks to be very impressive out front.  Much like last year, the race favorite looks to come from Pennsylvania.  Briana Schwartz (PA), most known for her track speed over the distance events, enters the meet after impressive runs all season long, including a title at the PA State Meet.  However, she'll be chased by last year's top returner, Hannan Debalsi (CT).  The nation's top returner has taken a very pointed approach to the season, with the goal of a Foot Locker title at the forefront.  Starting her season especially late (not unlike top boys returner Grant Fisher), Debalsi has been rounding into form over the past few months.  While she hasn't been challenged in her finishing positions, we also haven't seen her at full strength.  Her seasons work may not be indicative of her final strength, and what may be predicted as a close race could very well turn out to not be.

Another pair of PA'ers look to make up the chase pack.  Madeline Davison (PA) finished nearly 20 seconds behind Schwartz at their State Meet, but that is more indicative of Schwartz strength than anything else.  Six seconds behind Davison was Marissa Sheva (PA). The two look to be up front with familiarity, as each are slated to finish very close.  But they'll have some company from the north.  Emma McMillan (RI) had a healthy win over the states best on the first of November.  In what was her season's best mark, she simply needs to repeat to ensure her spot in San Diego.

Things get muddier the deeper you go.  New York sends two strong individuals in Carly Benson (West Genesee), who hails from the program that brought Laura Leff, and then State Champ Katherine Lee (Shoreham-Wading River).  New Jersey fills out the rest of the ranks, as Alyssa Aldridge, Devon Grisbaum, and Catherine Pagano all look very evenly matched.

This race looks to be wide open at all positions, and will excite through the finish line.