News

Here is an event by event by look at this weekend’s IHSA 2A Girls State Track Meet at Charleston. At the end of this preview, we will look at some of the top teams that will contend for the state team championship.

FIELD EVENTS

Long Jump

2014 2A State Best – 19’ 1” – Raynesha Lewis (SO), Cahokia HS

2014 2A Sectional Best – 18’ 3” – Raynesha Lewis (SO), Cahokia HS

Outlook – Raynesha Lewis had a little bit of help from the wind when she jumped 19-1 at her conference meet a couple of weeks ago. Nevertheless, she should be the favorite heading into this event. Lewis has the best sectional jump (18-3). Close behind her on the sectional list is Gillian Urycki (Metamora HS). The sophomore jumped a seasonal best 18-2 ¾ last week at the Macomb Sectional. She will be in contention for the win.

Lexy Duncan (Dixon HS) has been hot the last couple of weeks jumping 18-3 at her conference meet two weeks ago. I would not discount her in this event. Vicky Gruszka (Notre Dame HS, Peoria) finished right behind Urycki last week. She will be a challenger for the state championship as well. Other athletes that I would keep an eye on include Mackenzie McClintock (Glenwood HS, Chatham), Molly McGraw (Bloomington Central Catholic HS), and Mariya Hudson (Cahokia HS).

Triple Jump

2014 2A State Best – 40’ 6” – Raynesha Lewis (SO), Cahokia HS

2014 2A Sectional Best – 37’ 8” – Vicky Gruszka (SO), Peoria Notre Dame HS

Outlook – Here again, Raynesha Lewis jumped 40-6 at her conference meet with a little help from the wind. She has jumped over 38 feet twice other than the 40 foot jump this season. If her step is on, she will be tough to beat. Vicky Gruszka has the best sectional jump. She will be one of the athletes that will push Lewis. The other athlete that will challenge for the state championship is Jaimie Robinson (DeLaSalle Institute, Chicago). The freshman is not known outside of the Chicago area, but she has jumped 37-11 ¾ during the season. The state meet pressure does effect most young athletes. I do not think it will with Robinson.

Only three other athletes have gone past 36 feet outdoors this season. Keep an eye on Sydney Jones (Jersey HS, Jerseyville), Ninaa Edwards (Rich South HS, Richton Park), and Lilia Edwards (Sycamore HS). They will be in the mix for a top three finish.

High Jump

2014 2A State Best – 5’ 7” – Daisa Evans (SO), Richton Park Rich South HS

2014 2A Sectional Best – 5’ 6” – Lunden Henry (SO), Springfield Southeast HS;

Molly McGraw (SR), Bloomington Central Catholic HS

Outlook – This event is wide open. All eyes, though, will be on two time defending state champion Haleigh Knapp (Morris HS). She has cleared 5-6 this outdoor season. She has been through this kind of pressure before. Three athletes have gone 5-6 or higher this spring. Daisa Evans has the best 2A mark and will be in contention. Lunden Henry and Molly McGraw cleared a 5-6 seasonal best last week at their sectional meet. I would watch for them as well.

The will be other athletes that will be in the mix for the state championship in this event. Jamari Drake (Southeast HS, Springfield) won the Illinois Top Times in March clearing 5-5. I would not count her out. Watch also for Gilian Urycki, Grace Cronin (Fenwick HS, Oak Park), and Addison Ely (Bloomington Central Catholic HS) to challenge for a top finish.

Pole Vault

2014 2A State Best – 12’ 8” – Lindsey Murray (SR), Harrisburg HS

2014 2A Sectional Best – 12’ 6” – Claire Buck (JR), Troy Triad HS

Outlook – This event should come down to three athletes that will contend for the state championship. Lindsey Murray has been the dominant athlete in the 2A Pole Vault. She cleared 13-0 indoors to win at the Illinois Top Times. She has the best 2A outdoors at 12-8. The athlete that has improved the most in this event this season has been Claire Buck. She ended last season clearing 11-3 to place fifth at state. She has cleared 12-6 this outdoor season.

Kassadee Ifft (Prairie Central HS, Fairbury) finished third last year. The sophomore has cleared 12-0 this season. She will push both Buck and Murray. Other athletes that I would keep an eye on include Mattie Carter (Greenville HS), Betsy Lovett (Clinton HS), and Katie Schroder (Central HS, Grayslake). It will take at least 13-0 to win on Saturday.

Shot Put

2014 2A State Best – 48’ 3” – Lena Giger (SR), Highland HS

2014 2A Sectional Best – 46’ 10” – Lena Giger (SR), Highland HS

Outlook – The biggest news to come out from all of the 2A sectionals was that Lena Giger did not advance to the state meet in the Discus. That could spur her on to some big things this weekend in this event. She has the best performance indoors or out in this event when she had a 50-0 put at indoor nationals. So far this outdoor season, her 48-3 best is four feet better than her closest competition.

Gabi Jacobs (University HS, Normal) should be Giger’s chief competition. The U-High senior has a 44-7 best outdoors. Their Illinois Top Times competition was memorable. We should see the same thing at Charleston.

Daisha Townsend (Cahokia HS) has been over 40 feet this year. She will push for a high finish. Others to watch include Christina Meinhardt (Wauconda HS), Bralon Mack (Herrin HS), and Latavia Maines (Centralia HS).

Discus

2014 2A State Best – 151’ 10” – Lena Giger (SR), Highland HS.

2014 2A Sectional Best – 129’ 1” – Daisha Townsend (SR), Cahokia HS

Outlook – Without Giger not in this event, this could be a wide open competition. Gabi Jacobs has the best remaining 2A throw of 145-8 at the end of April at the Dunlap Relays. She would be the one athlete that I would keep an eye on. Elle Alexander (Glenwood HS, Chatham) threw 139-6 on Monday at the Capital Area Classic. She should push Jacobs at Charleston.

Daisha Townsend has the top sectional performance. She will be in the hunt for the state championship. Also watch for Shaunera Wilson (Southeast HS, Springfield), Christina Meinhardt, Emily Kauffman (Mahomet-Seymour HS), and Mary Grace Inyart (East Richland HS, Olney) to challenge for the state championship. Anything could happen in this event this weekend.

TRACK EVENTS

4 x 800 Meter Relay

2014 2A State Best – 9:32.46 – Woodstock HS

2014 2A Sectional Best - 9:32.46 – Woodstock HS

Outlook – This could be a wide open event. Woodstock has the fastest sectional time. The big question for them will be if Maura Beattie run in this event, then come back 50 minutes later in the 3200 Meter Run like she did at her sectional meet. Woodstock has a good squad but can they win it without Beattie?

This will be a wide open race with a number of schools challenging for the state championship. Washington and Mahomet-Seymour both ran 9:38 to win their sectionals. Either of them could be under 9:30 in the finals. Rockford Boylan ran 9:38.3 to win at Freeport. They will also be in contention. Highland has a good squad anchored by Allison Zobrist. Watch out for them.

Other teams that I would keep an eye on include Monmouth-Roseville, Normal University, and Springfield. It is going to take at least 9:28 to win this event. Which team will finish first Saturday morning.

4 x 100 Meter Relay

2014 2A State Best – 48.45 – Chicago Johnson College Prep

2014 2A Sectional Best – 48.94 – Cahokia HS

Outlook – This race will come down to the final 100 meters with two of the premiere 2A sprinters leading the way. Ryan Preacely leads a strong Johnson College Prep team that combines precision handoffs with speed. Brooks College Prep has 100 meter favorite Ebony McClendon running last. Brooks ran 48.54 in a meet at Indianapolis in April. They will contend.

Cahokia ran 48.58 this year and will push the two Chicago schools. 2013 champs Kankakee are coming on strong just at the right time and could pull a surprise. Springfield Southeast and Springfield could be a big surprise also. Watch for Glenbard South, Troy Triad, and Kaneland to challenge for a top finish also.

3200 Meter Run

2014 2A State Best – 10:46.98 – Sydney Billingsley (SR), Normal University HS

2014 2A Sectional Best - 10:46.98 – Sydney Billingsley (SR), Normal University HS

Outlook – After the Keller / Hildreth 1A showdown, we should see an equally impressive race in 2A. Sydney Billingsley has been running great all track season after being hindered by injuries. He 10:46 at sectionals shows she is ready to win a state championship. 2013 2A champion Maura Beattie was not the favorite last year when she stepped to the line. The same thing applies this season as she is in Billingsley’s shadow. Beattie ran 10:50 to win her sectional. Running in the relay could hinder her chances. But remember, she did the 4x8/3200 double at her sectional meet.

Maryjeanne Gilbert (Notre Dame HS, Peoria) reportedly ran 10:46 at her conference meet. She ran 10:53 at sectionals after helping her team qualify in the 4x8. She finished second a year ago. She wants one place higher in 2014.

There could be a gap after the first three. Keep an eye on Meghan Carroll (St. Viator HS, Arlington Heights), Ellie Willging (Freeport HS), Vivian Overbeck (Vernon Hills HS), Abby Jockisch (Dunlap HS), Lauren Whitehouse (Mahomet-Seymour HS), and Olivia Ryan (Fenwick HS, Oak Park) to challenge for a top five finish. It will take 10:35 – 10:37 to win this race.

100 Meter Hurdles

2014 2A State Best - 14.92 – Katelyn Hill (SR), Glen Ellyn Glenbard South HS

2014 2A Sectional Best – 14.92 - Katelyn Hill (SR), Glen Ellyn Glenbard South HS

Outlook – This will be an extremely close race. Katelyn Hill ran her season’s best time last week at her sectional meet. She finished third in this event a year ago. She is looking for the championship this season. Raynesha Lewis (Cahokia HS) has showed great improvement this season running 14.94 during the year. She will be in the mix for the win. Bryce Weinrich (Central HS, Burlington) ran 15.00 two weeks ago at her conference meet. She should be up front as well.

Ninaa Edwards (Rich South HS, Richton Park), Taylor McCammon (McNamara HS, Kankakee), Amanda Nelson (Rochester HS), and Takyra Buford (Cahokia HS) all could finish in the top three.

100 Meter Dash

2014 2A State Best – 11.81 – Ebony McClendon (SR), Chicago Brooks College Prep

2014 2A Sectional Best – 11.98 – Ebony McClendon (SR), Chicago Brooks College Prep

Outlook – Simply put, this race will come to two of the top sprinters in the state. Ebony McClendon has been dominant all season going undefeated in this event. Ryan Preacely (Johnson College Prep, Chicago) has a season best time (11.85) is only four hundredth behind McClendon. These sprinters finished 1-2 at both the Chicago Public League Championships and the U-High Sectional meet. Will it be 1-2 by the two once again on Saturday? Could the order be changed?

Sierra Thompson (Mattoon HS), Stacia Lee (Eisenhower HS, Decatur), Anna Sloan (Trinity HS, River Forest), and Kaylee Miller (Centralia HS) could all challenge for the next spot. With McClendon and Preacely pushing each other, don’t be surprised if the winning time is in the 11.5’s.

800 Meter Run

2014 2A State Best – 2:13.77 – Karina Liz (SO), Aurora Central Catholic HS

2014 2A Sectional Best – 2:13.89 – Karina Liz (SO), Aurora Central Catholic HS

Outlook – Karina Liz is undefeated this year in this event. She has the fastest 2A time. The sophomore would like to keep the undefeated trend to continue. Lelani Hill (Massac County HS) finished third in this event a year ago. She won her sectional meet in 2:14.51 being pushed by little known Madeline Bruce (Marion HS) who was close behind. Either of these runners could take the top prize.

Naomi Springer (Olympia HS, Stanford) has the talent to push for the win in this event. I would also watch for Aly Goff (Springfield HS), Tyra Buss (Mt. Carmel HS), Zoe Mead (Princeton HS), and Kristina Kladar (Boylan Catholic HS, Rockford) to be in the mix for all state honors. It will take 2:12.5 or better to win this race.

4 x 200 Meter Relay

2014 2A State Best – 1:42.77 – Chicago Johnson College Prep

2014 2A Sectional Best – 1:43.88 – Chicago Johnson College Prep

Outlook – Johnson College Prep enters this meet with the fastest 2A time in this event this season. They will have company near them on the big blue oval. Brooks College Prep has the talent to challenge their Chicago Public League rival. Springfield and Springfield Southeast could break up the Chicago streak. Springfield ran 1:44.24 in their sectional and could knock off Johnson.

Morgan Park could be towards the front. Kankakee, Kaneland, Freeport, Clinton and Cahokia could be towards the front also. Times in the low 1:42’s will be what it will take if you want to win this power packed race.

400 Meter Dash

2014 2A State Best – 55.46 – Mariya Hudson (FR), Cahokia HS

2014 2A Sectional Best – 57.53 – Lexy Duncan (SR), Dixon HS

Outlook – We had an indication of how good Mariya Hudson could be after she was running 57 second 400’s at last June’s USATF Youth Championships in Edwardsville as an eighth grader. Almost a year later, Hudson will step to the line at O’Brien Field as the favorite in this event. She has run under 56 seconds twice during the season. She could be in the low 55’s in this meet.

Lexy Duncan has been running great the last couple of weeks running 57.53 to win her sectional meet. It is still two seconds behind Hudson’s best. Duncan could pull off the surprise. Nicole Sreenan (Kaneland HS, Maple Park) was only two hundredths behind Duncan at the sectional meet. The freshman could run in the 56’s in this meet.

Karina Liz will be doubling back from the 800. She is still capable of placing in the top three in this meet. Also watch for Dasia Evans (Rich South HS, Richton Park), Nia Pearl Minor-Clark (DeLaSalle Institute, Chicago), Kierra Weir (Springfield HS), and Christyle Smith (Bremen HS, Midlothian) to be challenging for a top finish.

300 Meter Hurdles

2014 2A State Best – 44.74 – Grace Cronin (SO), Oak Park Fenwick HS

2014 2A Sectional Best - 44.74 – Grace Cronin (SO), Oak Park Fenwick HS

Outlook – It was a surprise last week at the Glenbard South Sectional when Grace Cronin surprised Katelyn Hill (Glenbard South HS, Glen Ellyn) on Hill’s home track. The two will meet again Saturday. Hill would like turn change last week’s outcome in the state finals. Chante Stonewall (University HS, Normal) has run 45.28 this season and could be ahead of both Cronin and Hill in the finals.

IHSA Girls Basketball all-time scoring leader Tyra Buss (Mt. Carmel) will be a top runner in the 800. She could also pull off a surprise in this race. She ran 45.85 to win her sectional race. Other athletes that I would keep an eye on include Amanda Nelson (Rochester HS), Taylor Smith (Mattoon HS), and Sariaya Phillips (Brooks College Prep, Chicago).

1600 Meter Run

2014 2A State Best – 4:59.39 – Sydney Billingsley (SR), Normal University HS

2014 2A Sectional Best – 5:06.78 - Sydney Billingsley (SR), Normal University HS

Outlook – This race is going to come down to who can handle their double the best. The majority of the top runners will be doubling back from either the 4x8 or the 3200. Sydney Billingsley has the fastest 2A seasonal time. She ran 5:06 to win her sectional race. Will that be enough at state?

The one runner that I would keep an eye is Allison Zobrist (Highland HS). She will be first running the 4x8 with her teammates. She ran 5:05.70 in April. Also watch for Maryjeanne Gilbert. I am suspecting a slower pace early on. Gilbert could take control of the race early on if she pushes the pace similar to how 2013 champ Katie Adams did.

This is a toss-up on who could win. Watch for Olivia Ryan, Ellie Willging, Megan Shafer, and Meghan Carroll all with the ability to win this race.

200 Meter Dash

2014 2A State Best – 24.33 – Mariya Hudson (FR), Cahokia HS

2014 2A Sectional Best – 25.08 – Ebony McClendon (SR), Chicago Brooks College Prep

Outlook – Ebony McClendon and Ryan Preacely finished within two hundredths of each other at last week’s sectional meet. Their times were six tenths ahead of the next sectional qualifiers this past weekend. The one thing that will be interesting to see is how Mariya Hudson runs in this race. She ran 24.33 at a meet at the end of April. She will have many races under her belt entering this final race. Will she be able to run that kind of a time to be close to McClendon and Preacely at the end?

Ashley Simmons (Freeport HS), Sierra Thompson, Anna Sloan, and Sharon Mainor (Central HS, Champaign) will contend for all-state honors. It will take 24.5 or faster to win this state championship.

4 x 400 Meter Relay

2014 2A State Best – 4:00.00 – Kankakee HS

2014 2A Sectional Best – 4:01.47 – Springfield Southeast HS

Outlook – This race will be a wild end to a great meet. It is a toss-up on who could come out on top in this race. Springfield Southeast is peaking at the right time having run the 2A best sectional time. In that race, they defeated cross town rival Springfield, who ran 4:01.32 earlier in the year.

Don’t count out Cahokia and Kaneland in this race. Both have the talent to go past the Springfield schools in this race. Glenbard South, Kankakee, and Rockford Boylan have the ability to be up there as well. It is going to take a time under 4 minutes to win this race.

Teams to Watch

Cahokia – Qualified ten individuals and three relays to Charleston. This team could be as dominant as the Cahokia Boys program. Raynesha Lewis will be in multiple events (Long Jump, Triple Jump, 100 Hurdles, and a relay) and could bring back some big points for her team. Mariya Hudson will be the favorite in the 400, be in the top four in the 200, and help out with their relays. Daisha Townsend has the top sectional mark in the Discus. She could also score points in the Shot Put. All three of Cahokia’s relays will score points. They will need high places in all of those for the Lady Comanches to start thinking of a state championship trophy.

Normal University – Qualified eight individuals and one relay to Charleston. Three individuals could score some big points boosting the Lady Pioneers chance at a state trophy. Gabi Jacobs will contend for the championship in the Shot Put and Discus. Sydney Billingsley has the top sectional time in both the 3200 and 1600. You should expect some big points from her. Chante Stonewall will be one of the favorites in the 300 Hurdles. It would be a bonus if she could get points in the 100 Hurdles also. U-High’s 4x8 relay is capable of going under 9:40. That could be good enough to get some points for the team.

Springfield Southeast – Qualified seven individuals and three relays to Charleston. The defending 2A champions are peaking at the right time. They were a team that lost so many points from last year’s squad, yet here they are. Their three relays could all score some big points. The 4x2 and 4x4 could win. Lundeen Henry and Jamari Drake will be towards the top in the High Jump. Shaunera Wilson could give the team a boost by a high finish in the Discus. It would be a bonus if Drake could score in the 200 or Alexis Henry scoring in the 400.

Springfield – Qualified six individuals and four relays to Charleston. Just like crosstown rival Southeast, the Lady Senators will have to rely on the relays to give them a chance in the trophy chase. All four could finish in the top five. The 4x2 and 4x4 will be in contention for the win. Michaela Drake could give Springfield points in the 100 and 200. Aly Goff will be among the leaders in the 800. Kiera Weir has the talent to place in the 400 Meter top five.

Maple Park Kaneland – Qualified six individuals and four relays to Charleston. Not a lot of wiggle room for mistakes for this team. They could score points in many events that could get them in the top three. Elle Tattoni has the shot of placing in both of the Shot Put and Discus. Nicole Sreeman could bring her team big points in both the 100 and 400. The Lady Knights could score points with their 4x8. Their 4x4 squad could be in the top three giving this team a chance at a trophy.

Chicago Brooks College Prep – Qualified seven individuals and two relays to Charleston. This team’s success will come down to the McClendon factor. Ebony McClendon is the big favorite in the 100 and 200. She will also be a part of their 4x1 and 4x2 that have a chance to win. The big key for this team is if Sariya Phillips can make it to the finals of the 300 Hurdles. She has been in the 45’s during the year. That would be a huge bonus for this squad.

Peoria Notre Dame – Qualified eight individuals and two relays to Charleston. The Irish have a number of individuals into the trophy talk on Saturday. PND will need high finishes from Maryjeanne Gilbert in both the 3200 and 1600. Vicky Gruszka will be one of the favorites in the Triple Jump. It would be a bonus if she could place in the top 5 in the Long Jump. Cece Ricca has a chance to make the 400 finals. That would be a bonus for her team. Monica Voudrie could place in the Shot or Discus. Any points from her would be great at the team’s trophy chances. A big plus would be their 4x8 also pacing in the top five in that event.