FALL SPORTS PREVIEW: Boys Cross Country

Trying to determine who might be the top teams in boys cross country isn't too tough. In fact, you could just drive around Hamilton County this summer and watch for runners crossing any number of major intersections, since Fishers (defending state champions), Noblesville and Carmel have the talent to make a repeat trip to the state meet this fall.

For Fishers, it all begins with sensational senior Drew Shields. Shields, who won the 800 and 1600 meter runs at the track finals last spring, finished 5th overall at the state meet last year in guiding the Tigers to the school's first-ever state championship in any sport.

Also returning will be Drew's brother, Alex Shields, a top 5- finisher at state in 2007.

But keep an eye on Carmel during head coach Chuck Koeppen's final season. Seniors Logan Rosenberg (18th at state), Daniel Kinn (27th) and junior Tom Ohlman all return for the Greyhounds.

Then, there's Noblesville, led by senior Blake Dircksen and sophomore Collin Ginebaugh, who could take the Millers to a solid finish in three months.

Outside of Hamilton County, keep an eye out for Scott Lasiter and Franklin Central. An All-State selection a year ago, Lasiter finished 13th at state and will team with senior teammate Joe Talhelm for a formidable 1-2 punch.

BOYS RUNNERS TO WATCH FOR THIS FALL

DREW SHIELDS (Fishers)

DYLAN SORENSON (Zionsville) - A senior, Sorenson finished top 10 in 2007 and was All-State.

SCOTT LASITER (Franklin Central)

LOGAN ROSENBERG (Carmel)

DANIEL KINN (Carmel)

ZACH TRANTER (Franklin) - A senior, Tranter finished 28th at state in '07.

CALEB PACK (Warren Central) - Finished 36th at state as a junior.

MICHAEL JORDAN (Pike) - Famous name, great game (though in running). Jordan finished 37th at state, was fifth at sectionals and third at regionals.

ALEX SHIELDS (Fishers) - Brother of Drew Shields, finished 42nd at state.

NATHAN HENDERSHOT (Pendleton Heights) - Just a junior, Hendershot was a top 50 performer at state.

JOE TALHELM (Franklin Central)

TOM OHLMAN (Carmel) - Junior finished 56th at state last fall.

J.D. Smith (Carmel) - Finished 61st at state, will be a key finisher for Greyhounds hopes of state title.

BLAKE DIRCKSEN (Noblesville)

COLIN GINEBAUGH (Noblesville)