On the girls' side, Davis is the favorite, and most coaches believe the Darts will run away with the team title. Candace Eddy and Natalie Haws lead a team that might be the best Darts team ever, but they'll need a championship to prove it. Timpanogos, Skyline, Spanish Fork and American Fork are all strong contenders, but none seems capable of beating a sound Darts team. Individually, Skyline's Shayla Kipp is the favorite to defend her state title.

In 4A, two teams should be headed for a tight finish. Defending state champion Mountain Crest looks ready to take another victory lap. Orem has put it all together at the end of the season and will be the biggest challenger to Mountain Crest. The Tigers have five solid runners, but the outcome could hinge on how Orem's Krystal Harper and Kendy Christensen perform. After strong performances at region, Mountain Crest will look to speedsters Laura Hatch, Talina Nelson and Whitney Curtis to get the job done. Expect a very intense duel from these teams because both teams are confident and know how to win.

Several schools are in contention for the 3A crown but only a few are ready to separate from the pack. Five-time state champion Park City was near the top of the list until a rash of injuries knocked it down. Now Cedar City has emerged as the team to beat. It hasn't lost to a 3A team this season, and that trend should continue. Led by Hanna Ellsworth, Cedar's girls look ready to claim the title. It won't come easy as Judge Memorial and Ogden are strong enough take the championship home as well.

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E-mail: tpeterson@desnews.com