The Scoop: State Champs & Top Performers Take Center Stage

Recapping the VHSL 6A & 5A State Championships


* Shakayla Lavender, the freshman from Oscar Smith (VA) won her first 55mH state title

Photo Credit: Mary Ann Magnant / MileStat

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On Friday and Saturday, the VHSL 6A & 5A Indoor State Championships took place at the Virginia Beach Sports Center.

There were a handful of boys who made leaps and bounds at the state championships. 

In the 6A classification on the girls side, Catalina Sanchious, a sophomore for South County (VA), earned her first indoor state title in the 55m with a 6.97. 

Harry Economon of James W. Robinson (VA) dropped a 1:04.94 in the 500m to win the title and moved up to US No. 17 in this event. He became one of three boys this indoor season to run a sub 1:05 in the 500m from Virginia.

When it comes to the distance events, Franklin County (VA) senior Nathan Atchue and Herndon's (VA) Gillian Bushee put together solid performances. Atchue pulled off the distance double in the 1K and 3,200m. He clocked a 2:27 and 9:15.57 to grab the titles. On the other hand, Bushee ran away with the 1,600m and 3,200m titles with a 4:51.35 and 10:41.57. 

When it came to the short hurdles, Jamiel Bowers of Oscar Smith moved into the top 15 in the nation as he clocked a 7.49 in the 55mH. Freshman Shakayla Lavender of Oscar Smith (VA) earned her first indoor title with a time of 8.00 seconds.

In the throws, Grassfield (VA) senior Jordae Edwards threw a new personal best of 61-2.25 in the shot put to defend his state title. 

Now diving into the 5A classification, there was a lot of speed that topped the state's charts.

* Khari Barnes won the VHSL 5A indoor state title in the 55m with a personal best of 6.32

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In the 55m, Khari Barnes of Tallwood (VA) remained undefeated in this event all season. He progressively improved from a 6.46 to a new personal best at the state championships where he froze the clock at 6.32 to win his first indoor title. 

Vincent Bond of Mountain View (FL) had an eventful day as he won two individual titles in the 300m and 500m. Bond's 500m performance of 1:04.04 became the fastest time in the state and is ranked No. 7 on the national list. He also ran 34.47 in the 300m to win the title and set a new lifetime best. 

Brianna Selby produced one of the fastest times in the country. The junior from Indian river (VA) posted a time of 6.84 in the 55m to be the fifth-fastest girl in the nation. She also clocked a 38.33 to win the 300m and to be US No. 6 at this distance. 


Related Links:

6A Results

6A Race Videos

6A Photos

A School Known For Distance Just Won States With Their 4x400

5A Results

5A Race Videos

5A Photos


The Scoop: 

Page 2: Sam Burgess clocks US No. 4 in two mile at the MIAA Indoor Championships

Page 3: Avery Lewis and Kaddel Howard have breakthrough performances at PTFCA Indoor Championships

Page 4: Recapping the VHSL 6A & 5A State Championships

Page 5: Cool Breeze Elite Invitational hosted top performers

Page 6: Aidan Dixon shines at East Coast Classic