2020 NBNI: Previewing The Sprints And Hurdles

Mar 09, 2020

Index: 60m (Girls And Boys) Preview - 200m Preview - 400m Preview - 60mH Preview

* Brahmir Vick is a potential contender to win the boys 60mH

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Boys 60 Meter Hurdles

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Contenders: Emanuel Joseph (North Rockland, NY), Jamar Marshall (Stockton St. Mary's, CA), Keyandre Midgett (Highland Springs, VA), Michael Bourne (Cosby, VA), Brevin Sims (Chatt. School for the Arts, TN), Alexander Nunley (Run U Xpress, NC), Tyler Graves (Lower Richland, SC), Brahmir Vick (Middletown, DE).

Breakdown: This race could be anyone's to win. No single competitor from the finals of this race returns. And even then, last year's example should be a reminder that even favorite's aren't etched in stone. After all, after Kurt Powdar DNF'ed in the finals in 2019, it was Sincere Rhea who came away with the surprising win. In 2020, there are a number of candidates with legitimate shots to win. There's Sims, who leads the country with a US No. 1 time of 7.76 seconds in the 60mH. Graves is right behind him at No. 2 in 7.77. Joseph is tops in the 55mH with an effort of 7.21, while Bourne is US No. 2 at that distance in 7.26. Vick is on both of their tails. And let's finish with Marshall, who's the country's leading outdoor returner in the 110mH. The California native and Arizona State signee will be running in his first indoor competition ever. He has the talent to win. But will his precision over the hurdles allow him to?

* Leah Phillips takes the 55mH at the VA Showcase in February

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Girls 60 Meter Hurdles

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Contenders: Jasmine Jones (Greater Atlanta Christian, GA), Leah Phillips (Bullis School, MD), Aasia Laurencin (Oak Park, MI), Nadia Saunders (North Rockland, NY), Ashley Wallace (Bullis School, MD), Zariyah Black (Eastern Guilford, NC), Tess Stapleton (Fairfield Ludlowe, CT), Na'Taja Ballard (Western Branch, VA).

Breakdown: Jones, the defending runner-up, and Laurencin, who was third, are both back for this installment. Phillips will offer a legitimate challenge as well, and all three could make their case for a win in the finals. But Jones, as of now, has the inside track. The Greater Atlanta senior and USC signee is the current US No. 1 for 60mH with a time of 8.12 seconds. Phillips, meanwhile, is US No. 1 in the 55mH with an effort of 7.72 seconds. These races, though, are always full of surprises. Ballard is the younger sister of Shadajah, who won this event in 2019, and is ranked US No. 2 for 55mH. Wallace and Stapleton aren't far behind, either. Black is US No. 5 in the 60mH.