The Preseason MileSplit50 Top 25 Girls Team Rankings

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No. 15: Holland West Ottawa (MI)

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Analysis: To find, build and develop a star isn't easy in high school cross country. But this year, Holland West Ottawa might have two with senior Arianne Olson and sophomore Helen Sachs. A season ago, the MHSAA Division I runner-ups saw their top runners finish third and fifth, respectively, at the state championships -- both had season PRs under 17:30 last year. Meanwhile, rising senior Megan Postma and sophomore Emma Gunnett both broke 20 minutes on the Michigan International Speedway course. 

A year later, will maturation and development turn this team into Michigan's best? Right now, based on PRs alone, Holland West Ottawa may have the most depth in the state, ahead of perennial contender Ann Arbor Pioneer. That's no small feat. If Olson, an All-American at Eastbay Nationals in 2021, can build off her brilliant junior season and lead this team from the front -- Olson ran a PR of 16:45 last year -- we believe Holland West Ottawa has an opportunity to be the best team in Michigan in 2021.

Biggest Question: Solidifying the starting five and closing the gap.

Teams who feature stars often see a major disparity between their No. 1 and No. 5 runners, in the form of a very deep spread. That likely will be the case with Holland West Ottawa in 2022, too. But if the coaching staff can build faith and shore up the compression, they'll have a major player in front of them. 

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