Grassfield aims for title following region sweep
Class 6
When: 11 a.m. today; 9 a.m. Saturday
Where: Virginia Beach Sports Center
Admission: Tickets are sold online only through the Virginia High School League at vhsl.org — $10 per person per session, plus a $1.50 service fee.
Outlook: Grassfield’s boys and girls swept the Class 6 Region A indoor track meet. Freshman Sophie Rambo won the 300 and 500 meters, and teammate Aziyah Heru finished third in both the 55 and 300. The Grizzlies also got victories from Noelle Braun (1,600) and Morgan Graham (shot put). The boys will be led by their field-event performers. The Grizzlies swept the top four spots in both the pole vault and shot put, led by Garrett Boe and Jordae Edwards. Also watch for Western Branch senior Llyric Driscoll, who won the 55 meters, high jump, long jump and triple jump at the region meet. She also was runner-up in the 55 hurdles.
Class 5
When: 11 a.m. today; 9 a.m. Saturday
Where: Virginia Beach Sports Center
Admission: Tickets are sold online only through the Virginia High School League at vhsl.org — $10 per person per session, plus a $1.50 service fee.
Outlook: Hickory’s girls won the Region A title, led by distance runners Camille Johnson, who won the 1,000 and 1,600 meters, and Emme Malooly, who won the 3,200 and finished runner-up in the 1,600. Teammate Kerrigan Kimener won the pole vault. Maury won the Region B title, led by sprinter Christine Fitzgerald and jumper Armani Chance. Tallwood’s boys won the Region A title, led by champions Khari Barnes (55 and 300), Torin Foster (55 hurdles), Roje Dotting (high jump) and Landon Walker (pole vault). And Woodside won the Region B title led by junior Jeremiah Palacious, who won the 55 hurdles and long jump. Top individuals to watch include Indian River sprinter Brianna Selby and Princess Anne distance runner Armaan Chopra.
Class 4
When: 12:30 p.m. Monday; 10:30 a.m. Tuesday
Where: Liberty University Admission: Tickets are sold online only through the Virginia High School League at vhsl.org — $10 per person per session, plus a $1.50 service fee.
Outlook: Heritage’s girls are the defending champions, and the Hurricanes once again will be the favorites, led by senior Madison Whyte, who could sweep the sprints. She has the nation’s second-fastest time this season in the 300 (37.09) and is seventh in the 500 (1:13.75). The Hurricanes also have sprinters Sanaa Wooden and Sabria Wooden and hurdler Myzhane Solomon. On the boys side, Deep Creek senior Amarion Harrell (55 and 300), Jamestown sophomore Jeffrey Linton (1,000 and 1,600) and Manor senior Nicolas Simmons (long jump and triple jump) will challenge for multiple state titles.
Class 3
When: 12:30 p.m. Monday; 10:30 a.m. Tuesday
Where: Liberty University Admission: Tickets are sold online only through the Virginia High School League at vhsl.org — $10 per person per session, plus a $1.50 service fee.
Outlook: Several local girls have a chance to bring home multiple state titles, including York sophomore Danielle Hollington (300 and 500), Tabb junior Lauren Pegher (1,000 and 1,600 meters), Lafayette junior Maddy Shipp (55 hurdles and high jump) and York senior Ciarra Moore (long jump and triple jump). On the boys side, watch for Tabb junior Lance Koontz (300 and 500), Tabb senior Nick Smerlis (1,000 and 1,600) and York senior Micah Leech (long jump and triple jump).
Class 2
When: 12:30 p.m. Wednesday; 10:30 a.m. on March 2
Where: Liberty University Admission: Tickets are sold online only through the Virginia High School League at vhsl.org — $10 per person per session, plus a $1.50 service fee.
Outlook: Poquoson freshman Elizabeth Trant won the 1,600 and 3,200 at the Class 2 Region A meet, while Bruton’s Ayanna Moore won the pole vault. On the boys side, watch for Bruton teammates Brady Snyder (500 meters) and Jayden Curry (1,000 and 1,600). Poquoson has Patrick Nelson and Alexander Jones in the 3,200 and Ron Foskett in the 55 hurdles.