Below we've broken down the major contenders for State MVP in every classification on the boys side next weekend. These will be some top individuals to track throughout the day as the all will be looking to score the most points possible on Friday and Saturday.
Girls Possible State MVPs
Boys 4A
J Johnson (Panther Creek) -Long Jump + 55m Dash + 4x200 + 300m Dash
Johnson ranks NC#1 in the 55m Dash (6.36), NC#2 in the Long Jump (22-4.5), NC#4 in the 300 (35.30) and is on a 4x200 that ranks 2nd in 4A with a 1:30.30. If Johnson finishes where he is ranked in each event he will score 10 + 8 + 5 + 2 (8 points /4 relay legs) = 25 points! Though in both the 55 and 300 there are so many boys ranked close together and it'd truly be a different result every time they stepped on the track!
William Hoffmann (Green Hope) - 300m Dash + 500m Dash + 4x200 + 4x400
Hoffamnn proved he was able to run well in multiple events with a short amount of time at the JDL Dual Challenge where he ran the 55, 4x200, 500 and 300 winning all of his individual events with a PR in both the 55 and 300. Hoffmann ranks 3rd in the 300 and 2nd in the 500 and is on two relays that are likely to score big points for the Falcons. He will contend for the win in both the 300 and 500 which will score the majority of his total points. If he scores points based off his current ranks he will have 6 + 8 + 1.25 (5/4 legs for 4x400) .25 (1/4 legs for the 4x200) scoring him 15.5 points.
Connor Lane (Cardinal Gibbons) - 1600 +3200
Though Lane will only compete in 2 events on Saturday compared to Johnson's and Hoffman's likely 4, he still will have a shot to win the 4A Boys Indoor MVP with a victory in both the 1600 and 3200. Lane currently ranks NC#1 in both events with his 4:18.70 full Mile from the New Balance Indoor Grand Prix and his 9:05.81 from Dash for Doobie. It certainly isn't given that Lane sweeps both events as there are plenty of boys knocking on the door looking to take down the cross country champion in both events!
Boys 3A
Gabriel Stainback (Concord) - High Jump + 55mH + Long Jump + 300
Stainbach is the top entry in the High Jump and Long Jump in 3A with marks of 6-6 and 22-0.5. He is also ranked 3rd in the 55mH and has a shot at scoring points in the 300. Stainback will be a heavy favorite in the high jump as he is the current overall state leader. But has many athletes just behind him in the long jump. Currently Stainback is slated to score 10 +10 + 6 = 26 points at the 3A State Championships based off his rankings.
Emerson Douds (Weddington) 55m Dash + 300m Dash + 500 + 4x200/4x400
Douds has been huge for Weddington this indoor season and along with his teammate Doug Dracon will look to carry a heavy load for the Warriors Saturday afternoon as they look to defend their indoor team title. Douds has a shot to score in a strong 55m Dash field and will likely podium in both the 300 and 500. He will also run on the 4x4 or 4x2 where Weddington has a chance to podium in both events. Douds has run 6.63 for 55m, 35.25 for 300m (ranked 3rd) and 1:06.22 for 500m (ranked 2nd).
Austin Carroll (Corinth Holders) 1000 + 1600
Carroll has had a very strong indoor season and currently ranks #1 in the 1600 and #2 in the 1000. Last year he snagged a podium finish in the 1000, but will be looking to sweep both events this year. It'll certainly be a tough task at hand but with a sweep of the events and a slip up by Stainback you could see Carroll as your 3A State MVP a the end of the day.
Boys 1A/2A
Jayhlen Washington (North Brunswick) Long Jump + Triple Jump + 55mH + 4x200
Washington is a star in the overall state in all of his events, and will likely bring home 4 NCHSAA 1A/2A Golds Friday night. He leads the state in the Long Jump, Triple Jump and 55mH currently and is also on the 4x200 that has run 1:29.40, 3 seconds faster than any other 1A/2A schools. Based off Washington's rankings he will score 10 + 10 + 10 + 2.5 (10/4 for 4x2) = 32.5 points.
Josh Polk (Hobbton) 55m Dash, 300m Dash, 500
Polk holds the fastest FAT 55m Dash mark in the NCHSAA 1A/2A with a 6.53, but there are 5 hand-timed performances faster than that. He ranks first in the 300 with a 36.02 and 6th in the 500 with a 1:09.22 where he certainly has a lot more potential. It'll take a big day by Polk and a slip up by Washington but there is a shot Polk is your 1A/2A State MVP come Friday night.