The Preseason MileSplit50 Top 25 Girls Team Rankings

No. 19: Cherry Creek (CO)

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Analysis: This team will be young, with two sophomores inside the team's first three, but don't sleep on Cherry Creek, the state's reigning runner-ups in Class 5A. The underlying numbers are there, with two performers who have produced times under 18 minutes for 5K -- Addison Price and Paisley Piepgras -- along with two more under 19 minutes. 

The first seven runners heading into this year have all broken 19:20. If the coaching staff at Cherry Creek can capitalize off of its promise, finding the right blueprint across the first half of the season and then striking when the iron is hot in the second, then this team will be able to compete for a top three finish at state.  

Biggest Question: How will Cherry Creek play as the underdog? 

For the last few seasons, Cherry Creek has acted and competed like its lineup suggested: The favorite. But this year, this team will be looking inward, with Arapahoe and Valor Christian as strong as ever. Will an underdog mentality suit this team well? How will the girls respond in that position in 2022? If Cherry Creek can find results across a crowded and talented Colorado landscape, then good things are in store for this program. 

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