JOHNS CREEK, Ga. — The Johns Creek High School Cross Country program delivered a statement performance at the North Georgia Championships at East Jackson High School, showcasing varsity strength and impressive underclassmen depth against a formidable statewide field. Facing off against multiple top-tier Class 7A and Class 5A powerhouses, the Gladiators proved their grit across both divisions.
Varsity Girls Claim 4th Against Elite Field -
The Lady Gladiators put on an impressive team display, capturing 4th place overall with 132 points. Demonstrating remarkable consistency, the top five runners logged an average 5K time of 20:47 while maintaining a tight 1:23 spread from front to back.
Freshman breakout star Isabella Skeens stole the show as the #1 girl on the day for Johns Creek. Skeens shattered the sub-20 barrier, crossing the line in 19:54.43 to earn a 7th place individual finish. Senior standout Ava Reames provided vital low-card scoring right behind her, finishing 13th overall in 20:13.98.
The team's tight packing in the middle of the lineup sealed the top-four team finish:
Molly Lovelace (SO): 32nd Place | 21:16.06
Tasneem Ahmed (SR): 34th Place | 21:17.09
Riley Beaton (SO): 36th Place | 21:17.97
Hayden Huston (SR): 51st Place | 22:01.39
Varsity Boys Hold Ground in Fast Field -
In a high-velocity varsity boys competition, Johns Creek took 15th place overall with 407 points and an average team clocking of 18:09.
Senior Lincoln Hipp spearheaded the varsity effort, running a strong 17:41.20 to take 58th place. He was closely followed by a tight senior pack comprising Stryder Jones (62nd, 17:49.97) and David Laughlin (66th, 17:54.85). Clarke Boy (90th, 18:27.55) and sophomore Chase James (117th, 18:52.03) closed out the varsity scoring five.
Freshmen Duo Sparks JV Squad with Major PRs -
While the varsity runners battled up front, the most exciting story line for the boys program emerged from the JV race. A pair of rising freshmen threw down massive personal records to lead the JV squad as its top two finishers:
Jaden Krieger (FR): 19:38.01 (Major PR)
Jackson Berner (FR): 19:40.75 (Major PR)
With top-level individual performances from their underclassmen and established veteran leadership up front, Johns Creek leaves East Jackson with major momentum as the season heats up.
