TOP GIRLS TRACK TEAMS
1. LINCOLN-WAY EAST
With a healthy Aaliyah Brown setting the pace in the sprints and relays, this could be the year the Griffins win their first state title. Sophomore Julia Junkroski will contribute points in the high jump and pole vault. Also watch Alexis Hyshaw and freshman Alexis Pierre-Antoine in the sprints.
2. GLENBARD WEST
The Hilltoppers are solid from the 800 on up with standouts including defending Class 3A cross country champ Madeline Perez, Lisa Luczak and Emma Reifel. Expect a big jump from last year’s tie for 30th at state.
3. NEUQUA VALLEY
Returning Class 3A long jump champ Savannah Carson also is a standout sprinter, while sophomore Maya Neal is a returning state placer in the long jump and 300 hurdles. They lead a team that should be in the hunt for the first state trophy in program history.
4. LAKE PARK
The Lancers boys program gets plenty of attention, and deservedly so with its run of three consecutive 3A titles. But the girls also could be in the mix again in Charleston this spring after taking fifth a year ago and winning the unofficial indoor state title. Kaylee Flanagan (distances) and Maya Golliday (pole vault) are two to watch.
5. HOMEWOODFLOSSMOOR
Transfer Chardae Greenlee, the 3A runner-up in the triple jump for T.F. North last season, joins a team that should improve significantly on last year’s tie for 25th at state. Senior sprinter Shayna Nwokenkwo and sophomores Antoinette Broughton (sprints) and Jayla Stewart (hurdles) will lead the way.
6. EVANSTON
Margaret Bamgbose, who led the Wildkits to third in Class 3A, has graduated. But don’t ever expect a program that has seven state titles and 10 trophies since 1997 to fall too far. Junior Parker English, who won four state medals last year, should step into Bamgbose’s role.
7. WEST AURORA
The Blackhawks can score in a variety of events with hurdler Emma Spagnola leading the way. Others to keep an eye on are Maya Marion (throws), Anita Saffa (sprints) and Kyla Walton (jumps).
8. NEW TRIER
Expect the Trevians to reach the top 10 at state for the first time in program history. There’s balance across numerous events, but the races to watch will be the distances where senior twins Courtney and Jessica Ackerman will lead the pack.
9. WARREN
Brittny Ellis won the 400 and took sixth in the 200 as a freshman at last year’s state meet. If the Blue Devils can find some help for her in a few other events, they could make some noise in Charleston.
10. ST. CHARLES EAST
The Saints have some depth, which should translate to good relays across the board and keep them competitive in Class 3A. Jordan Shead is an individual to watch.