Saugus Girls
Despite a move to Division 1 last fall, Saugus continued its run as one of the state's most consistent programs, bringing home a third place finish. This year should bring a sense of urgency for the Centurions, because they are projected to have 5 seniors on their varsity squad. With that level of leadership and experience, it's easy to imagine this team grinding through consistent training during this extra-long off season.
There is plenty of talent coming back to ensure another strong season. Hannah Fredericks and Isabella Duarte are a potent 1-2 punch up front, while Julia Pearson and Danielle Salcedo anchor the middle of the varsity team. Saugus needs Natasha Prociuk, Jennifer Thompson, and Ryan Vasquez to improve enough to form a strong pack with Pearson and Salcedo, and it wouldn't hurt if the team could cultivate a new varsity-caliber runner or two for added depth.
If the Centurions just manage the same improvement they've had every off season for the past three years, they will be in contention for a spot among the top 5 teams in California regardless of division. Considering that this team has been third best in the state at season-to-season development over the last 5 years, that seems like a safe bet to me.