Rylee Lydon (#5) and Angela Alozie (#3) are two of the state's top-returning quarter-milers
TOP RETURNING PERFORMERS
-------
How many state record holders in the mile also own a state title in a sprint event? Does the name Shelley McBride of yesteryear ring a bell? Back in the 1980s, the phenom from Crete-Monee was the pre-eminent middle-distance runner who could run cross country at an exceptional level and sprint with the best of them.
Allison Ince (Jr., Normal Community) is that special of an athlete, oh indoors she also splits time as a starter for her basketball team. Indoors, Ince competes at many high-level national meets (and with a good winning percentage) while doing double duty and is bound to drop a superb performance. A top 20 returner nationally (56.27), Ince has not competed much in this event indoors, we shall see if that changes.
Asia Thomas (Sr., Chicago Kenwood) did not run many indoor 400m races this past season, instead focusing on the event more outdoors. The reigning CPS Indoor Championships and one of the top 40 returners nationally in the event has already opened with a sub 58- second performance. Look for the unsigned senior to gradually attack this event until the big meets come in March.
This track event may be the best for the future Texas A&M heptathlete Rylee Lydon (Sr., Crystal Lake Prairie Ridge). The multi-event star has to keep her skills sharp while being a threat to all other stars in this event. How far can Lydon reach her personal best before competing in her final indoor season?
Angela Alozie (Sr., Homewood-Flossmoor) decided to bust out a personal best and show critics that she has been training and is ready to go. The big class 400m may be a race to watch, it appears she is trending in the right direction based on winter training,
Naomi Bey-Osborne (So., Kankakee) This could be her main event after winning the state championship out of nowhere. Bey-Osborne has the raw speed, savviness, and speed endurance to get it done. Look for her to get the job done again and use the indoor season to springboard into something very big.
Katelyn Lehnen (So., Chatham-Glenwood) did not compete during the indoor season but somehow was a major factor outside. We definitely will see her run more inside.
Zawadi Brown (Jr., Naperville Neuqua Valley) a talented short sprinter and relay specialist who is good in the long sprints as well.
Honorable Mentions: Mia Rodriguez (Jr., Chicago Heights Marian), Sophia Yaklich (So., Bloomington Central Catholic), Abrielle Artley (Sr., Evanston), Kyla Harris (Jr., Aurora Metea Valley), Aniya Lewis (Jr., Kankakee), Isabella Orozco (Sr., Aurora Central Catholic), Becca Heitzig (Jr., Lincoln), Rose Talbert (Sr., Monticello)