Bri Buggs anchored one of the dominant teams in IHSA history
4x200-
2018 State Champion: Dekalb 1:38.59
Key teams: Homewood-Flossmoor, Crete-Monee, Dunlap, LaGrange (Lyons Twp), Glenbrook South, West Aurora, Belleville West, Belleville East, Dekalb, Prospect, Chicago Lane Tech, Chicago Heights (Bloom), Naperville North, Chicago Kenwood, Wheaton North, Evanston
Season outlook analysis: Dekalb was one of the most dominating teams for a season in iHSA history. When they won the Kansas Relays in fine fashion, it was a sign of good things to come. The Barbs faced minimal resistance in route to Charleston and left town with four gold medals. Things could take a much different look now. With only junior Kyra Ozier back, Dekalb will look to a solid but unproven group of juniors to keep them in the mix. It will be the same personnel contributing from the 4x1 ready to the get the job done.
Homewood-Flossmoor will again be a team that stands to rule the hen house. The Vikings have a nice mix of 26-second group of reserves who trained and competed during the summer and fall months. They will be ready to plug right in.
Crete-Monee returns three legs from a 1:40.52 team that placed third in the state. The key leg on that relay was Lyn'nika Vance. Vance is one of the top 200m runners in the state and will more than likely return here in big invites. If things go well and do not interfere with her individual goals for the post-season, look for another spot contribution.
There were many teams in the 1:42 to low 1:44 range that stands a chance to get seen. The thought that if they can improve by replacing one or two quality legs, then everyone will be back in business.