Home / Sports / Arizona XC Stars Shine: Top 25 Boys Named for 2026
Arizona XC Stars Shine: Top 25 Boys Named for 2026
26 Aug
Summary
- Yohanes van Meerten is a top national contender with state records.
- Crew Comish aims for Division I dominance after track titles.
- Gilbert Highland and Chandler Basha teams are expected to contend.
The 2026 Arizona high school cross-country season has officially begun, with The Arizona Republic unveiling its top 25 boys runners. Flagstaff senior Yohanes van Meerten, an Oregon commit, is positioned for a potentially historic fall and is recognized as one of the nation's fastest.
Van Meerten holds the state record in the 3,200 meters and is expected to challenge the 5,000-meter state record. Crew Comish from Mesa Red Mountain is aiming for the top spot in Division I, building on his second-place finish last year and securing state titles in the 1,600 and 3,200 meters for track.
Gilbert Highland is projected to field a formidable team, with standout runners like Brandon Delancey and Ethan Nielsen expected to lead. Chandler Basha also appears poised for a strong team performance, with Brady Summers among their top contenders.
Other notable athletes include Tucson Sabino's Milo Mandolini, Page's Max Martin, and Lakeside Blue Ridge's Jet Girardi, showcasing a diverse talent pool across different divisions and regions within Arizona.
