Having already recognized the seniors that were in position to win section titles, it's time to include younger stars like Sydney Johnson.
Camden Wheeler is the only non-senior that lands at #1 in any event, although several would have been challengers.
Samantha Wallenstrom is the only non-senior leading two events, and one of only four to lead any event. Can you guess the other three?
We know Jon Lester had kicked off 2020 with a huge performance - which other non-seniors would have challenged for section titles?
This section has a bright future, with only three events in which a senior was the expected favorite when the season ended.
Caleb Pouliot is one of a small handful of juniors that were ready to challenge the seniors for section titles.
This section sticks out as the one most dominated by underclass athletes, which means we should have an outstanding 2021 season.
A duo of La Costa Canyon juniors are the only two non-seniors to take wins in our projection.
It would have been exciting to see Lauren Soobrian take on the top returning runners in the section. Which other underclass runners
Clovis North, Del Oro and Long Beach Wilson stars top MileSplitCA senior-only virtual championships.
Advancers from seniors-only section finals determined top 8 finishers per event in this fictional scenario.
Advancers from seniors-only section finals determined top 8 finishers per event in this fictional scenario.
Strategy goes hand in hand with outstanding fitness if you want to survive the toughest state meet qualifier in the nation.
This section is a great mix of established stars and up-and-comers like Tomas Kersoulis.
Established stars, emerging contenders, and hungry challengers: San Diego pride and state meet impact are on the line today.
The theme in this meet (especially for the girls) is comebacks, as several athletes return to their sophomore fitness after frustrating junior seasons.
With only one spot in the state meet on the line in every event, the competition is fierce.
A perennial power at the state level, the SJS is also one of the tougher sections to advance from with essentially four meets in two weeks.
The valley has a load of superstars ready to make their mark at the state meet, even if some of them don't have to travel far to get there.
It would be unwise to overlook the state title contenders coming out of this section.
Star athletes and deep teams vying for division titles while still positioning themselves for Master and the state meet - there's nothing in the nation quite like this meet.
A perennial producer of big time vaulters and distance runners, the SDS has several state title contenders - including 400 runner Eric Parker.
Kelley Kern is one of a handful of state title contenders sharpening up in preparation for the Meet of Champions next week.
Scott Toney leads a number of athletes that are moving through the prelims with their eyes on the state championship.
A section filled with state championship contenders crowns division champions as athletes position for the Masters meet.
The road to the state meet (short though it may be for some of these schools) starts with the North, South, East, and West Area meets.
Hailey Fune is the biggest star in the section, and her goal is to make the state finals this year.
Rachel Glenn is one of a very few returning champions in this senior class, and she is an MVP candidate within her section.
If you're a threat to win two events at the state meet, you're a big deal - and there are two athletes in this division that meet that criterion!
Taylor Shorter is set up to be a force for Norco at the finals next week, as the road to Masters and the state meet takes shape for a division filled with talent.