Host Minooka should provide a solid mix of distance, field, sprints, and relay action.
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The first action of the IHSA State Sectionals begins at 2:30p with the field events and at 4:30 for the running events.
The state's high jump leader, Samantha Yeh (So., Dunlap), will be in the building, carrying her 5'8" mark. She must be consistent to maintain her advantage heading into Charleston next weekend.
One of the state's top jumpers, Jahnel Bowman (Sr., Plainfield South), will contest the long and triple jumps. Bowman has sparingly competed this spring but is very dangerous on the right day. If so, 19' and 40' efforts could be in store.
Mya Strahm (Jr., Elmwood) has been dominating the pole vault ranks but keeps a close eye on Chelsea Wetzel (Sr., Dunlap), who has been sensational in her own respect. Wetzel has cleared 13 feet indoors and outdoors this season. Look for that to continue.
The state's top returning shot putter, Nikkel Johnson (Sr., Kankakee), has been solid, but she can rise above the 11th-rated state position. Last year, Johnson tossed the iron ball over 42 feet. Maybe top-seeded Laila Richardson (Sr., Minooka) will inspire her to step it up. Johnson will be the favorite in the discus throw with a 130'7.25" personal best.
Kankakee will make their 3A on the track in the 4x100 relay, and it will not be a walk in the park for the Kays. Their 47.77 rates #6 in the state, Joliet West sits close by with a 48.18 clocking. Crete-Monee and Peoria Richwoods also have produced a sub 49.00 time.
Naomi-Bey Osborne (Jr., Kankakee) will have to start a new state-winning streak in the 400 after consecutive titles in 2A. She is #2 in the state with a 55.63 PB. She will also compete in the 4x1, 200, and 4x4.
Sophia Ramirez (So., Washington) will highlight the distance arena by assisting her teammates in the 4x800 and later in the 1600, where her 4:55.42 is a top 10 time in the state.
MEET PROGRAM is below-----