Boys' "Rookie" of the Year - TIE
I went back and forth on this one, and honestly could not come to a decision that I felt confident in. These two are both more than deserving of the freshman of the year nod, and backed it up during high school nationals weekend.
Le'Ezra Brown (Dudley) and Rahkeem Faison (Eastern Wayne) were both on another level his season. Sadly, they never lined up next to each other on the track this season.
They each took home national titles, as well.
Brown won the New Balance Freshman 100m and 110mH national titles, and finished 3rd in the 200m. He also claimed 3 all-state honors at the NCHSAA 3A state meet in the 100m, 110mH, and 300mH. During indoor track season, Brown won the New Balance Indoor 200m Freshman National Title.
On the other hand, Faison won the adidas Outdoor 100m Freshman National Title, backing up his indoor win in the Freshman 60m dash at adidas Indoor Nationals. He was runner-up in the Freshman 200m at adidas Indoor and Outdoors, also. He was runner-up in the 100m and 200m at the NCHSAA 2A Outdoor State Championship, and 4th in the indoor 55m.
Other Nominees: Tate Shore (Reagan), Aiden Ray (Providence Day), Graham Cannon (Enka)
Only freshman were considered for this award.