MileSplit50 Girls Team Rankings Countdown

No. 18 Downers Grove South (IL)

Analysis: All indications point to a strong season for Downers Grove South. Fairly or unfairly, the Mustangs missed out on an NXN bid a year ago simply by virtue of subjectivity: The Midwest was one of the toughest regions in NXN, but no at-larges came from it. Downers Grove South, which finished third, was essentially the first team out.

And it left a sour taste in Downers Grove South's plans. 

But the good news is this: The team has five returners from last year's top seven, including frontrunner Brenna Cohoon, who finished 18th at NXR Midwest in 18:12.8. She's one of three seniors on this year's team, which sports an average based on season best 2018 times of 18:53.38. Like most teams, the Mustangs will need to find capable and consistent runners on their back-end. That could ultimately separate this team from simply being good, or potentially being great. Because no surprise, the Midwest is back in full force yet again, with even more heavy-hitters. 

Downers Grove had a consistent year in 2018, with third-place finishes at the IHSA Class 3A Championships, the Naperville Twilight Invitational and the Roy Griak Invitational. 

Biggest question: Does Downers Grove South have enough firepower to vie for a redemption bid to NXN? 

This will only be answered in due time. There's no doubt the Mustangs have strong runners in its top ranks, but the 5-6-7 positions will need some work. If the team can find a reliable runner in those ranks, that compression will narrow significantly.