Boys Preview

Events to Watch

The 800 should be very competitive, with Knightdale's Henry Kiedy and Corey Aikens taking on Steve Stowe (North Forsyth) and Jon Knight (Northern Guilford). The 200 looks like the highlight of the sprint events, with Xavier Jones (Ragsdale) taking on James Drummond (Lexington), although the absence of TJ Logan will be disappointing to some. In addition, Marquavious Johnson and Bernard Freeman (Knightdale) will be in the race. The long jump features Isaiah Moore (Cummings), Sandy Chapman (Southeast Raleigh), Kimani Hoffman (Knightdale), and Gary Woosley (Northeast Guilford), which is as good as it gets for a regular-season meet.

Individuals to Watch

Erin Jenkins (Vance) is the top returner in the state in the 300 hurdles, and this will be his first opportunity to post a big time this season. Jenkins is also a strong 110 hurdler, but he will have to contend with Isaiah Moore (Cummings) there. Moore, for his part, is also in the 300 Hurdles as well as the high jump and long jump. Marshall Shank (East Rowan) should dominate the pole vault as he seeks to clear the 14-foot mark. John Beyle (East Chapel Hill) is the top thrower in the state; his indoor mark of 61' 10" would be US #1 right now. Beyle will have to challenge himself this weekend, as he is in a class by himself compared to the other throwers. Myles Lazarou (Northern Guilford), a standout high jumper, will bypass that event and concentrate on the long jump and triple jump. Drummond should be pushed in the 100, but should also prevail. Jones is loaded up in the 100, 200, and 400, which might leave him a bit tired by the end; he will battle Johnson in the 400 as well as the 200.

Teams to Watch

This year's upstarts in the sprints and jumps,, Northeast Guilford, will get several chances to compete against the current dynasty in those areas, Knightdale. They will go head-to-head in the 4x200 and 4x400, and could find themselves battling in the team scores at the end of the meet. Northern Guilford would be a sure contender with Logan in the meet, but could still be in the top two anyway. East Chapel Hill and Southeast Raleigh also have good shots at taking home trophies.

Boys Virtual Meet

(Times from this season, does not reflect actual events entered)

Girls Preview

Events to Watch

The 100 Hurdles is loaded: 55 Hurdles co-state leaders Hunter Roberts (Southwest Guilford) and Anna Cockrell (Providence Day) square off for the first time over 10 hurdles, with Nora McKiver (TW Andrews) and Jacklyn Howell (Southeast Raleigh) also in the race, among others. Southeast Raleigh posted a huge 37.0 time in the 4x100 at a hand-timed local meet, and they will have a chance to back that up with an FAT time this weekend against a strong Parkland squad. The high jump features three strong jumpers in Amara Bell (Southeast Raleigh), Libby Florence (Cedar Ridge), and Nylah Chavis (Eastside SC). There are 6 girls seeded at 35 feet or higher in the triple jump, including Ro'Daijah Faucette (Cummings), Amara Bell (Southeast Raleigh), Samirah Stephens (Cummings), and Ila Mumford (Parkland).

Individuals to Watch

Kaylee Loyd (Southeast Raleigh) finished the winter season with a strong 1000 time, and this is her chance to show her 800 fitness for the spring. She will have to contend with Emma Brown (Providence Day), who could be a bit more tired after running the 1600 earlier in the day. Brown, in turn, will have to battle Jennifer Stephenson (Village Christian) in the mile, while Stephenson might have the run of the track when the 3200 comes around. Shakinah Brooks (Southeast Raleigh), who finished the winter with surprise silvers in the 55 and long jump, will try to take the 100 and the long jump this weekend. Bre'Anna Williams (Western Guilford) will dominate the throws, as she looks to reclaim the top spot in the shot put rankings. Tametris Morrison (Southeast Raleigh), known best for the long hurdle races, will run the open 400 here, and she will face Raven Hamilton (Southern Guilford); both have 57-second PR's.

Teams to Watch

The Parkland girls have dominated the relays in every meet they have attended so far this spring, but with Southeast Raleigh in the house that won't be the case. How the relays go might determine the team title, although Southeast Raleigh is a little deeper in the field events than Parkland. The dark horse is Providence Day, a team with some serious weapons and more depth than you would expect from a school that size.