2. Buchanan (CA)
- - -
Analysis: The Bears lost two key pieces in Grace Hutchison and Sydney Sundgren -- both 2023 graduates -- but talent remains in spades. In fact, five returners are back for the fall season, including up-and-comers Sierra Cornett and Elliana Lomeli.
Those two, along with the rest of the squad, return with the fastest 5K average in the country at 17:45.73. Now, times aren't everything.
But when it comes to results, Buchanan has proven it's among the best in the CIF, Division I or otherwise. Last year this team won the Division I title, was fastest in the CIF merge and then finished third at NXN, only behind Saratoga Springs and Niwot.
The latter team remains incredibly strong, as does Saratoga Springs, but California has the reputation it does for a reason -- its teams don't mess around.
Buchanan has the potential to win a national title in 2023.
RANK | DATE - TEAM |
|---|---|
| 25 | Aug. 29 -- Northwest Nelson (TX) |
| 24 | Aug. 29 -- Minnetonka (MN) |
| 23 | Aug. 29 -- Assumption (KY) |
| 22 | Aug. 29 -- Rancho Cucamonga (CA) |
| 21 | Aug. 29 -- Los Altos (CA) |
| 20 | Aug. 30 -- Campolindo (CA) |
| 19 | Aug. 31 -- North Allegheny (PA) |
| 18 | Sept. 1 -- Ventura (CA) |
| 17 | Sept. 2 -- Boise Senior (ID) |
| 16 | Sept. 3 -- Lucas Lovejoy (TX) |
| 15 | Sept. 5 -- American Fork (UT) |
| 14 | Sept. 6 -- The Webb School (TN) |
| 13 | Sept. 7 -- JSerra Catholic (CA) |
| 12 | Sept. 7 -- Portland Jesuit (OR) |
| 11 | Sept. 7 -- Elmhurst York (IL) |
| 10 | Sept. 7 -- Southlake Carroll (TX) |
| 9 | Sept. 8 -- Mt. Prospect (IL) |
| 8 | Sept. 8 -- Mountain Vista (CO) |
| 7 | Sept. 8 -- Saratoga Springs (NY) |
| 6 | Sept. 8 -- Cuthbertson (NC) |
| 5 | Sept. 9 -- Flower Mound (TX) |
| 4 | Sept. 9 -- Air Academy (CO) |
| 3 | Sept. 9 -- Lone Peak (UT) |
| 2 | Sept. 9 -- Buchanan (CA) |
| 1 | Sept. 9 -- Niwot (CO) |