Jayon Morrow's aim is to become the best 200m dasher this winter season
======
No returner comes back with an indoor performance sub 22 seconds in this event. The one-lapper field statewide possesses some depth, this could be a season where we see a bunch of athletes dip below 23 seconds, and another few who may crack the 22-second barrier.
Jackson Gilbert (SR., Urbana) only ran this event twice and became an instant threat amongst those on the leaderboard. Gilbert has several outdoor sub 22- seconds performances on his resume, and the future Fighting Illini will look to send a message to the rest of the state.
Daniel Lacy (SR., Champaign Centennial) began his season with a bang out in Ohio at the Speed Capital Invitational. That meet was back in December when he was barely thawed out. Since he has competed in some off-events to stay sharp as he enters his final indoor season. Lacy could lay the groundwork now for a memorable outdoor season in 3A.
Who? Yes, that is the reaction many gave once Braydon Waller (SR., Chicago Heights Marian Catholic) finished a race this preseason. As we mentioned, how can a guy who was an all-stater be unknown? The quiet senior will be a marked athlete in the sprint events. His only IHSA meet indoor was one where he competed in the shot put.
Deangelo Hughey (JR., Mahomet- Seymour) earned his way onto this list. The work he put in during the preseason must've paid off. Hughey, a relatively unknown athlete, has surpassed his previous season's performances, is this a sign of this too?
Jayon Morrow (JR., Kankakee) will surprise no one this season. He has been training up to this point in order to get a second-team title. Morrow has range from 60m to 400m, a true threat anytime he touches the oval. Don't be surprised if Morrow puts on an indoor show.
Honorable Mention: Joe Valeski (SR., Elmhurst York), Olusoga Adeyiga (JR. Homewood-Flossmoor), Clayton Lakatos ( SO., Edwardsville), Robert Scott III (SR., Homewood-Flossmoor), Edward Clark III (SR., Crete-Monee), Jailen Duffie (Sr., Gurnee Warren), Cael Hiser (SR., Minooka), Dominik Balenda (SR., Prospect), Amare Harris (SR., Bloomington), Christopher Bergin (SR., Chicago Lincoln Park), Kenneth Buchanon (JR., East St. Louis Sr)