Jordan Johnson struck gold in his favorite event last season
Discus Throw-
2018 State Champion: Jordan Johnson (Sr., Quincy) 196-9
Key Athletes: Johnson, Maema Njongmeta (Sr., Stevenson), Amari Brooks (Sr., Edwardsville), Jason Petko (Sr., Cary-Grove), Chase Becker (Sr., Antioch), Matthew Appel (Jr., Neuqua Valley), Ahmoniel Barr (Jr., Thornton), Henry Boudreau (Sr., Deerfield), Sam Liokumovich (Sr., Deerfield), Amiri Buchanan (Sr., Romeoville), Mark Diiorio (Sr., Barrington)
Breakdown: Jordan Johnson hit the scene last outdoor season right out of the gate with a blitzkrieg US #1 194-3. The occurrence happened in a small tri-meet hosted by his school. Initially, the mark was unbelievable and it took several days to verify that it was indeed legitimate. Over time Johnson stood the test of time with a steady diet of 190-foot performances, making him a household name. We all should be in a treat and not be surprised if Johnson chases down the all-time state record (Dan Block, 208'11") and IHSA State Meet Record (205'11", AJ Epenesa).
Hailing from the same program as Espensa is Amari Brooks who quietly entered the scene and earned all-state honors with a sixth-place effort throwing the plate 165-5. Brooks will learn quite a lot this season when he squares off against Johnson at multiple meets this spring.
Don't forget about Jason Petko and Chase Becker as both have all-state honors. Both throwers threw in the 160s and they should easily improve and make the 170-foot territory.
Keep an eye on Maema Njongmeta who actually hold the second best returning mark (166'9) during the early portion of the season. If his progression from junior year to senior match last year's progression watch out.