It will no longer be a Huntley Johnson and Johnson show because Alexandria Johnson, the older sister of kid star Dominique Johnson, has graduated and moved on to Arizona State University. Now a junior, Dominique concluded last year as co- #1 with big sis at the Illinois Top Times in a tie. They also shared the state's top mark of 40'2.25."
Dominique has gotten the 2024 campaign off to a great start after winning the CYUP Misfits Invitational title with a 39'10" mark (US#13 at the time of publication). She also took down, perhaps, a new rival, Jahnel Bowman (Sr., Plainfield South). Bowman has cleared the 40-foot barrier outdoors, which makes her a legitimate threat. It will be a great indoor season for both stallions.
Alaina Lester (Sr., Belleville Althoff) has been very successful in limited action over the years due to basketball taking residence. Lester won the 1A Top Times crown with a leap of 38'5", but she lost most of the outdoor season due to shoulder surgery. Lester has signed to play volleyball at Southeast Missouri State University, her main sport.
University of Missouri commit Brooke Sawatzky (Sr., Naperville Central) was one of the most consistent jumpers last season despite missing out on the final indoor sweepstakes. She has leaped past 37 feet numerous times and will be a severe threat over the next several months.
The Dolphins jump corps will be much improved via Layla Bonilla (Jr., Chicago Whitney Young), who has been under the radar despite building a solid resume over the past calendar year. The multi-talented athlete improved to 38'3.75" during the summer off-season. Now, back on the scene in the very early stages of the indoor season, she popped a PB 36'0.25."
Key athletes to watch: Kyla Motley (Jr., Palos Heights Shepard), Jordan Hamb (So., Chicago South Shore International College Prep), Gabriela Manzano (Sr., Winnetka New Trier), Gabija Karvelis (Jr., Naperville Neuqua Valley), Karen Boakye (So., Downers Grove South), Julia Bilsbury (Jr., Champaign Central), Courtney Burt (So., Chicago Whitney Young), Cassia Bonga (Jr., Yorkville), Julia Kelly (Jr., Roselle Lake Park)