A preview, event by event, of the Girls D1 State meet.
OHSAA Link for Participants, Heat/flight Assignments
4x800 Meter Relay
I'm not sure that the girls 4x800m winner will set a new D1 State record, but expect the race to be extremely competitive. The top three times come out of Region 1, but Hilliard Davidson (9:08.38) and Gahanna Lincoln (9:08.43) are the top two teams, almost 7 seconds ahead of number three, Westerville Central (9:15.00). Both teams broke the Regional record of 9:13.41 set lat year by Gahannna Lincoln. Davidson and Lincoln should battle again to see who claims the title. The Davidson girl's are: Iman Batitste 12, Jane Onders 12, Megan Sculli 10 and India Johnson 11. The Lincoln girls are: Shaynae Deas 9, Madison Martinez 9, Allison Holahan 12 and Allison Groves 10. Davidson has the experience.
100 Meter Hurdles
100 Meter Dash
Two girls come in with Regional times under 12. and they ran 1-2 last year. Sr. Justice Richardson of Warren G Harding is the defending champion with a time of 11.85. So. Abby Steiner of Dublin Coffman was 2nd in 11.89. Both come in with Regional wins of 11.78 and 11.82. Jr. Gana Lopez of Bishop Hartley was 4th last year in 12.08 and Jr. Doneasha Brewer of Withrow was 8th in 12.28. Steiner ran a legitimate 11.58 earlier this year. If either girl gets out fast, we just may see a new state record.
4x200 Meter Relay
Three teams went under 1:40. in their Regionals. Dublin Coffman was the fastest with a 1:39.12 setting a new Regional Record. Gahanna Lincoln was right behind them with a 1:39.43. Twinsburg ran 1:39.50 in winning at Youngstown. Lots can happen in the relays, but it will depend on the exhanges. Coffman has Abby Steiner,the defending 200m champion anchoring. The Coffman girls are: Wambui Watene 11, Shannon Downie 12, Shanqueza Stevens 12 and Abby Steiner 10. The Lincoln girls are: Makayla Scott 12, Shynae Deas 9, Ivy McKee 11 and Amaria Thomas 10.
1,600 Meter Run
This one will be fast. Six girls come in with times under 5:00, including Seniors Micaela DeGenero of Granville (4:56.75) and Lainey Studebaker of Centerville (4:56.70). DeGenero was 3rd last year in 4:54.12. Studebaker was 4th in 5:00.02. Jr. Ellie Brush of Mason was just behind Studebaker in their regional with a 4:56.70. Sr. Vanessa Pasadyn of Brunswick won the Amherst Region in 4:58.74. Freshman Olivia Howell has had a standout freshman year and won the Austintown Region in 4:58.97. Sr. Haley Hess of Oregon Clay was 2nd in the Amherst Region in 4:59.31. The unknown in the race is Jr. India Johnson of Hilliard Davidson. She is running the 3,200 and is favored to win. She can be competitive in the 1,600, but it's a tough double. DeGenero ran a 4:46.29c indoors and is ready to run fast. She will be patient, but is not afraid to lead. Watch for her to take the lead with 500 to go, or sooner, and see who will go with her.
4x100 Meter Relay
The Withrow girls are fast, they are the defending State Champions, and if they hit their exchanges this is their race to win. Three girls restun from last year. Ayanna O'Neal graduated.They set a new Region 4 record of 46.81 and are the only qualifier under 47. The Withrow girls are: Niyah Carpenter 11, Doneasha Brewer 11, Mercedes Smith 12 and Destiny Pennington 11.
400 Meter Dash
The #4 and 5 placers are the only returners from last year. Sr. Olivia Bechtel was 4th last year in 55.81 and Sr. Madison Doss of Wayne was 5th in 56.26. Bechtel is the #2 seed behind Jr. Emma Lane who turned a 54.87 in winning the Youngstown Regional. Three other girl's come in with times under 56. Freshman Jaydon Wood of Pickerington Central won the Pickerington Regional in 55.89 over an ailing Jr. Natalie Price of Granville who went 55.91. So. Faith Banks was 2nd to Lane in the Youngstown Region. The girls are going to battle to get in the finals and we just may see a sub-54 final.