San Ramon Valley has one of the best top 5's in the state, and they have their entire top 7 back after finishing 7th in Division 2 in 2016. That in itself is enough to project this team into the top 20, but there's more: the Wolves had very good track times, including 4 girls at 5:11 or faster led by returning #3 Emma Tavella's sub-5 (she and Amanda Olla also both went under 11 in the 3200). Only a few minor things keep me from putting this team in the top 10: San Ramon Valley lost to Granada in both their league and section finals, and they don't register on our Improvement Rating (possible due to incomplete data on their 2015 and 2014 seasons). They also compete in the most crowded division of the NCS, and behind their returning top 5 there is a nearly 2-minute drop-off to #6. Still, this team has the numbers to be a force this fall, and I won't be surprised at all if the Wolves' final ranking exceeds their spot in this countdown.
2017 Returning Stats:
- 5K Ranking: 6th
- 3 Mile Ranking: 11th
- Team 1600 Ranking: 7th
- Team 3200 Ranking: 16th