NCHSAA 3A Boys State Championship Preview

Relays

Weddington boys are strong in the 4x800m relay and are going to be tough to beat with an 8:00.94 seasons best.  Only Chapel Hill are under 8:15 in the field, but you never know who will load up the 4x800m for the first time at states.  Mount Tabor come in seeded at 8:30, but look to have their top athletes entered initially in the event and will be much faster than that mark with their top squad. However, if Weddington are up front or in the mix going into anchor leg it'll be tough for anyone to hold off Jake Toomey on the anchor leg.

The top indoor marks this season come from Cuthbertson, Mount Tabor and Sun Valley this season, but only Cuthbertson boys come in in the top section.  Teams from the eastern part of the state don't see an indoor track often during the season, but have posted fast marks outdoors.  Cleveland have run 1:30.6 for the top mark in 3A.  Despite being the 5th seed Cuthbertson will be the favorites to defend their title with the third fastest mark in the state this season.  Mount Tabor will be a team to watch in the second to last section.  If they're able to get out well and not have to worry about passing on the straight aways or crowded hand offs you could see an upset.

You couldn't ask for a better final race from this meet.  Asheville, Weddington and Cuthbertson come in as the states top 3 teams and the only ones under 3:30.  Asheville holds the state lead at 3:26.24 with Weddington and Cuthbertson just behind having a few close battles throughout the year at 3:27.32 and 3:27.40.  Anchor leg will come down to 500m favorite Mitchell Norris of Asheville, 300m favorite Aidan McNally of Cuthbertson and distance runner Jake Toomey of Weddington.