Amira Young walked away from Charleston with three gold medals: the 4x4 was the icing on the cake
4x400-
2018 State Champion: Chicago Whitney Young 3:52.73
Key teams: Naperville North, Homewood-Flossmoor, Wheeling, New Trier, Evanston, Frankfort (Lincoln-Way East), Lyons Township, Glenbard North, St. Charles East, West Aurora, Chicago Brooks, Dekalb
Season outlook analysis: Defending champion Whitney Young left the scene on a high note. Amira Young, of course, will be missed. Word has it that Zyana Cabrera has decided not to return for her senior year. She apparently has decided to concentrate on her school work. If she does not change her mind, the Dolphins Grade A status will downgrade significantly.
Lincoln-Way East returns all four starters that placed seventh in the state. Two seasons ago the Griffins won the title. Senior Taylor Wright will lead her team one final time.
Homewood-Flossmoor premiered on the scene two years ago with a flock of youngsters who made the final in 2018 and earned their strikes in a big way, After maturing into a bronze medal-winning group at state, it's time to go for the gold status.
State runner up Naperville North will be a strong unit once again. Believe it or not but they tore apart the competition last year without star Halle Bieber. Imagine how things will look for 3:53 team when they add her in? Can we say sub 3:50. Let's get it done Illinois!
Others that could be in the mix include Dekalb who ran 4:00.16; state finalist Wheeling with three legs back including 2x 400m state all-star Alexis Knight.