TOP RETURNING PERFORMERS
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This list could be as long as the Willis Tower as mere hundredths of a second could separate a bevy of athletes. This event always has monster personal bests from one year to another in addition to athletes who aren't quite household names. Many meets in Illinois offer the 55m dash as well, depending on the conversion you choose to use one could get a good idea of how they may stack up with the rest.
Braydon Waller (Sr., Chicago Heights Marian Catholic)- In the first indoor meet of his career last season he threw the shot put before disappearing until late April. He somehow emerged to conclude his junior campaign with a 100m all-state finish. To some folk's surprise, the undercover Waller picked up where he left off in December at Boatright Holiday Classic by blazing the 55m field in 6.45. Later it was more dominating performances at the Akinosun Elite Invitational and the University of Michigan High School Invitational. For perspective, his current best of 6.84 already equals the fastest time in Illinois from last season. Waller's time also represents a top-five performance on the all-time list, one that includes legends such as Marcellus Moore (6.65), Jonathon Boey (6.79), and Ja'Mari Ward (6.81). Can Waller challenge these performances, only time will tell.
Daniel Lacy (Sr., Champaign Centennial) was all-state in the 400m this past indoor season while focusing on relays as well. Opening his season in this event back in December at the Speed Capital Ohio Indoor Invitational with a 6.95 is eye-opening. Lacy has not competed indoors since 2020, what will a full slate of competitions do for him in his final one?
Deangelo Hughey (Jr., Mahomet- Seymour) If there is an example of how club track could be beneficial look no further. Hughey's personal best prior to this season was 7.46, he's already at 7.04 before the month of February. Hughey's newfound speed has carried over to his other events as well. He is currently a sleeper, but for how long?
Jayon Morrow (Jr., Kankakee) fits the bill as an unknown to begin last season. Well, you all should know him very well now. More of a long sprinter, he can drop down and run with some of the best in this event. He is off to a good start based on his preseason time (7.10), his personal best of 7.00 is about to get stricken down.
Cael Hiser (Sr., Minooka) didn't run the short sprint much last indoor season, but when he did the results on the clock were fast. Look for him to be much improved.
Danny Eloe (Sr., Naperville North) looked fast on the gridiron this past Fall, maybe that is a good sign for his final indoor season. He took third place at the Illinois Top Times last season, look for him to creep under the seven-second mark.
John Gore (Sr., Homewood-Flossmoor), recently committed to NIU for football, his size, and speed will be much appreciated. He recently matched his career best in this event at a time trial. Gore fits the build as a true sleeper in this event.
Kenneth Buchanon (Jr., East St Louis) arrived outdoors as a freshman. As a junior, he should be more seasoned with hopes of bringing the gas for the Flyers. He's a threat to crack the sub-seven-seconds barrier.
Honorable Mention: Alex Girardin (Sr., Liberty), Jayden Veesenmeyer (Sr., Pleasant Plains), Nathan Hippard (Sr., Mascoutah), Aidan Orlando (Sr., Prospect), Omarion Jones (Sr., Schaumburg), Olusoga Adeyiga (Jr., Homewood-Flossmoor), Jaquan Gause (Sr., Virden North Mac), Denzell Gibson (Sr., Elmhurst IC Catholic), Edward Clark III (Sr., Crete-Monee), Jeremiah Turner (Sr., Homewood-Flossmoor), Robert Scott III (Sr., Homewood-Flossmoor), Da'Nari Bowden (Sr., Homewood-Flossmoor)