KSHSAA released their classification adjustments on Monday, with 13 schools changing classification. Adjustments have been made within the MileSplit database, and our rankings should reflect the changes. The full list can be found on the KSHSAA Classifications Page.
Individual Rankings | Team Rankings
The most movement was felt along the 1A/2A line. Lincoln, Oxford, and Classical School of Wichita all moved up to 2A, while Elkhart, Rawlins County, and Northern Heights dropped to 1A. The big story on this one is Northern Heights. The Wildcats were darkhorse contenders to qualify in 2A, but with 1A only scoring 4 runners, the Wildcats (boys and girls) gained a lot of momentum with this change. Ellei McCrory becomes an immediate individual contender for the 1A title, too. She leaves behind a talented 2A individual field to instead battle it out with defending 1A champ Emma Weiner.
In the larger classes, there was very little movement. Maize moves up to 6A, while J.C. Harmon moves down to 5A. The main factor here is Maize senior Kaleb Glazier joining the 6A ranks. He was the #2 Kansas finisher at Rim Rock this weekend, and while Micah Blomker is still the odds-on favorite in 6A, Glazier will certainly look to challenge within the top-10.
In 4A, Hayden & Iola are replaced with Concordia & Scott Community from 3A. The departing duo isn't at the same level they have been in years past, but Hayden was still a contender to qualify for state. Now, that road becomes tougher for the Wildcats as they join a deeper 3A field. Scott Community's role is reversed. The Beavers were a contender to qualify in 3A, but now become a podium contender in 4A.
On the 3A/2A line, St. Mary's & Bluestem will rise to 3A, while Eureka & Maur Hill-Mount Academy will join 2A. There aren't any earth-shattering moves here, but it may be worth noting where these schools come from. The number of 3A schools in southeast Kansas is now 17, making it even more difficult to break apart the talent imbalance along I-135 when regionals comes around.
With classifications set in stone for the 2023-24 school year, that means regional assignments are just around the corner. Keep an eye out for those in the early stages of next week!