Dajour Miles put a charge into the meet at the University of Kentucky last weekend with a sizzling performance in the 400m (Mark Capapas photo)
The speed-
The #HFABC17 is going to be ABSOLUTELY LOADED with talent! Let's start with Dajour Miles. The former grade school prodigy came into high school with tremendous hype and expectations thrust upon her. The initial returns were great when she ran a state leading 55.42 indoors at the UK Invite. Unfortunately, that would be the highlight for Miles. The subsequent action was a joint parting of ways at Waubonsie Valley High School. Miles would finish out the school season training on her own and finished with a strong summer track season. "Cinnamon" as she referred to in closed circles has now come full circle. Now a sophomore at West Aurora fresh off of basketball season, Cinnamon strolled into the spacious Nutter Fieldhouse and blazed a then US#1 54.25 which later was slightly downgraded to US #2. The main thing is now is the brimming happiness and the sense of greatness that is to come.
The first event to watch is the 60m. Two state champions will pit against one another in Amira Young (Jr., Chicago Whitney Young) and Mariya Hudson (Sr., Cahokia). Young won last year's 3A state 100m title with an IL #3 11.79. Hudson took 3rd last year in the 2A tilt, but won the 2015 state crown. Young is the state leader at 7.74 while Hudson will be opening her season. Add in IL #6 Miles and this could be the race of the year outside of the Illinois Top Times.
The 200m: The top 3 ranked girls in IL are in the same section. One is the reigning 3A state champ Amira Young- Dajour Miles and Jaimie Robinson make up the other two and are ranked top 75 nationally.
In addition to Miles in the 400m, there are 3 ranked girls in the top 10 in the state. Likkaya Keyes (Jr., Rich South) and Taylor Wright (So., Lincoln Way East) are #5 and #8. Hudson cannot be overlooked. She is a former state champion with a personal best 54.79- second in stature only to Miles.
The field events-
Four of the state's top 10 ranked shot putters will be in the building if you like throws. Upstart Oluwasheyi Taiwo of Thornwood has improved mightily last year with a good 43-9 indoor career best.
Unfortunately, there will not be a sighting of Robinson in her signature triple jump event. Her teammate Trelyn Newkirk (So., Homewood-Flossmoor) is IL #3 and emerging this season. Her personal best is 36-5.25.
Jess Streepy (So., Palatine) ranked 16th in the state last year in the pole vault. Advancing to the state meet was probably a wonderful occasion despite not making the final. 2017 has been a good start for Streepy who has cleared 10-feet which is good for 12th place. Lila Wine (Oak Park River Forest) is the state leader at 10-10.
The relays-
4x8 all stater Anna Buckstaff (Sr., Palatine) will be the favorite in the 800m. This will be an opportunity for the fans to see another potential Pirate emerge in an event they are famous for. Fellow teammate Danya Lloyd enjoyed a great xc championship season that netted all state honors. Lloyd will take on the competition in the 1600m and look for her to bust out with a new personal best effort.