DIVISION II BOYS
Teams to Watch (Full Rankings)
Bella Vista had won consecutive D-II titles before Rocklin snapped that modest streak last fall by 24 points. Pre-season returning averages indicate a repeat is in order, led by Trevor Asbury, James Murphy and Shane Burton. While Bella Vista returns the division champion, it will need significant improvement from its 4-5 runners to challenge for a top-three finish after graduating four of its top seven, including two who scored at the section final. Rocklin had all seven finish among the top 25 at the section final and only two (both scoring) were seniors. Rio Americano, Whitney and Woodcreek should also challenge for a top-three finish. Rio Americano, which placed 3rd in D-III last season before moving up to D-II for 2018, returns four of its top five scorers and five of its top six finishers from the section final. The only known departure is Chase Gordon, now at Jesuit.
Athletes to Watch (Full Rankings)
Bella Vista senior Damian King dropped 37.10 seconds year-over-year to go from 11th to SJS D-II champion. His 16:10.20 time over the Willow Hills 5K course was nearly 22 seconds ahead of the runner-up. King's 15:37.10 for 10th at the State final is the No. 3 returning 5K time in the section, regardless of division. Others to watch include the aforementioned Burton, a senior who is the No. 2 returner after placing 5th as a junior; Vacaville junior Daniel Hernandez; Rocklin senior Bennett Woodward; Whitney junior Ethan Dodge; Vacaville senior Pedro Traviesa, and Whitney junior Austin Vasquez. In order, they are the top returners from the 2017 SJS D-II final. Adding to the mix, senior Connor Ettinger was 8th (16:49.40) for Rio Americano in the D-III final. His time would have placed 16th in the D-II final and he slots as the No. 9 returner.