Sky Pointe's boys and girls cross country teams successfully defended their Class 5A Southern Region team titles Friday at Veterans Memorial Park in Boulder City. The Eagles, in just their second year competing in Class 5A, swept the team championships despite a morning rain shower that briefly dampened the course.
Freshman Rayna Lewis led the girls to a 27-point victory over defending state champion Faith Lutheran, winning the individual title in 18 minutes, 37 seconds. Teammate Aislin McMahon finished second in 18:45.4, while Faith Lutheran's Sophia Weisz took third in 19:12.5. Coach Paul Sheppard praised Lewis's rapid development but noted the team did not run to its full potential.
On the boys' side, Sky Pointe scored 47 points to top Shadow Ridge's 84, placing four runners in the top 10: Shane Ramirez (third), Ryan Petty (fifth), Mason Haag (eighth) and Manuel Carranza (10th). Centennial senior Calvin Rivera claimed the individual boys title in 15:42.5, pulling away over the final mile to win by more than 20 seconds.
Rivera, seeking his first state title after earning his first region crown, said he executed a plan to stay with the lead pack before making his move. Sheppard told his boys before the race to "man up" in the rain, noting the conditions were equal for everyone. The Eagles were state runners-up on the boys' side and finished third for the girls last season.
The Class 5A, 4A, 3A and 2A state meets are scheduled for Saturday, Nov. 7, at the same Boulder City course. Lewis said extensive training on the course this season, including trips in her father's RV, gave her confidence. Sheppard said the team had a tough workout Wednesday and expects the Eagles to be sharper at state.
Sources: Las Vegas Review-Journal
Original reporting: Las Vegas Review-Journal →
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