The 200 could produce some amazing performances this season
200m-
2018 State Champion: Amira Young (Chicago Whitney Young) 24.21 [-0.6]
Key Athletes: Taylor Gilling (Sr., Highland Park), Ameia Wilson (Sr., Danville), Lyn'Nikka Vance (Sr., Crete-Monee), Zakiya Johnson (Sr., Chicago Kenwood), MiKenna Robinson (Sr., Naperville [Neuqua Valley]), Dajour Miles (Sr., West Aurora), Kiara Pauli (Sr., Dunlap), Naomi Egharevba (Sr., Naperville Central), Janii Jenkins (Sr., Gurnee [Warren]), Ta'jae Jackson (Jr., Bolingbrook), Itzel Garcia (So., Aurora [Waubonsie Valley]), Kaylin Strahan (Jr., Chicago [Marist]), Jessica Coughlin (Jr., Belleville West)
Outlook: Taylor Gilling is the one that everyone better watch after dropping a wind-legal and eye-popping 23.75 last summer. The newly minted All-American cracked the 24-second on more than one occasion and the goal now is staying in national elite status. It will be hard but there are several girls who could challenge her. Ameia Wilson is always a threat to overtake her opponents in this event with tremendous top-end speed. A personal best 24.02 will come down for sure.
Cinnamon Miles by many estimates should be the top performer here but injuries have slowed that process. When healthy she dropped a 24.01 head knocker to quiet the critics.
Lyn'nikka Vance is a threat in this event based on the 24.56 personal best that propelled her to the AAU National semi-final. The half-lapper may be her event at the collegiate level. But for now, it's about getting better and reaching for new heights. If you are a sports bettor, don't bet against Vance.
Kiara Pauli will get her chance to stretch out against the best competition week in and week out now that she is in 3A. With one of the team's relays being depleted, we may now have an opportunity to see the real talent flowing.