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No. 2: The Sprint Powers
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Class 4A: Taylor Banks (Miramar), 100/200
Class 3A: Tyrese Cooper (Miami Norland), 100/200/400; Jan'Taijah Ford (Northeast), 200/400; Briana Williams/Ford, 4x400
Class 2A: Jatana Folston (Cocoa), 400/800; Seneca Milledge (Dunbar), Class 2A 100
The Breakdown: We're talking about the Florida State Championships, here.
The sprints are where it's at. And no doubt, this 2019 edition will be on fire.
Let's consider Banks, first. He did not win either of his preferred events in 2018, finishing third in both the 100m and 200m. But with a really good regional performance under his belt this past week, Banks, a Miramar senior, should be flying high heading into states.
Cooper, meanwhile, qualified for three separate events though it will be interesting to see if he scratches in any or none at all. Cooper last performed at states in 2017, winning at 200m and 400m -- and finishing second in the 100m. He certainly put on a show, too, converting on a spectacular 45.51 time in the 400m. An injury limited the future Oregon Duck from running his fastest at regionals, but don't be surprised to see Cooper suit up in any of these races during prelims on Friday.
Ford, meanwhile, is the girl to watch individually in the 400m. She knocked off a US No. 1 time of 52.19 seconds earlier in the season and has the chops to go even faster. She'll team with Williams in the 4x400 to finish the meet as Northeast will battle with perennial power Miami Northwestern -- most likely with a team championship on the line.
And in Class 2A we shouldn't forget about Folston and Milledge. Folston has been one of the most consistent and dangerously talented girls over her stretch in high school. She's the returning state champ at 400 meters and was third in the 800m. Milledge, meanwile, is currently ranked No. 2 in the state in the 100m with a wind-legal 10.34 and is the returning long jump champ. With that speed, Milledge is capable of popping off a very good jump. Will he go beyond his PR of 24-0.25?