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No. 10 Desert Vista (AZ)
Analysis: Is it a stretch to put Desert Vista this high, this early? The Thunder haven't proved anything, even with the transfers of Grace and Lauren Ping. Desert Vista -- the alma mater of NCAA champ Dani Jones -- hasn't done that yet. But it's never too early to put some faith in potential. And while the Thunder might not strike paydirt immediately, the program has an opportunity to compete right away for a Division I state championship. Desert Vista last won a state title in 2016, and it finished fourth a season ago. It's had three state champions in school history, with Haley Wolf last winning in 2017. Either Grace, or Lauren, or returner Katy Clausen could make a case for one in 2019.
The Thunder return their top five from the AIA Division I Championships last year. And as the example of Loudoun Valley has shown, transfers can have an immediate impact. But success takes many forms, and it's not always physical. When a team's willingness to buy into one another fully is realized, then that's when you start to see things truly start to flourish. If Desert Vista can fit all the pieces together, it will be a dangerous team to watch in 2019.
Biggest question: Can the Thunder strike a balance?
That may seem like a broad question. But it strikes at the heart of what could make Desert Vista special. Running is one thing. Finding your purpose within the ranks is another. What's everyone's individual gamep plan in 2019, and how will this team go about making everyone's personal goals part of the team's overall mission?
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MileSplit50 Girls Team National Rankings Countdown
25 -- Link | Aug. 20 -- East Grand Rapids (MI) |
24 -- Link | Aug. 20 -- Farmington (MN) |
23 -- Link | Aug. 20 -- North Allegheny (PA) |
22 -- Link | Aug. 20 -- Zionsville Community (IN) |
21 -- Link | Aug. 20 -- Flower Mound (TX) |
20 -- Link | Aug. 21 -- Prosper (TX) |
19 -- Link | Aug. 22 -- Ann Arbor Pioneer (MI) |
18 -- Link | Aug. 23 -- Downers Grove South (IL) |
17 -- Link | Aug. 24 -- STMA (MN) |
16 -- Link | Aug. 25 -- Lone Peak (UT) |
15 -- Link | Aug. 26 -- Mountain Vista (CO) |
14 -- Link | Aug. 27 -- Saratoga Springs (NY) |
13 -- Link | Aug. 28 -- Edina (MN) |
12 -- Link | Aug. 29 -- Bozeman (MT) |
11 -- Link | Aug. 30 -- Niwot (CO) |
10 -- Link | Aug. 31 -- Desert Vista (AZ) |
9 -- Link | Sept. 1 -- Yorkville (IL) |
8 -- Link | Sept. 2 -- Saugus (CA) |
7 -- Link | Sept. 3 -- Naperville North (IL) |
6 -- Link | Sept. 4 -- Beavercreek (OH) |
5 -- Link | Sept. 6 -- Great Oak (CA) |
4 -- Link | Sept. 6 -- North Central (WA) |
3 -- Link | Sept. 6 -- Fayetteville-Manlius (NY) |
2 -- Link | Sept. 6 -- Wayzata (MN) |
1 -- Link | Sept. 6 -- Summit (WA) |