Uncategorized

2024 Regional Projections: Division 3 Girls

Finally, the start of the season we’ve all been waiting for. Throw out all the fast times from September, but apply all the lessons learned through the summer and fall. Regional week is here and with it comes the many projections and previews I’ll write.

Just as last year and throughout the season, I’m projecting these using race simulations. Through a season’s worth of speed ratings, one can determine a runner’s average rating and the variability of those ratings. Both those factors are then weighed towards more recent meets, which are then simulated thousands of times using a Monte Carlo analysis (also described by TullyRunners here). Over those thousands of race simulations, one can determine a team’s average place and average score, a runner’s average place, odds on winning, and odds on qualifying.

These are useful in cross country scenarios, where you have consistent runners and those who are a bit more up and down. For example:

Tanner TimeTanner RatingTanner Avg.Tanner StDev.
15:30210  
15:45205  
16:00200  
16:15195  
16:301902007.91
MIXCSR TimeMIXCSR RatingMIXCSR Avg.MIXCSR StDev.
16:09197  
16:12196  
16:15195  
16:18194  
16:211931951.58

Jacob at his best might be faster than I in four of the five races during the season. I’d almost never be All-State in Division 1, but he might contend for a top-5 spot or place 60th.

If we did 20 simulations, this is how it might turn out:

RaceTanner Avg.Tanner StDevTanner RatingMIXCSR Avg.MIXCSR StDevMIXCSR Rating
12007.9202.11951.6195.6
22007.9196.21951.6194.1
32007.9190.01951.6199.2
42007.9193.41951.6192.5
52007.9206.81951.6195.7
62007.9201.81951.6196.1
72007.9171.61951.6194.9
82007.9189.21951.6195.9
92007.9205.51951.6197.0
102007.9203.81951.6192.6
112007.9192.31951.6196.5
122007.9196.91951.6196.4
132007.9198.51951.6195.6
142007.9203.21951.6194.1
152007.9193.91951.6192.6
162007.9199.31951.6193.2
172007.9208.71951.6194.2
182007.9213.71951.6194.6
192007.9212.61951.6197.1
202007.9206.31951.6193.9

I’d win four times, but I’d never have the ability to win a title like he had in Race 18. He’s usually All-State, but may cost his team a title through his effort in Race 7.

The simulations give the possibilities of those scenarios and all the various scoring scripts. A sixth girl that can pop off on any certain day, a reliable boy who always runs 17-flat, you name it. Hopefully, they better elucidate our contenders, qualifiers, and how these races play out over the weekend.

But always remember, races aren’t run on paper or on a computer. These projections are meant to better our sport, give more attention where little is given. Although I take pride in their accuracy, this endeavor would be quite boring if it were always perfect. I look forward to these being proven wrong and I expect to hear about it as well.

Is this the same intro from last year? Heck yeah. Let’s roll through these regionals!

Region 19

Summer Projections
Mid-Season

What’s the Battle?

The pristine NW corner of the state will be home to a fierce competition for a qualifying spot. Elk Rapids has been a presence on the D3 scene for the past few years, Boyne City hasn’t qualified for State in 20+ seasons. Both the Ramblers and Elks are strong up front; thus, this will likely come down to the 3rd thru 7th girls.

Team

Projected PlaceTeamAvg. ScoreAvg. PlaceWin %Qualify %State Rank
1Traverse City St. Francis261.095+95+2
2Clare792.095+15
3Boyne City1333.18734
4Elk Rapids1483.91338
5Charlevoix1826.153
6Cheboygan1836.251
7Grayling1836.455
8Tawas1947.559
9Kalkaska2159.067
10Farwell23210.174
11Standish-Sterling24310.778
12Roscommon27212.086
13Harrison34713.099

Individual

Projected PlaceGradeNameTeamAvg. Place
112Betsy SkendzelTraverse City St. Francis1.0
210Sophia BuzzelliClare2.2
312Mary MasserantTraverse City St. Francis3.3
410Molly Kate HollandsworthTraverse City St. Francis3.7
512Isabelle EppertFarwell6.4
610Nico TrieboldGrayling8.3
710Emily DunphyTraverse City St. Francis8.5
811Brynne SchulteElk Rapids9.7
911Paige RitchieTraverse City St. Francis10.5
109Hailee BertelsBoyne City11.6
1111Anna PrayElk Rapids12.1
1212Alyssa RunyanTawas12.4
1312Hunter ShellenbargerElk Rapids13.2
149Emma KerrTraverse City St. Francis14.8
1511Delaney LittleBoyne City16.1
1610Lauren LeisClare16.2
179Leah LeisClare16.3
1810Stella HoudekTraverse City St. Francis17.1
1911Tierney HartmanGrayling17.9
2012Maya RohrerCharlevoix22.5
2111Olivia ForsbergClare23.2
2212Avery LopezOscoda23.8
2310Elizabeth LethererClare24.0
2412Ashley NguyenTawas24.1
259Aaliyah HillierKalkaska24.3
2610Cloee RuppCheboygan28.3
2711Rachel DhaseleerCharlevoix28.5
289Kylee JenkinsKalkaska29.1
2910Catie JanisseRoscommon30.3
3010Davylynn ChristieStandish-Sterling31.6

Region 20

Summer Projections
Mid-Season

What’s the Battle?

Can Remus Chippewa Hills spark some magic and knock off a Hart or McBain. Three years ago, the Warriors sprung a massive upset on their home course, setting off a streak of three straight state qualifying teams. In order to make it four, they’ll have to go through the traditionally strong Hart team and a McBain outfit that just dominated the Highland Conference.

Team

Projected PlaceTeamAvg. ScoreAvg. PlaceWin %Qualify %State Rank
1Benzie Central521.095+95+5
2Hart912.59011
3McBain962.88312
4Remus Chippewa Hills1103.62716
5Lake City1625.428
6Manistee1695.726
7Reed City2027.239
8Leroy Pine River2218.158
9Shelby2358.954
10Lakeview25610.065
11Mason County Central27211.071
12Manton28511.775
13Kingsley33313.088
14Morley-Stanwood41914.098

Individual

Projected PlaceGradeNameTeamAvg. Place
110Kamryn SalladayLakeview1.1
29Caelyn TorryMcBain2.8
39Avery KellyBenzie Central3.1
412Nora GrossnickleBenzie Central3.3
59Madisyn WansteadLeroy Pine River5.5
612Megan GottschallLake City6.9
79Dory SimonRemus Chippewa Hills8.6
810Natalie RosemaHart8.7
99Avalynne AlleeLeroy Pine River9.4
1012Nevia ChimonasBenzie Central10.6
1111Quinn HatfieldRemus Chippewa Hills10.9
1210Lydia SoelbergShelby11.4
139Alaina SchanerHart14.5
149Lilly WhaleyBenzie Central15.1
1512Lexie Beth NienhuisHart16.1
1610Kayden HintonMcBain16.4
1712Audrey HuizingaManistee19.7
189Maggie McClellanBenzie Central19.9
1910Maylan SandersMason County Central20.7
2010Betsy GoodenManton21.1
219Faith HelselLake City21.5
2211Elizabeth OntisRemus Chippewa Hills21.9
2312Chelsi EisengaMcBain22.4
2412Clara SmoesReed City23.2
259Madilynn FancettMcBain27.1
269Joselyn FloresHart28.3
2711Georgia HaagManistee28.3
289Bryn RileyHart28.9
2910Marlowe WalcottReed City29.0
3012Harriet KidderHart29.5

Region 21

Summer Projections
Mid-Season

What’s the Battle?

Who can make it back between Grandville Calvin Christian and Grand Rapids NorthPointe Christian. Calvin Christian had been a mainstay for forever in D3, hitting a bit of a lull these past few years. NorthPointe hasn’t made it to the Finals since 2012. A week ago in the OK Silver Final, the Squires bested the Mustangs by 9 points, largely on the strength of their top-2 girls who hit sub-20’s.

Team

Projected PlaceTeamAvg. ScoreAvg. PlaceWin %Qualify %State Rank
1Muskegon Western Michigan Christian701.37495+9
2Grand Rapids Covenant Christian761.72695+10
3Grandville Calvin Christian1163.45919
4Grand Rapids NorthPointe Christian1223.64123
5Saranac1866.050
6Olivet1875.645
7Newaygo1996.952
8The Potter’s House2158.460
9Kent City2208.962
10Holland Black River2279.266
11Montague27011.077
12Delton-Kellogg30212.483
13North Muskegon30612.684
14Ravenna36214.195
15Grant38314.897

Individual

Projected PlaceGradeNameTeamAvg. Place
112Lila VolkersKent City1.4
212Grace VanderkooiMuskegon Western Michigan Christian1.9
39Elliana MaxKent City3.0
410Shelby KuiperGrand Rapids Covenant Christian3.8
512Morgan LawrenceMuskegon Western Michigan Christian6.9
610Laura CastrejonNewaygo6.9
710Leah SnellerMuskegon Western Michigan Christian7.6
812Lola BryceGrandville Calvin Christian7.7
99Tiya FeldpauschOlivet8.5
1012Hannah GeaneyThe Potter’s House9.5
1111Emily PetersOlivet11.2
1210Lydia MinderhoudGrand Rapids Covenant Christian13.8
1310Marnath TuolGrandville Calvin Christian14.9
149Ellason FosterNewaygo15.6
1510Anna DeVriesGrand Rapids Covenant Christian16.3
1610Kaylie RiksenMuskegon Western Michigan Christian16.6
179Danika LopezGrand Rapids NorthPointe Christian17.4
1812Ava WilsonGrand Rapids NorthPointe Christian18.5
199Esther CahillSaranac20.2
209Abbie KooleGrand Rapids Covenant Christian21.7
2112Kylie MainDelton-Kellogg22.9
2211Amber KuiperGrand Rapids Covenant Christian23.2
2310Jenna TerpstraGrand Rapids NorthPointe Christian23.7
2412Alyssa PossehnSaranac24.6
2510Ava LangerakGrand Rapids Covenant Christian26.0
2611Sylvia SkujinsNorth Muskegon26.6
2711Dylan BosmaGrand Rapids NorthPointe Christian27.1
289Joellah BouwmanGrandville Calvin Christian28.3
2912Grace TorschMontague28.7
3010Faith JenkinsGrandville Calvin Christian28.8

Region 22

Summer Projections
Mid-Season

What’s the Battle?

Which of the two will make it between Buchanan, Schoolcraft, and Union City? Both Schoolcraft and Buchanan have more depth, though Parker Williams is coming strong for Union City.

Team

Projected PlaceTeamAvg. ScoreAvg. PlaceWin %Qualify %State Rank
1Saugatuck641.19095+14
2Buchanan792.578922
3Schoolcraft863.16829
4Union City923.54125
5Kalamazoo Christian1214.940
6Niles Brandywine1626.257
7Fennville1786.961
8Watervliet2168.376
9Centreville2439.582
10Bangor2459.579
11Hartford27610.791
12Constantine34812.096
13Bloomingdale40513.4100
14Comstock40513.6101

Individual

Projected PlaceGradeNameTeamAvg. Place
110Isabelle SliterFennville1.0
212Alaina KloosterKalamazoo Christian3.6
312Skyler FraleyUnion City3.6
410Lyvia CurtisSaugatuck4.2
512Madeline YoungBuchanan4.6
611Alina MartinsonSaugatuck5.9
710Kamryn SixberrySaugatuck6.1
810Allison GautscheUnion City7.4
912Ariana PillotSchoolcraft9.2
109Alison MurrayNiles Brandywine11.8
1111Alaina NagelBuchanan13.8
129Olivia BaysSchoolcraft14.9
1312Alissa SkirkaUnion City15.1
149Avery MollbergBuchanan16.6
1512Miley YoungNiles Brandywine18.3
1612Ava VlietstraKalamazoo Christian18.7
1712Christina MendozaFennville18.7
1812Addison BlodgettSchoolcraft18.8
1911Makynna WilliamsBuchanan20.2
209Alyda LeepSchoolcraft21.9
2112Kara KerwinKalamazoo Christian22.7
2212Alayah NieuwsmaSaugatuck23.1
2312Kimberly RomeroWatervliet23.2
2410Emma SchoonmakerSaugatuck25.1
259Avery McCrumSchoolcraft26.2
2612Isabelle OvermyerBuchanan26.8
2712Samantha PavlakSchoolcraft27.2
2812Aubree MurrayNiles Brandywine27.4
2910Parker WilliamsUnion City29.1
3011Adyson BakerBuchanan30.5

Region 23

Summer Projections
Mid-Season

What’s the Battle?

Three teams separated by eight points, all with somewhat equal chances of making it to another week: Jonesville, Hanover-Horton, and Bronson. The former two have faced off in the Cascades Conference, Hanover-Horton holding serve in the conference final (if their points were counted). The wild card is Bronson, who has two low sticks, an added advantage here.

Team

Projected PlaceTeamAvg. ScoreAvg. PlaceWin %Qualify %State Rank
1Jackson Lumen Christi401.095+95+6
2Onsted942.195+21
3Bronson1253.83630
4Jonesville1284.04336
5Hanover-Horton1334.42135
6Hudson1626.646
7Hillsdale1656.947
8Quincy1707.449
9Napoleon1989.164
10Sand Creek2139.870
11Homer28111.090

Individual

Projected PlaceGradeNameTeamAvg. Place
112Emmry RossOnsted1.1
210Samantha SchroederJackson Lumen Christi1.9
312Ava HathawayBronson3.5
412Chloe StalhoodHillsdale3.9
511Ashlynn HarrisBronson5.3
69Maisey ToteffHanover-Horton6.4
711Macy FazekasJackson Lumen Christi6.8
812Layla LopezJackson Lumen Christi8.2
912Thia TelloJackson Lumen Christi9.4
1010Brynlee SwihartHanover-Horton12.0
1110Kendyl MusielewiczQuincy13.3
129Brynleigh GriffithsJonesville13.4
1310Helen LefereJackson Lumen Christi15.5
1412Lainey YearlingQuincy16.2
1510Kiera KnightJonesville16.9
1611Annabelle CzeiszpergerHudson18.3
179Madalynn TrameSand Creek18.4
1812Allie EnglandOnsted19.3
1912Mia SanchezJackson Lumen Christi19.8
2010Alonna GoodsellBronson20.7
2111Raegan BrosamerOnsted21.6
229Madisyn LindemannNapoleon22.5
2312Jayla BrightHudson23.8
2412Jordyn TaylorOnsted24.3
2510Joleane GulledgeJonesville24.6
2612Charlotte CrabbsQuincy25.4
2711Abby FrederickJackson Lumen Christi25.5
2811Makenzy LindemannNapoleon26.2
2910Kendahl DrakeJonesville27.7
3010Izabel RaglowOnsted29.8

Region 24

Summer Projections
Mid-Season

What’s the Battle?

Another Pewamo-Westphalia and Stanton Central Montcalm matchup. Pretty much the same formula as the boys, though the Hornets may be even more imposing up front. The Pirates can match that with Whitney Werner and Alyssa Kramer. Does the Blue n’ Yellow depth overwhelm or does a girl such as Braelyn Bunting continue her rise? Maybe both as these two squads focus in on podium finishes in the coming weeks.

Team

Projected PlaceTeamAvg. ScoreAvg. PlaceWin %Qualify %State Rank
1Pewamo-Westphalia361.28395+3
2Stanton Central Montcalm401.81795+4
3Laingsburg883.095+20
4Bath1114.133
5Ovid-Elsie1375.248
6Chesaning1465.756
7New Lothrop1727.069
8Montrose2348.094

Individual

Projected PlaceGradeNameTeamAvg. Place
112Kyah HoffmanStanton Central Montcalm1.0
212Whitney WernerPewamo-Westphalia2.4
310Alyssa KramerPewamo-Westphalia3.0
412Ashley ChoponisStanton Central Montcalm3.7
511Grace CostonStanton Central Montcalm5.0
611Anna PoppemaBath6.6
79Madison WilsBath7.4
89Adelyn ThelenPewamo-Westphalia8.0
912Emily RathkaLaingsburg8.8
1011Abbie SchneiderPewamo-Westphalia10.8
1111Clarissa BaeseOvid-Elsie11.8
1210Andrea RolstonStanton Central Montcalm12.9
1310Charlotte SimonPewamo-Westphalia13.0
1411Lilly RooksPewamo-Westphalia13.9
1510Delaney SmithPewamo-Westphalia15.3
1612Evelyn LoggheLaingsburg17.8
179KiKi RuszLaingsburg17.9
1811Braelyn BuntingStanton Central Montcalm18.2
1910Lilli MorrillLaingsburg23.2
209Leah TheileChesaning23.3
2111Logan TrygstadStanton Central Montcalm23.8
229Kendal TokarOvid-Elsie24.1
2312Lexy AndresNew Lothrop24.8
249Alonna SchackChesaning25.0
2510Samantha GutzmanLaingsburg26.1
2611Hazel BurleyLaingsburg27.1
2712Makayla ReiberChesaning27.6
2812Ally AndresNew Lothrop28.1
2912Addison RuszLaingsburg28.2
3012Amelie BertelsBath28.9

Region 25

Summer Projections
Mid-Season

What’s the Battle?

Saginaw Valley Lutheran and Sanford-Meridian. Both were able to use the Bluejay Invite as a course preview. Unfortunately for us previewers and prognosticators, the two squads were in separate races. Comparing times, the Mustangs were a bit stronger at the 4th spot. Which might look to be an advantage, until you consider how well the Chargers ran at the Saginaw County Championship, putting three girls in the top-20 and placing 3rd.

Team

Projected PlaceTeamAvg. ScoreAvg. PlaceWin %Qualify %State Rank
1Ithaca411.095+95+7
2Midland Bullock Creek842.095+17
3Saginaw Valley Lutheran1103.47027
4Sanford-Meridian1153.82831
5St. Louis1315.237
6Caro1426.144
7Pigeon-Laker1456.541
8Sandusky1818.068
9Millington2409.089
10Cass City25410.093
11Pinconning32411.0102
12Carrollton34712.0105

Individual

Projected PlaceGradeNameTeamAvg. Place
111Mattie GagneMidland Bullock Creek1.3
210Makinna FoglesongIthaca3.0
39Khloe LehnstIthaca3.3
411Abigail ReisMillington4.2
512Kaya VrableCaro5.3
69Lindsey CmeylaSaginaw Valley Lutheran6.6
711Myleigh HephnerIthaca7.1
810Mikenna NagelSanford-Meridian9.3
910Pyper BraunPigeon-Laker9.7
109Averie StefanovskyCaro10.4
1112Abby DiceSt. Louis10.4
129Isabelle StrandIthaca12.6
1312Maddie HuysentruytSandusky14.5
1410Emily BeetheSaginaw Valley Lutheran14.5
1512Autumn FransenMidland Bullock Creek15.2
169Sarah NothstineMidland Bullock Creek19.1
1711Alexis FabbroVassar20.0
1811Izabelle LaLoneIthaca20.1
199Amelia DaweIthaca20.5
2010Ellie BeachSanford-Meridian20.8
219Olivia BrownBad Axe21.3
2211Halle HoytSt. Louis21.5
2311Emma DaweIthaca23.5
2410Haley FitzgibbonSanford-Meridian23.7
259Samantha SkymMidland Bullock Creek24.0
2611Makenna GwisdallaBad Axe24.1
279Bethany CmeylaSaginaw Valley Lutheran24.4
2811Aubrey ZarnkePigeon-Laker26.7
2910Bayleigh FinneySanford-Meridian29.4
3011Braylee RiceReese31.3

Region 26

Summer Projections
Mid-Season

What’s the Battle?

Lansing Catholic vs. the long bus ride. The Cougars will have plenty of time to stew over traveling across half the state and will likely take out their frustration on the field. They’ve been packed up at the front of races all year, this region seeming to be no different.

Team

Projected PlaceTeamAvg. ScoreAvg. PlaceWin %Qualify %State Rank
1Lansing Catholic241.095+95+1
2Leslie522.095+8
3Ann Arbor Greenhills913.095+24
4Almont1274.042
5Marine City1665.572
6Rochester Hills Lutheran NW1695.773
7Algonac1997.780
8Madison Heights Bishop Foley1997.781
9Wixom St. Catherine2108.687
10Stockbridge2289.892
11Detroit Osborn32111.0103

Individual

Projected PlaceGradeNameTeamAvg. Place
111Hailey CreisherLeslie1.0
29Josie BishopLansing Catholic2.1
310Grace WonchLansing Catholic4.2
49Isabelle CurrieLansing Catholic4.3
511Frances MelinnLansing Catholic5.2
69Addison GreggAnn Arbor Greenhills6.6
710Reagan LeesWixom St. Catherine8.7
812Erin LubahnLeslie9.1
910Avery MillerLansing Catholic9.4
109Lindsey LudwigLansing Catholic10.1
119Margaret Guerra-HarrisonLeslie11.3
1210Libby SchusterAnn Arbor Greenhills12.2
1311Ella HeffnerCharyl Stockwell Academy13.3
149Madisyn HunterLeslie13.5
1512Kaitlin LudwigLansing Catholic15.1
1611Laila EvolaAlmont16.4
1711Janaan RehmanAnn Arbor Greenhills18.3
1812Jaidyn SmithLeslie18.9
199Taylor StanczakAlmont19.0
2011Greta SchwarbergAlmont21.3
2110Nina MalaniAnn Arbor Greenhills23.0
2210Aubrey PilonMarine City23.5
2312Maddie SzlachtaRochester Hills Lutheran NW23.7
2412Ava VaccaroStockbridge24.0
2511Jasmine WalkerAlgonac24.4
2612Kate BennettAlgonac25.9
2712Elizabeth BallorMadison Heights Bishop Foley28.1
2810Emma ReimerNew Haven28.9
299Violet MassagliaMarine City29.3
3011JayLee ChapmanStockbridge30.5

Region 27

Summer Projections
Mid-Season

What’s the Battle?

Eliza Bush vs. the record books. The Oakland bound senior has won twice here and is a strong favorite to make it three in a row. She’s lost only twice this year, hitting her first sub-18 at Stockbridge. To this point, it’s been her best season yet in a career that’s contained 3 All-State finishes.

Team

Projected PlaceTeamAvg. ScoreAvg. PlaceWin %Qualify %State Rank
1Blissfield351.095+95+13
2Grass Lake472.095+18
3Monroe St. Mary CC703.095+32
4Erie Mason914.043
5Ottawa Lake-Whiteford1185.063
6Ida1476.085
7Detroit Cristo Rey2207.0104

Individual

Projected PlaceGradeNameTeamAvg. Place
112Eliza BushYpsilanti Arbor Preparatory1.0
211Hope MillerBlissfield2.2
311Bella LaFountainMonroe St. Mary CC2.8
411Hailey SillsBlissfield5.5
512Megan WoelkersFlat Rock5.7
69Adalyn JarchowGrass Lake5.8
79Claire MillerMonroe Jefferson6.2
810Anna HallettBlissfield9.0
912Mia SchroederMonroe Jefferson9.1
1010Kaleea BraunBlissfield11.5
1111Julia HughesIda13.1
1212Autumn PernellYpsilanti Arbor Preparatory13.3
139Ella ClausClinton14.7
1412Grace BullockGrass Lake15.0
1512Kim MillerMonroe Jefferson15.6
1612Elizabeth LambertErie Mason15.8
1710Makenzie HilbererGrass Lake17.4
1812Alaina McClainOttawa Lake-Whiteford17.6
1910Adeline StormontGrass Lake17.6
2010Elise BullockGrass Lake18.1
2110Juleigh HusbyMonroe St. Mary CC19.9
2212Claire LiskerMonroe St. Mary CC19.9
2312Bailey MeiringErie Mason24.4
249Kate OttingErie Mason24.7
2511Leona KnudsenMonroe St. Mary CC24.7
2611Natalie BenitezBlissfield26.3
2710Braelynn ChiottiOttawa Lake-Whiteford27.2
2811Taylor HoppeGrass Lake30.7
299Jaelynn HortonErie Mason31.1
3011Riley EnglandErie Mason31.2