MileSplit50 Boys Team Rankings Countdown

Analysis: Four of the top seven runners from last year's NXN squad at Southlake Carroll are returning this year. Last year's top runners, rising seniors Nate Lannen and Tim McElaney, finished 82nd and 92nd at last year's NXN meet. Despite the team making it to nationals the past several years in a row, it was both athletes' first time at NXN in 2018. This year they will look to come back to nationals with experience and help their team not only make the national meet but potentially place top 10. One thing that could challenge them getting back to NXN this year is the depth of the south region. They will have to battle at least two tough teams in El Paso Eastwood that are returning five of their top seven from last year's Nike Cross Nationals meet and The Woodlands, which returns all of its top seven from a fourth-place Nike South Regional finish in 2018. The Dragons return with speed ratings of 182, 176, 167, 163, and 161. Don't be surprised if you see the Dragons again on the starting line at NXN come December--Coach Leonard always has the team ready for the big end-of-season meets.