| Section | Top Teams | Notes |
| 1 | Haldane, Alexander Hamilton, Keio | Haldane has everyone back for another S1-D title. |
| 2 | Greenwich, Duanesburg, Maple Hill, Mayfield | Reigning
state champion Greenwich is well ahead in S2-D and is favored for
another state crown, but Duanesburg is quietly building a strong
contender. |
| 3 | Beaver River, New York Mills, Tully, Sauquoit Valley, South Lewis | Beaver River looks likely to replace a much depleted Tully as the S3-D top team, and New York Mills is a budding power. |
| 4 | Trumansburg, Elmira Notre Dame, Seton Catholic-Binghamton | Reigning S4-D champ Trumansburg is favored, but Elmira-Notre Dame is one runner away from being a big threat. |
| 5 | Harley-Allendale-Columbia, Red Creek, Honeoye Central, Byron-Bergen | With Addison bumped up to Class C, HAC takes over as the favorite in S5-D. |
| 6 | Maple Grove, Silver Creek, Clymer-Sherman-Panama, Barker | Maple
Grove is reemerging as one of the two favorites for the state
championship, but Silver Creek could mount a challenge in S6-D if it can
fill out the back of the lineup. |
| 7 | Seton Catholic-Plattsburgh, Ticonderoga | Seton Catholic should remain one of the top 5 in NY-D and has little competition in S7-D. |
| 8 | East Rockaway | East Rockaway does have XC runners but did not compete at at the S8 state qualifiers. |
| 9 | Sullivan West, SS Seward, Eldred, Webutuck | Whoever can field a full team should win. |
| 10 | Norwood-Norfolk | Norwood-Norfolk
lost a large amount of its 6th-pace States team, but it is likely the
only one in S10-D that can field a full squad. |
| 11 | Shelter Island, Pierson, Stony Brook | Although S11-D is usually a small puzzle, Shelter Island has now established itself as the leader here.. |
