Sprints/Hurdles | Distance | Relays | Field | Team Title
Girls Team Battle
The girls team battle comes down to 5 teams: Hillside, Southeast Raleigh and High Point Central. Defending Champions Southeast Raleigh were big favorites heading into the regional, but they had a rough weekend. They lose their star Kylia Wright and their winning 4x200 was DQed. A swing of 24-30 points! They'll rely heavily of Sierra Fletcher to win both the 100mH and 300mH and provide strong legs on their 4x100 & 4x400. They'll also have a lot of possibly points in the throws with Candice Whitley, Courtney Murph and Tameia Morrison. Last year's state title was because of a strong day by their throwers and it could be the case once again.
High Point Central were the indoor state champions in very impressive fashion but also took a hit at regionals as 5-8 High Jumper Kayla Nesbitt-McEwen did not advance. They also have not showed focus on the 4x200 this season, so won't have a horse in that race. Tamara Clark will look to score 20 points for them in the 100 & 200 and defending her individual crowns. They'll also rely on a strong double performance from Monzerad Creary in the 400 & 800. With only the 300m Hurdles in between events it's possible Creary scratches the 400 to focus on the 800 as she is the top seed in the 800.
Hillside was firing on all cylinders at the regional meet as they beat High Point Central 105-96 at 4A Midwest. They come in as the favorites according to our virtual meet this weekend. Alysia Johnson though just a freshman has emerged as a 200/400 star! Also, Jessica Wright has become very strong in the 300mH and will contend for the win in that event. They'll have Jamila McCoy in the 100 as well to score points. She didn't make it out of the tough Midwest region in the 200. They have relays qualified in the 4x100, 4x200 and 4x400 that are projected to score big that gives them an advantage over SE Raleigh and HPC. All three of these programs are extremely competitive and you can expect them to be locked in with their eyes on the team title this weekend.
Boys Team Battle
Parkland and Mallard Creek are separated by just 3 points in this team battle, and have pretty similar squads when you compare them. Both have athletes in the 200 and 800 they expect to score points, and will compete in the 4x100, 4x200, 4x400 head to head. Mallard Creek's X-Factor could be their 4x800 that is ranked 2nd which would be HUGE for them. If Canoy Tyree can win the 800 individually they very well could be carrying home that team trophy. They also have a very underrated Brenton Ervin in the 4x100 & 4x200. Parkland will look to sweep the three sprint relays scoring 30 points and have a big day individually from Trequan Barnes in the 200 & 400. Barnes has been magnificent all outdoor season and I expect no different this Friday.
West Forsyth and Panther Creek both are able to be in the mix this weekend. You won't see much from West Forsyth on the track as they are carried heavily by an awesome throws squad. They have the best individually thrower in both shot and discus Austin Harrison and are projected 34 points total from three athletes. They also will have Seth Clyburn contending for an individual title in the High Jump and if he wins that the Titans are going to be right up there with Parkland and Mallard Creek. Panther Creek also will look to score 30 points from J Johnson in the 100/200 and Long Jump as he is the favorite to win all three. They'll also load up in the 4x1 and 4x4 where it is critical they score points in both. Kyle Fawzi will be in the 800 where he needs to outscore Canoy Tyree and Parklands Juan Rodriguez if they want a shot. Fawzi is projected outside of the top 8 in the virtual meet, but could easily be a top 4 finisher as he will be fresh coming in. Their 4x400 ran 3:22.68 last weekend without J Johnson, who split 47.5 at Bojangles Classic and ran 48. open jogging through the line. We won't know till the 4x100 if they decided to run him on anchor in the 4x1 or 4x4, but the decision could be vital for a team title shot.