3A Girls State Prelim Recap
Edwardsville came away during the afternoon with 12 total entries into Saturday’s championship final (11 individuals, 1 relay). Frankfort Lincoln-Way East will have 11 (8,3), Glen Ellyn Glenbard West 7 (6,1), and St. Charles East 7 (4,3).
Lincoln-Way East appears to be on their way to the top-
It appears as though the Lincoln-Way East can punch their ticket to the top of the team trophy podium if all goes well on Saturday. Mega-star Aaliyah Brown (Sr.) is the heavy favorite in the 100 and 200 dashes as well will anchor the best 4x100 and 4x200 relays in history.
In addition, the Griffins will have some help in the field event arena as Julia Junkroski (So.) has qualified in the pole vault and high jump. Junkroski was a state finalist in both events last year.
Watch for Lincoln-Way East to nab some big points in the 100H courtesy of freshman standout Alexis Pierre-Antoine and the 4x400 relay. If the Griffins stand tall in those two events, it could be a rout.
Standout performances of the day-
Throws superstar Emmonnie Henderson (Sr.) of Edwardsville is on verge of cementing her IHSA career into legendary status after Saturday’s performance in the shot put. Henderson rocked a 49-7.75 effort in her first attempt. She has a nine foot lead on the field heading into the final. As far as the discus throw is concerned, Henderson has some work to do. Morgan Keller (Sr., Rolling Meadows) leads the way at 149-7. Henderson’s series was foul, 135-8, and 146-1. She has a lifetime best over 160-feet this season and will have to unleash the monster attitude.
Jasmine Brown (Sr., Dekalb) and Chardae Greenlee (Sr., Homewood-Flossmoor) are locked in a fierce battle in the triple jump. Brown’s first effort of 39-11.75w set the tempo for the day. Greenlee on the other leaped 38-11.5 on her initial jump as well.
The 4x800 relay produced some state leading performances. Mt. Prospect (Prospect) got it started with a then state leading 9:19.87 in the first heat. However, Algonquin Jacobs overtook Palatine in heat two on the legs of Lauren VanVlierbergen (So.) to post the fastest time of the day at 9:16.19. The 12th and last qualifying spot went to O’Fallon in 9:29.41.
As mentioned before, Lincoln Way East breezed in the 4x100 relay (46.45) and 4x200 relay (1:38.83). They are far above the competition in these stout relays.
Alexus Jimson-Miller (Sr., Danville) ran very bravely in the 100H and leads all qualifiers (14.43). Emma Spagnola (Jr., West Aurora) is second at 14.55.
Aaliyah Brown was told to qualify by her coach instead of trying to overpower windy conditions. As a result, she is the only qualifier to break 12.00 with her 11.99. Brown’s heat #3 didn’t have the wind gauge running but it was howling at -3.6 for the first heat.
Courtney Clayton (Sr., Rockton Hononegah) provided a temporary thrill for the fans in the 800m before shutting it down. The middle distance star rolled the first 400m in 63.4 before destroying the field on her way to a solid 2:10.67. Clayton looked at the clock with 50m to go and completely turned the jets off.
Parker English (Jr., Evanston) produced a classification leading 400m in 54.80. Although she experimented with running the 300H, it was the flat event that she had the most desire to excel in. Cameron Pettigrew (Sr., Chicago Payton) legs appeared to be just fine as she easily won her heat in 55.14. Defending champion Brittny Ellis (So., Gurnee Warren) also cruised with a solid time of 55.18.
Brenna Detra (Sr., Peoria Richwoods) continues to prove that she is the one to beat in the long hurdles. The three-sport star rocked 43.45 to lead all competitors.
Maddie Perez (Jr., Glenbard West) did not mess around with her heat two opponents when she set a burning first half pace (2:23) in the 1600m and cruised to a leading 4:52.21. Lauren VanVlierbergen, Courtney Ackerman (Sr., New Trier), and Christina Santiago (Jr., Prospect) ran 4:55.40, 4:55.94, and 4:55.74 respectively. The overall qualifying marks were not as fast as last year, but it still took 5:03.6 to make the final!
The 4x400 relay ended a long day of competition as the field produced several solid marks. St. Charles East leading the way in 3:51.93. The Lady Saints are the team to beat as they were during the indoor season. Lincoln Way East, Springfield, Lane Tech, Glenbard West, O’Fallon will give chase for the gold medal.
More Coverage
IHSA Girls State Track Meet Page