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300H-
2021 Best: Victoria Spagnola (Aurora West Aurora) -- 43.98
3A state champion: Spagnola
2A state champion: Brooke Barkocy (Burlington Central) -- 44.69
1A state champion: Grace Nelson (Altamont) 44.41
Top returners: Nelson, Sophia Barnard (Sr., Lincoln-Way East), Madeline Andelbradt (Sr., Naperville North), Breanne Dunn (Sr., Barrington), Corynn Holmes (Jr., Moline)
Breakdown: The intermediate hurdles on the girl's side graduated a talented class, and leave behind multi-sport Grace Nelson as the clear cream of the crop. As just a freshman last year, Nelson ran away with the 1A 300 hurdles title by over a second. The multi-talented Nelson was more than five seconds ahead of ninth place. She is the only returner below 45 seconds and is a candidate to make another large jump based on her experience level.
The favorite at the 3A level, for now, is Sophia Barnard, the fourth-place finisher from last year. Not far behind her is Madeline Andelbradt, who is also a factor in the high jump.
Hiding in the weeds is the potential for Rylee Lydon (Jr., Crystal Lake (Prairie Ridge)) to prioritize this event. As a 400-meter top returner and high jump state runner-up, there is potential for Lydon to do something special. She entered in the hurdles at sectionals last year but chose not to compete.