AAAAA
After taking a look at all the qualifiers and their pr's or Region marks and times it should come as no surprise that 5A is going to become a low scoring meet where 40 points could be the magic number for a title. Westlake ran away from the field in 09' on Finals Saturday, but had some mishaps in their region meet opening a door of opportunity for many teams. Their will be some hard fought fantastic races in nearly every event with every single point being crucial.
The team title is up for grabs and the main contenders are MLK, Westlake, Collins Hill, Lassiter, Alpharetta and Stephenson. Grayson, Kennesaw Mountain, Kell and Parkview are sure bets to visit the scoreboard also.
MLK may have the upper hand on paper going into Thursday on the strength of their Relay teams (47.34/3:49.37). Felecia Brown is their ace, who owns the top time in the 400m at 54.66 and is a threat in the 200m at 24.33. Jalissa Terrell has the goods to win the HJ with a pr of 5-8. Aaliyah Pettiway may contribute to MLK's efforts in the 800.
Westlake is not out of this thing just yet...Aubrielle Wright won the 800m in 09' and could move up in the 400m with her speed giving the Lady Lions a serious boost. Shani Chandler seems to be at the top of her game in the Hurdles at 14.42/41.99 just behind Williams of Kell. Westlake could also move up in the Relays a position sporting pr's of 47.35/3:51.82, especially with a fresh Aminah Blount who struggled at region.
Here we go again, Collins Hill may be right back in the mix on the the legs of Nicky Akande as she has been dominant thus far in the 800/1600 with pr's of 2:14.23/4:55.75. Chloe Whitworth also is strong in the 3200 with a pr of 11:20.30 and could move up a spot...Sydney Williams could also be a big scorer in the 800m with a pr of 2:16.32. Ultimately, the Lady Eagles chances may rest on the outcome of the 4 x 400 relay...
Alpharetta will be right there behind sprinter Keturah Edwards as she has the top time in the 100m at 11.90 along with a 24.80 in the 200. Distance runners Dylan Hassett (11:14.39) and Rachel Thorne (5:09.22) could grab the bounty the Lady Raiders need to propel them to a top podium spot. Ama Larbi could also make a difference in the 300h.
Stephenson will be driven by the talents of Maderiah Toatley. Toatley has the top time in the 200m at 24.01 and could better her season best time of 55.87 in the 400m. Their 4 x 100 squad is tops having clocked a 47.11. Other probable scorers are Olivia Fisher in the 100m with a pr of and Keoshia Washington in the 300h at 44.60.
Lassiter is also in this group of contenders for the title with a great chance to move onto the Podium. The Lady Trojans efforts will be led by Julienne McKey who has enjoyed an outstanding Spring and with pr's 18-9.5 in the LJ and 40-6.25 in the TJ. Gabrielle Piper, will contest for top medals in the 100m (12.23), 100h (14.70) and LJ (18-01) A big effort from the 4 x 100 squad could be very key....
Top Individuals
Kendall Williams (freshman) of Kell HS is a bonafide is a comet on the horizon with endless potential. Had she had a good series in the LJ in the 6-AAAAA meet, Williams may very well have scored 36 individual points in Albany. Pay close attention to both Hurdles events and the HJ, as she has the #1 National HS time of 41.77 in the 300h complented by an impressive 13.57 in the 100h. Oh yeah..she also has a clearance of 5-8 in the HJ!
Taren White of Grayson is a force to be reckoned with in the 200/400 meters (24.10/54.84) asides from owning the #2 time this Spring in the 100 meters at 12.02 (in which she did not compete in at regions) Taren will be going for a double in her chosen events as well as anchoring Grayson's 4 x 100 squad.
Top Athletes (not mentioned above)
Jacqueline Williams of Lovejoy: 12.23--100m
Ciarra Simms of Luella: 12.23--100m
Mara Canning of Walton: 2:15.40 / 5:08.03--800m, 1600m
Quintunya Chapman of Bradwell: 24.16 / 56.08--200m, 400m
Sonikqua Walters of Peachtree Ridge: 55.86--400m
Daina Levy of Kennesaw Mtn: 130-4--Discus
Amber McKenzie of Tift Co.: 128-4.5--Discus
Alexis Jones-Hardy of Parkview: 18-5.25--LJ
Lauren Wilson of Chapel Hill: 12-0--PV
Brooke Colson of Kennesaw Mtn.: 11-6--PV
Carson Simpson of Mill Creek: 11-6--PV
Samantha Becker of Milton: 11-0--PV
Lauren Hutchinson of N.Cobb:: 11-0--PV
Chatil Bradford of Morrow: 44-4.5--SP
Jade Stokes of Windsor Forest: 43-4.5--SP
A Girls
Every event in 1A is going to be closely contested and exciting. Looking at it on paper, ACS has the advantage in numbers, but Wesleyan also brings many athletes that can score. OLM has 3 talented athletes potentially put them in contention for a team title. Some great contests will be waged out on the Field in the Pole Vault and both Throws events and the action on the Track will be hot in all Sprints,100 hurdles, 1600 and both Relays.
ACS had a dominating performance in 8-A, although they will leave a few athletes at home that had scoring potential due to some surprising performances by opponents. The Lady Eagles are led by the duo of Destiny Jenkins who will be challenging for top individual medals in the 3200 (11:58) and 1600(5:22) and defending 300 hurdles champ Mary Echols (45.46) and 15.46 in the 100 hurdles. Also capable of scoring big points is Savannah Spranger as she leads A in the Discus with a mark of 125-8. Bryanne Acker looks to score in the 1600 and challenge for the gold in the 800m with a pr of 2:24.82. ACS also can score in both relays including a top time in the 4 x 400 at 4:07. Also capable of chipping in a few points are Natasha Broughton in the 400m and Emily Haley in the vault. Athens Christian, if they perform as well as they have all season has the potential to put 70 points on the board which may be a mountain their 1A opponents can't climb.
Last year, Wesleyan poured it on and capped off their title by winning the 4 x 400. They lost some big scorers due to graduation, but could score as many as 50 points. The Lady Wolves strength lies out on the Field led by Erin Hall who has the top LJ mark at 17-5.5, a 5-0 HJ clearance and is a threat to score in the 100 hurdles. Thrower Holli Wilkins may challenge for gold in the Shot at 37-10.5 and can score in the Discus. Erika Ramsey is the defending champ in the 1600 with a season best 5:27.38 and #2 time in the 3200 at 11:43.80. Wesleyan may be able to score in the 4 x 400 and chip in a few more points from Graceleah Baughn and Emily Howell. Our Lady of Mercy will be led by departing senior Megan Malasarte who will look to close out an outstanding career by repeating in the 400/800 meters which make it 6 state titles for her in those events. This season her pr's are 56.79 (400) and 2:18.57 (800). OLM looks very good in both Relays bolstered by Malasarte and sprinter Tynese St.Cyr who is strong in the 100/200 events.Thrower Alyssa Maker is a good bet to medal high in the Shot with a 35-7.75 pr.
Other top programs looking to stand on the Podium as a Team will Gordon Lee led by Lilvia Bradbury and Kalei Kimbrall in the HJ, Vaulter Anna Quinn who has vaulted 10-6 and Kendall Johnson in the Triple Jump.
Landmark Christian's efforts will depend on the legs of Lindy Long who will challenge for gold in both distance events with prs of 11:30.38 and 5:20.75. Lauren Toomer holds the top 100 hurdle time at 15.06 and Kenzie Thrasher has cleared 10-0 in the Vault.
Athens Academy brings some talent to Albany paced by thrower Torrie Owers who has a top mark of 37-11 in the Shot as well as 125-3 in the Discus. Tied for the top clearance in the Vault is Lisa Sheppard at 10-6
Mt.Zion-Carrollton is poised to blast out of the blocks and get on the board quickly Saturday having the fastest 4 x 100 squad in 1A at 50.34(hh adj) led by 100 meter aces Hannah Wood (12.34-hh adj) and Samaria Holland (12.58). Wood also sports a 26.19 in the 200m.
Some of top individuals to watch not mentioned above are Taylor Hollingsworth of Brookstone in the 200 meters with a pr of 25.74 and she could push Malasarte in the 400 having clocked a 57.94 with top end speed of 12.63 in the 100. Asia Stinson of Social Circle has the top time in the 100 at 12.28 along with a 25.79 in the 200 and 16-11 mark in the Long Jump. Lindsay Sanborn of Atlanta International will be a contender in both distance events with pr's of 5:20.20 and 11:45.83.
AA Girls
I have done a Virtual Meet on AA Girls including only State Qualifiers and in doing so, "on paper or cyberspace" this meet within a huge meet is by far going to be the tightest battle for Team bragging rights and Podium status. The region 6-AA meet was a slice and dice affair leaving many potential scorers out of a ticket to Albany. The outcome of AA may well depend on a position gained or lost in several events including what teams qualify for the 4 x 400 Finals. These 4 teams below all have a shot at the title...
Defending Champ Greater Atlanta Christian had a great region meet and brings some top athletes in their events to Albany bolstering their chances of repeating as champs. Jessica Tuggle will be a key factor as she can potentially triple in the 100 Hurdles (14.73), Triple Jump (37-8) and Long Jump (18-6.5) as well as giving the Lady Spartans a charge in the 4 x 100. Claire Goodson is ranked #2 All-Classes in the Vault at 11-10 and is the clear favorite to win a title. Defending 3200 champ Lauren Kester has re-emerged very late in the season clocking her season best time of 11:28 at the 6-AA meet. GAC will also vie for extra points by Danielle Moss in the Shot and Brittany Arnold in the 100.
Westminster may set a State Meet record if they win the title having only 3 athletes qualify for the State meet...However, 2 of those athletes are Miray Seward who also has the chance to triple in the 300 Hurdles (45.73), 100 Hurdles (14.93) and the High Jump with a season best of 5-6. Sahara Fletcher has a monster 11:09 time in the 3200 and the second best 1600 effort with a 5:13.06. Olivia Hewitt has cleared 5-4 in the High Jump and a repeat or better mark could help the Lady Cats.
Avondale burned up the track all season in the sprints and relays. Though only qualifying in 5 events for Albany, they have the firepower to rack up 50 points. The Lady Blue Devils are led by sophomore Shunika Jarrells who may double in the 100/200 with personal bests of 12.09 and 25.17 and 400 specialist Bridget Brown (58.08). Avondale has the top times in both relays this Spring in 48.95 and 4:01.21.
North Oconee won the title back in 2008 in a meet of attrition largely due to the efforts of the Greenwall twins who racked up 38 points. The Lady Titans are more balanced this season having scored 228 points at East Jackson last week. The twins will pace their efforts again as Rebecca has leading times in both the 800 (2:16.29), 1600 (5:11.01) and anchors the 4 x 400. Rachel has season best's of 11:23.03 and 5:20.27. Although hampered by a wrist injury, Sydney Rodkey cleared 10-6 in the Vault. Others hoping to produce big points will be Sheila Donavan in the 800 (2:27.30), Autumn Moser in the HJ (5-2) and Julie Thornton in the Discus (106-1)
Some other teams that have the talent in town to get on that old scoreboard down on the infield are:
Decatur had a good run at it in 09' and will be a factor again. Leading their efforts will be Rosie Parker in the 200/400 at 25.91 and 58.65, Lexi Shelds in the 300 hurdles (46.40), defending 800 champ Queen Alford (2:16.93) and thrower Stephanie Carter in the Shot (37-9.5). Decatur also boasts the #2 time in the 4 x 400 at 4:07.
Early County will be the Antiquinitta Reed "show" and ya'll better keep an eye towards the LJ/TJ pits as Reed has top marks in both events of 18-8 and 39-8 respectively and she will go for her own Triple in the 400 meters where her seed time (1:01) is very deceptive as she had no one push her in 1-AA, consider her pr instead of 56.75...
Swainsboro may not win any events, but with their athleticism may accrue up to 30 points with many medals heading back to Emmanuel County Saturday evening. Their Relay squads are swift, led by Lakita Johnson 300 hurdles (47.51), 35-7 in the Triple Jump and 400 meter qualifiers: Diedra Jordan (59.91), who also is competing in the High Jump (5-2) along with Aniya Moore (1:00.61) and 36-0 in the Triple Jump.
Gordon Central hopes to score big down on the Field Friday led by High Jumper Taylor Simpson who had a 5-6 clearance in the 7-AA meet. The Lady Warriors have dual threats in the Shot led by freshman Haley Reynolds at 38-1.5 and Lacie Roberson at 37-3.75.
Some top individuals (not aforementioned) looking to win individual state titles are:
Shamira Barrett of Adairsville: 200/400/LJ with pr's of:25.30, 58.55 and and 18-01.
Maya Dillard of Buford in the mid-distance races: 2:23.29 and 5:19.75
Jasmine Grovenor of McIntosh County in the Sprints/LJ: 12.10, 25.60 and 17-8.75
Anasteria Terrell (fr) of Howard in the 100h/TJ: 15.28 and 39-10(club)
Jalisha Knight of Toombs County in the Hurdles events: 15.06 and 46.61.
Whitney Wilson of NE Macon in the Discus: 126-11
Stephanie Berryhill of Bleckley Co. in the Pole Vault: 10-7
Keandra Bell of Macon Co. in the Shot Put: 38-11
AAA
It should come as no surprise to any fan of Ga HS Track and Field, that in recent history, AAA has been locked and loaded with athletes in nearly every event and this season reaffirms that conclusion. Some great races are going to unfold on the mondo and not to be outdone by the competition on the Field. The Lady Tornadoes of Monroe-Albany, just like those dark skies that form all Summer long over Southwest Ga, stormed into Hugh Mills Stadium and left a path of destruction in their wake, grabbing a team championship and re-establishing Monroe-Albany as a Track & Field power. Worse yet for AAA, they returned almost everyone. Here's the outlook from my view:
Monroe-Albany is a time bomb waiting to explode on their home track backed by a large contingent of exhuberant fans. They have the edge up top in the Sprints, Hurdles. Relays and Horizontal/Vertical Jumps that would thwart a serious effort from any squad in Georgia to overcome them. Many girls will be big contributors including Lakeisha Jackson, who has top times in both Hurdles events in 14.76/44.71. Mimieux Land has the ability to score in multiple events with a AAA leading clearance in the HJ at 5-8, 38-2 TJ mark as well as running on both Relay squads. Did I mention Relays? Monroe-Albany is in great position to score as many as 30 points having q'd both A & B squads including top times of 47.84 and 3:59.34 led by sprinter Maikea Davis. Alexandria Childs could also provide more points in the Discus at 110-0.
St. Pius X has the best opportunity to push Monroe-Alb. having an arsenal of Throws, Sprints and Jumps personnel. Junior Crystal Taylor is a multiple threat to score big for the Lady Lions in both Horizontal Jumps at 18-1.75/ 37-3 and the 100m at 12.14. Kathleen LaPorte has been a consistent performer in both XC and Track and will be looking to close out her career with wins in both mid-distance races with season bests of 2:18.99/ 5:13.08 Danielle Penk has cleared 11-5 in the Vault making her the favorite for an individual title. Thrower Shelby Ashe is on another level altogether and should dominate the Shot (45-5.75) and score in the Discus at 113-4.
The next tier of competitors will include Shaw, Riverwood and Therrell, all squads being very sprint/hurdle/relay oriented. Jamillah Middlebrooks of Riverwood has serious speed with pr's of 11.90/23.98 in the short Sprints. Distance ace Bret McDaniel fought through some some late season setbacks in XC, but is back shining Blue & Red in Track having season best efforts of 5:00.95/ 11:37.98 to move the Lady Raiders up the scoreboard...Almire Hannahkohl was very impressive at 5-AAA region with a pr of 2:22.07 and who knows what Albany could conjure?
Coach Pablo Sanchez of Shaw has done an exemplary job of developing talent at Shaw HS in Columbus over the past few years, and 2010 is no exception. I lived in Columbus for a few years and I know the challenges faced there. The Lady Pirates may not win any golds, but they have the talent to amass many 3-7 places, adding up to a top 4 Podium dance. Torrezia Lyles is the bomb having serious range with pr's in the 200/400/LJ at 24.92, 56.79 and 18-4! . Charquisa Burnley doubles in the Hurdles at 15.64/45.74 and let's not forget runninmate Aijalon Cobb at 15.37! Sydney Newson will compete in both distance events to chip in points.
Therrell has been a power for years in recent history and blessed by the multi-talented Jawanda King- 23.98/ 56.2 are good wager to tally nearly almost 40 points. Sandrika Simmons has the #2 time of 45.44 in the 300h. Relays have been Therrell's forte the past few seasons and a 48.66 in the 4 x100 and AAA tops 3:56.70 could serve them aptly in Albany for a Podium spot. West Forsyth, Flowery Branch and Carver-Columbus are on the 3rd tier looking to make a scoreboard appearance on Saturday.
Some Top Individuals to keep a watch on, not mentioned above and favored for Individual Titles are:
Allie Scaich of Lambert-- 5:01.22 / 11:12.94
Jasmine Smith of Jackson--11.97 (100m)
KIara Woods of Flowey Branch--#1 time in 3200- 11:07.75/ 5:15.97
Makeia Davis of Monroe-Alb.--12.06 / 24.74
Erika Rucker of Flowery Branch-- 55.78 (400m)
Kat Gibson of W.Forsyth--2:20.94 (800m)
Jenna Wesley of Spalding-- 2:21.00 (800m)
Field Events
Jana Jones of Liberty Co-- 123-8 (Discus)
Monae Tillman of Carver, Columbus--18-8.5 (LJ)
Alex Shook of W.Forsyth--18-4 (LJ)
Sloan Bunting of W.Forsyth--10-6 (PV)
Kischondrisus Tanksley of Thomson-- 40-0 (SP)
AAAA
After looking at the athletes who qualified for the State meet competition, its obvious that AAAA is going to feature some awesome races and Field Events competition. Take a look at the virtual meet created based solely on qualifier's pr's with reasonable opportunity to make the final 8 and score..Man, this lineup makes me want to hire someone to take pictures so I could just sit back and watch all these young ladies compete! Southwest DeKalb raced to the team title in 2009, but Tucker tamed them at the 6-AAAA meet and has the upper hand in athletes that made it out of a tough region. Every event in the Finals will be riveting and worth the price of admission. Here are the primary contenders for team titles.....
The Lady Tigers from Tucker are primed to win the title and could score over 80 points if hitting on all cylinders. They actually came out of the region much better than SW DeKalb did and its a matter of making it happen again down in Albany. KImberly Miller can put some big points on the board for Tucker having Q'd in the horizontal jumps at 18-8.5/37-11. Tamera Harris will be a huge factor in the 400/300h with pr's of 57.42 / 44.92. Nakia Linson is electric in the 200/400/LJ with pr's of 24.92/57.48/18-2. Serena Clark will also be looking to bolster their efforts with a pr of 5-4 in the HJ. Tucker also has class dominant times in both relays at 47.08 and 3:53.49..
SW DeKalb will not go down without a fight, but unless Tucker stumbles with Dq's, etc, the Lady Panthers will do well to capture 2nd in the team competition due to an incredibly competitive region meet last week that left their middle-distance entrants and speedy 4 x 400 squad without a ticket to punch for Albany. Morgan Snow should make her presence known in multiple events including the 100m/110h with top times of 12.05 and 14.19. Aminya Avril could weigh heavy in both Throws events with pr's of 138-9 and 40-0. Also looking chip in points will be Adrienne Jemison and Kenya Scott.
The next tier of teams battling for podium positions is very interesting, including and not limited to: Starrs Mill. Lakeside-Evans, Mt. Zion-Jonesboro and Bainbridge. All of these teams have extremely talented athletes capable of medaling very high.
Starrs Mill- Caroline Evans is the Lady Panthers best shot at winning a gold medal as she is tied for the highest clearance in the Vault at 10-0. Taylor Dupont has the #2 mark (Discus) in 4A at 129-3, Also looking to add points for Starrs Mill are Daisy Helm in the 400m having clocked a 57.66, Jackie Samples in both distance events and the 4 x 400 squad at 4:02.69.
Lakeside-Evans has become a distance powerhouse as confirmed by a strong runnerup finish in the 2009 XC Championships and it has carried over into Track as Anna Bowles and Katie Townsend have taken their running to another level altogether. Both girls have cracked the sub 11: barrier with pr's of 10:56 and 10:58 respectively. Bowles may have a bit more speed in the 1600m with a pr of 5:01.60 compared to Townsend's 5:10.75, but nonetheless it adds up to big points for LS-Evans. Frosh Sarah Bowles is the next prodigy with a pr of 2:25 in the 800m.
Alycia Prior will be a part of nearly every point Mt.Zion-Jonesboro could score with State leading times in both short Sprints at 11.77/24.4. Arashawna Raynes will be looking to rack up key points in the LJ with a pr of 18-2.5. Mt.Zion could also come up big in both Relays events.
Bainbridge will depend on the exploits of Nancy Session who is a threat to double in the 200/400 with pr's of 24.91/56.60. The Lady Bearcats also come into Albany with the #2,4 times in both Relays at 48.04 and 3:58.63.
Some incredible Individuals to watch, not mentioned above are:
S'Kiayah Hampton of Jonesboro: 12.02/100 Meters
Danielle Manning of Newton: 24.74/200 Meters
Eliza Andruszkiewiscz of Marist: 2:16.57/800 Meters
Savannah Kirk of North Springs: 2:17.35/800 Meters, 5:08.65/1600 Meters
Meghan Wetterhall of LS-DeKalb: 5:08.01/1600 Meters
Khadija Stuckey of Langston Hughes: 14.57/100 Hurdles
Alyssa Felton of Chamblee: 44.29/300 Hurdles
Melanie Mainor of Hillgrove: 5-6/High Jump
Chayna Thompson of Woodland: 38-7/Triple Jump
Patrice Gates of Villa Rica: 42-2.75/Shot Put
Jianna Williams of S.Paulding: 40-9/Shot Put
Dianna Wimpy of Woodland: 128-7/Discus