Team by team

1. Pike: The Red Devils return the nucleus of their sectional championship team in sophomore twins Lydia and Sophia Greene and juniors Abby Hall and Jacklyn Lehr. They've also added 10 freshmen. Coach Kendra Champion is looking for at least one runner to step up but believes the team's youth and the experience from last year's run to the semi-state makes Pike a serious contender to reach the state meet.

2. North Central: The Panthers lost state runner-up Emily Mossler and three of their other top seven runners, but coach Jake Nay believes he has the depth ready to step in. Marissa Stephens is back from one of the top freshman seasons in the state, and classmate Allie Rogers is expected to fill the No. 2 spot. Ali Logan was in the top five last season until a stress fracture sidelined her but she's back and healthy, as is Mariana Lopez-Owens, who had her appendix out in the offseason.

3. Bishop Chatard: The Trojans return four varsity regulars, including their top two in sophomore Mary Davis and senior Christine Kirby. Nikki Kirschner, Annie Dietrick and Arden Burch will fill out the varsity lineup. "Our top two are as good as anybody around," coach Dan Kinghorn said.

4. Cathedral: The Irish lose Katy Achtien, who finished in the top 10 at the state meet three times, and Kelly Shew, but coach Mark Doctor believes the competition to be the new No. 1 will benefit the team. Seniors Katie Cleary, Molly Lawless and Paige Mason return. Mason was slowed by injuries last year, as were Katie Quigley and Natalie Dickman. Freshmen Emma MacAnally and Grace Bennett will provide a boost.

5. Lawrence North: Dustin Smith takes over a Wildcats program that lost four of the top eight runners from a regional qualifier. McKenzie Carney, Alivia Schneider, Sarah Field, Maddie Wilmes and Layla Campbell are the top returners.

6. Lawrence Central: The Bears return most of their lineup, led by junior Erica Carlson and sophomore Karis Johnson, and add a freshman class that won the Marion County championship as eighth-graders. Senior Danica Wylin and freshmen Maddy and Macy Roach are expected to make an impact.

7. Brebeuf Jesuit: The Braves will be led by Molly Winters, the top returning runner in the area after a 21st place finish in the state last year. Rachel Whitman, Erin McMenamin, Michelle Pottratz, Melissa Mulder, Nicole Schutzman and Meagan Neal will be competing for varsity time.

8. International: Amanda McMahon reached the semistate last year, and coach Brian Power believes she'll be even stronger this year since she won't be splitting time with soccer. The team will miss Alice Collas and Claudia Paya Ten, who moved out of state after running No. 4 and 5, respectively, as freshmen but Nicki Inman and Britton Dallas should help.

9. Heritage Christian: The Eagles will be rebuilding after losing five seniors, but coach Eric Richey is excited about his freshmen. He looks to junior Lindsey Testerman for leadership. Sophomore Abby Hadley primarily had been a swimmer before last season and has improved. Rebecca Reutman, an all-City performer in track, will join the team, with Kate Testerman, Lindsey's sister, and Kathryn Gerig Harris leading the freshmen.

10. Park Tudor: Senior Allie Hanley is the top-returning runner after the graduations of Heidi Chin and Ellen Hopper. Molly Brunner will be a key contributor as will Abby Farley when her soccer schedule allows.

11. Broad Ripple: The Rockets were down to just three runners at the end of last season, but all three -- Elisia Castle, Desiree Reese and D'Ebony Reese -- return. Glen Pierce is the new coach.

Top Early Season Race

Brebeuf Invitational, Aug. 22, 9 a.m. It includes nearly every area team with a field highlighted by state-champion Carmel.