These would be my picks from those teams that made it to state this year. That is a simple starting point. I know others are out their ready to move up.
From this group I would take McDonald as my year from now favorites-they were the clear cut victors and return 6 from that team.
I like Seneca East as the number 2, they were led by their youth and I believe their youth will become more consistent and move up some.
Columbus Grove would be my 3, they return their top 6 runners, with 3 and 5 being freshman.
St. Henry is my 4. they lose the 3 and 4 runners, but return a group that has a great blend of youth and experience(3jr.-2fr.) their 8 was a freshman as well
Garaway will be my 5. they return their top six. four of them being fresh-soph which leaves them with a lot of room to improve.
I did think about putting Independence up their, however they lose their 1 and 4 and their 6 and 7 were 19:26 and 19:46, they will need to improve a chunk.
Teams to possibly look out for are Grandview Heights and Liberty Union as they return all seven runners, if they put in the work they have potential.
I just noticed my picks rely heavily upon the youth being able to develop and step into the larger roles their teams will need from them.