Katelynne Hart is the defending Mile and Two Mile Champion (Mark Capapas photo)
LJ: Imani Carothers (Chicago Brooks) will make her big time indoor meet debut. Carothers has been dangerous in the pit skying over 19-feet on several occasions. It will be interesting to see if she is ready to take on a feast of girls that have marks of 18-10 to 19 feet. Camille Osborne of Rich South and Ameia Wilson (Danville) will be among the state's top entrants.
60HH: All-timer Tia Jones of Georgia should be light years ahead of the field. Her 8.15 is a mark that burns the track whether in high school or college leaderboard. Look for Carothers to make the finals and see where she falls.
60: A great battle between Ohio and Indiana will be one to watch. Semira Killebrew (Indy Breubeuf) and Abby Steiner (Dublin Coffman) are both US #5 7.45... a slew of IL girls here to watch include Bella Uscila (Elgin St. Edward), Ameia Wilson, Seven Hicks (Peoria Heights) and Olivia Oliver (Homewood-Flossmoor)
Amira Young (Chicago Whitney Young): The two-time defending Century Champion has entered into the sweepstakes. The soon to be University of Minnesota product figures this to be the right opportunity to run against some of the best in the country. Young is solid in the short stuff indoors but better in the longer terrain. Young will contest the 60 and 200.
Dajour Miles (West Aurora): Basketball season is just about a wrap for Cinnamon as she grabs her spikes and prep for track. In very limited action Dajour has run 55.71 for the 400, which is good for IL #1 and US #16. Last year here Miles made quite an impression with a US #2 54.25 winner and third fastest time in meet history. Miles is slated for the 200 as well but keep your eyes locked on the "quarter-mile."
800: Surprisingly no girl has broken 2:10 on the national leaderboard. That mark may stay intact but expect competitiveness amongst a solid field. Arielle Summitt (Urbana U High) will duel instate foe Madison Marasco (Sr., Schaumburg). Marasco is the state leader at 2:17 and that time should be smashed. Mikenna Robinson (Neuqua Valley), Gillian Fiene (Illiana Christian), and Shaheeda Dade (Chicago Lindblom) adds depth.