Grace Cronin's premature lean and stumble may have cost her the 300H state title last year (Sabrina Mendoza photo)
300H-
2015 State Champion: Chante Stonewall (Normal University) 43.70
Outlook: It should go without saying that Grace Cronin is the heavy favorite this season in any race that she runs. Cronin placed second in the 3A championship by a photo finish to Belleville East's Miya Dorsey 42.94-42.95. Now that 2A defending champion Chante Stonewall is presumed out for the season after suffering a basket injury to her ACL. If she does recover in time her mind may already be supplanted on a future hoops career at Depaul University. The opportunity to shine is now. This event will see a ton of quality individuals but hardly anyone great. The overall times are not strong with just one girl aside from Cronin and Stonewall running under 45.00. Whitney Ward may be motivated by racing the more popular 400m than the grueling hurdles. But for some the money is in the hurdles and they should stay put.
Top returners in 2016-
| RANK | TIME | ATHLETE/TEAM | GRADE | MEET DATEPLACE |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 42.95 | 2016 | ||
| 2 | 43.53 | 2016 | ||
| 3 | 45.67 | 2016 | ||
| 4 | 45.72 | 2017 | ||
| 5 | 45.77 | 2018 | ||
| 6 | 45.85 | 2016 | ||
| 7 | 45.96 | 2016 | ||
| 8 | 46.32 | 2016 |
200m-
2015 State Champion: Mariya Hudson 24.64 [-2.0]
Outlook: Hudson polished off Dominique Lewis and the rest of the field to complete her triple crown in astounding fashion. Hudson is a strong starter who can get up to top speed in a hurry. There are very girls in any classification who can match Mariya's talent level. The would be nearest threat Jada Laye transferred from Chicago Morgan Park to Mesquite, Texas... there is a name down on the list that may be of concern if she continues her ascent. Gabrielle DesRosiers has shocked the world in the early going in 2016. The younger sister of former North Lawndale superstar Briyahna DesRosiers blistered the track for a 24.68 at the University of Arkansas High School Invitational in January! If she does not improve another tenth of a second and stay consistent she will be a serious threat to anyone wanting to win the 200m state title.
Top returners in 2016-
| RANK | TIME | WIND | ATHLETE/TEAM | GRADE | MEET DATEPLACE |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 24.56 | 2017 | |||
| 2 | 24.71 | 2018 | |||
| 3 | 24.83 | 2016 | |||
| 4 | 25.19 | 2016 | |||
| 5 | 25.30 | -1.6 | 2016 | ||
| 6 | 25.46 | 2016 | |||
| 7 | 25.53 | 2016 | |||
| 8 | 25.54 | 2016 | |||
| 9 | 25.58 | -0.80 | 2016 |