Preseason Predictions: Top 5 Boys & Girls Rising Stars

With the 2022 cross-country season arriving soon, here is a subjective list of the top 5 boys and girls rising stars in 2022.  

Jack Moretta - Sophomore - Bishop Hendricken

One of the best freshmen of 2021-2022, Moretta tops the rising stars list. The Hendricken Hawk may not have had an insane cross country season, and really turned it on during track recording impressive PRs from the mile through 5000. He seems to be ready to make the jump into cross and could make an instant impact on Hendricken's varsity squad.  

Elijah Saddlemire - Senior - Smithfield High School

Saddlemire is very underrated in cross country and is known as a mid-distance track runner. While his 600 and 800 PRs are very impressive, his 4:05.86 1500 and 16:39 5k xc PR show he has the versatility to earn All-State honors. He placed 27th in 2021 and looks ready to be a strong 1-2 punch along with Smithfield's Jason Padula.  

Cole Francis - Sophomore - Narragansett

Francis dominated in cross his freshman season and ran impressive track times before becoming injured. His 26th place at cross country states was another extremely impressive mark as only a select few individuals have broken 17 minutes at Ponaganset their freshmen year. He has also seen success on the roads recently breaking 27 minutes for 5 miles.  

David Parenteau  - Senior - La Salle Academy

Parenteau, similar to Saddlemire, is a mid-distance runner, but last season proved his distance running abilities with a 9:00.57 3k. He also ran 4:05.77 in the Class A 1500 for runner-up honors. Parenteau will be a big part of La Salle's title push, and if he matches his outdoor track season in terms of success, the state title could come back to La Salle.  

Raymond Flores - Senior - La Salle Academy

Flores is yet another middle-distance runner who has shown his prowess in distance events. He recently clocked a 16:11 5k on the track as well as a 1:58.75 last season. He was 29th at cross states and seems ready to make the next step towards becoming a cross country All-Stater.  

Erin VonHousen - Junior - Chariho Regional

VonHousen has run some great track times including 4:51.63 in the 1500 and 11:13.14 for 2 miles. The Chariho charger placed 20th last fall but seems to have a lot of room to grow if her cross country season matches her track performances. Given her range and speed down to the 800, she looks to compete amongst RI's best as she did in track in the 3000 where she placed within the top 4 both seasons.   

Eva Mermin - Sophomore - Moses Brown School

Mermin had a breakout race at cross country states in 2021, placing 12th overall in 19:37.91. This makes her the 9th best returner in 2022. She has run 5:01.08 for the 1500 and placed 6th at outdoor states. If she can run a race similar to 2021's state meet, she could be in contention for first-team All-State.   

Ava Peters - Junior - East Greenwich

Peters was a part of a very talented quartet at East Greenwich. She was a part of their 1-2-3 at the Class B Championship. She was 18th overall at cross country states in 2021 and took 6th overall in the 1500 at outdoor states. She will be a vital part of East Greenwich's team in their quest for a team title.  

Grace Doyle - Junior - Classical High School

Doyle had a breakout track season after cross last fall. Running 5:00.97 for 1500 and placing 5th at outdoor states for the 1500. She also owns PRs of 10:44.53 and 1:48 for 600. Doyle looks ready to make a huge leap in cross country. She will most likely shatter her PR this fall.  

Emmy Belvin - Junior - Mount Saint Charles Academy   

Belvin had a huge race at states in cross country running a minute faster than the week before. Her 19:42.54 earned her 14th place, and she continued to run well in track with a 4:57.70 1500 PR. Belvin will only be entering her junior year but will be a force to be reckoned with on the course. 

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