The Preseason MileSplit50 Top 25 Boys Team Rankings

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No. 25: Seattle Bishop Blanchet (WA)

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Analysis: The Bears are one of four teams in the Northwest who begin the year on the preseason top 25 -- and for good reason. Based on returning 5K PRs from last year, Bishop Blanchet enters with the fifth-fastest average of any team in the country. They have six returners back from a year ago. 

The squad, which consists of returning Class 3A state champion William Schneider (14:52.70) and two others with PRs under 15:20, has some legit depth and holds an average of 15:27.84 from last year's personal best times. Times alone won't do it, though.

With the likes of Portland Jesuit (OR), Central Catholic (OR) and many others -- Portland Franklin (OR), Portland Lincoln (OR) -- always lurking in this region, Bishop Blanchet will need to stand out in order to prove itself. 

But in Washington state? The Bears are the team to beat. 

Biggest Question: Early on, Bishop Blanchet will be good. But three months from now, will they be a national contender? 

We don't want to get ahead of ourselves. Bishop Blanchet will need to focus on Class 3A first -- Gig Harbor is always a tough draw -- before it looks beyond and possibly to a national meet. But it's also a fair question. Returning depth only goes so far. If the team put in the work this offseason, expect this team to make another jump. 

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