Lovie was one of the top emerging long jumpers in the state this past year
Long Jump-
2018 State Champion: Laqwasia Stepney (Sr., Belleville West) 19-4.25 [-0.1]
Key Returners: Stepney, Raelyn Roberson (Jr., Glenview [Glenbrook South]), Ameia Wilson (Sr., Danville), Lovie Annafi (Jr., Chicago Whitney Young), Riley Ammenhauser (So., Naperville [Neuqua Valley]), Madison Myrick (Sr., Homewood-Flossmoor), Lyn'nikka Vance (Sr., Crete-Monee), Laila McNeil (Sr., Alton), Nicole Nguyen (Sr., Wheeling), Andie Granskog (Sr., Roselle [Lake Park]), Ellen Sherwood (Sr., Mt. Prospect [Prospect])
Outlook:
2018 matched up as well as with any year in state history. There were four girls who leaped over 20-feet and nearly two more on the edge of the watershed mark- four of the top six jumpers were from 3A. The main girl, of course, is Laqwasia Stepney whose transition from Cahokia went very smoothly. A positive and confident attitude netted a state championship. Right behind her was sprinter/jumper Ameia Wilson who has an unorthodox jumping style that often renders her from better performances. Be as it may Wilson is the leading returning in the state at 20-4.5w. There is a chance that both could challenge the 21-foot mark but health with a touch of luck will come into play.
On the surface, it appeared as though Raelyn Roberson came out of nowhere last year with a monster state meet. But the truth is she jumped over 18-5 during the indoor season that ultimately led to a fourth-place finish at the Illinois Top Times. In the real deal, Roberson rolled into Saturday's final tied with Stepney for first place (19-4.25). Unfortunately, Roberson came up short in the series and settled for second. It will be a different story from the beginning this season.
Can the youngster Riley Ammenhauser be as potent this season in the long jump as she has been in the triple jump? Ammenhauser just missed out on all-state honors with a 10th place finish. In her post-state interview, it was mentioned by her that she would like to put more work ethic in her secondary event.
Madison Myrick will step up and help her team's cause to win a team title. She is better than a 12th place finisher in a state meet, and besides when athletes have something else on the line, they perform better.
We did not forget about one of the state's premier jumpers Lyn'nikka Vance. The 19-foot jumper missed the cut last May by failing to secure a spot to Charleston. Fortunately, she was able to recover and have an outstanding summer and earn AAU All-American honors.
Basketball player Laila McNeil was coaxed to come out for track and field and she enjoyed it so much that she jumped a personal best 19-1.5 and advanced to state. With more seasoning, there is a possibility that McNeil could upset the balance of power.