2A Girls
Teams to Watch:
Cummings is a perrenial contender, and though they lack their normal firepower in the triple, they should be right in the thick of things again this year. They do have their normal complement of strong hurdlers: Jadda Jefferies is the preseason #1 in the 100 hurdles and #3 in the 300, and Francesca Evans is #1 in the 300 and #3 in the 100 hurdles! Ro'Daija Faucette is ranked #2 in the 400, and there are always some athletes around to fill out the Cavalier relays.
Salisbury has been producing some big-time athletes for a few years now, on both the boys side and the girls. Alisha Bradshaw is one of the best throwers in the state, leading the lists for both the shot and the discus. Emily Shields has a knack for big performances when they matter the most. On paper these two teams are VERY even, and this could be a tremendous battle! UPDATE: Since Meloney Ramos is at North Rowan this year, Salisbury's title hopes are much thinner.
Any team with a star athlete like Briana Haith has to be a contender for the hardware. She is the top returner in all three sprint races as well as the long jump! Granville Central may be a bit of a long shot for the team title, but they may also affect the other title-contending teams through the events that Briana chooses.
Other Athletes to Watch:
Carrboro's deep distance squad includes Frankie Perone, the fastest returner in the 1600, and Grace Morken, who leads the 800 list. Alesia Reese (Madison) will also contend in the distance races, as her PR's from this winter would make her #1 in the 1600 and 3200 right now. Alex Tavenier (Northeastern) will also shoot for the 3200 title. Savannah Mitchell (Polk County) is the presesaon #1 in the vault. Libby Florence (Cedar Ridge) trails by only 1" in the high jump. Bria Wilson (Bartlett Yancey) leads all returners in the triple jump.
UPDATE: Shelby Hall (Graham) ran indoor track for the first time in her career this year, and she has had significant improvement in her hurdling and jumping. She was the indoor leader for 2A athletes in the 55 hurdles and the long jump, making her a possible contender in those events. T. W. Andrews also has a pair of athletes who made big strides during the winter in Paisley Simmons (2A #1 indoors in the 60) and Nora McKiver (2A #1 indoors in the 60H). Emily Kimble (Owen) won the 1A/2A/3A high jump at the Winter Super Meet with a mark of 5-4, putting her right in the thick of things in that event for the spring. Cheyenne Miller, the top returner in the high jump, is no longer at Polk County.
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(Based on returning results from the Milesplit database.)
2A Boys
Teams to Watch:
There are four teams that appear to have a legitimate shot at the state title this year, based on last year's performances. At the top of the preseason ranking is defending champ Salisbury, powered by sprinter Romar Morris, the #1 guy back in 100 and 200. Darrien Rankin is the returning leader in the high jump and is second in the long jump. If distance runner Philip Tonseth can emerge from a wide-open field to score well, then the Hornets could find themselves on top again.
Cummings is also a contender on the boys side, with a fleet of hurdlers leading the way. Thomas Jones III, Terrence Alford, and Alan Barnwell are all ranked in the top 3 in one of the hurdles races, and Barnwell is a contender in the long jump, too. Josiah Smith leads all returners in the discus, and the Cavaliers should have more than enough athletes to build a few sprint relays.
Berry Academy is definitely in the hunt, led by Larry Gibson's leading time in the 400. Cameron Hudson is a contender in the long jump and a strong sprinter as well. Berry's relays should be strong.
Starmount has arguably the best athlete in this classification, and one of the best in the state, in Antonio McClelland. He leads the preseason lists in the 300 hurdles, the long jump, and the triple jump, and he is ranked #2 in the high jump as well! If the Rams can develop one more solid scorer, even a relay, then McClelland could power them to the title. This classification may be a bit too deep, however.
Other Athletes to Watch:
The distance races seem to be wide open with the graduation of last year's champions in al three races. Chance Sigmon (East Burke) has the best returning time in the 800, and Ryan Wallace (First Flight) leads the preseason 1600 list. Lincolnton has a pair of contenders in Travis Alfaro (#1 in the 3200) and Andrew Thompson (#2 in the 800). Kendall Kee had a big winter, with the #2 time in the country in the 60, and he will definitely fight for the top spot in the sprints. Adam Manns (Draughn) is the leading returner in the shot and should contend for the discus title, too. Alex Lomax (Maiden) had the best vault in all classifications this winter at 15' 8", and he's surely thinking of taking aim at the best outdoor mark in state history, 16' 3".
UPDATE: Alex Goden of Brevard has already eclipsed last year's spring times with PR's this winter, and he may be able to force his way into the conversation about the 1600 and 3200. Tevin Hester (Granville Central) has been a force in the sprints the past two years, and he had a strong winter season, finishing second in the 1A/2A/3A 55 dash at the Winter Super Meet.
Subscribers: CLICK HERE for a virtual 2A Boys state meet!
(Based on returning results from the Milesplit database.)