Jaden Allen dominates Boys Sprints
Brookhaven's Jaden Allen put on a show in the Boys Sprints, winning both the 100m and 200m dashes with times of 11.47 and 23.16 seconds, respectively.
Allen remained undefeated in both events throughout the entire season, cementing his status as one of the state's top young sprinters.
In addition, Allen also placed third in the High Jump, showcasing his versatility and athleticism.
Danasia Ross hurdles to victory
Starting off in the hurdles, rising star Danasia Ross of Pearl Junior High has made a remarkable impact on the track this season.
Ross, an eighth-grader, scored the Junior Pirates 20 total points from her wins in the 100mH (30") and 300mH. She cruised to the finish line, recording new personal bests in both events with times of 15.92 and 48.39 in the 100mH (30") and 300mH (30"), respectively. A fascinating tidbit is that this performance actually puts Ross at No. 15 in the 300mH in all of Mississippi. Ross has been on a winning streak this season, maintaining her undefeated status and concluding her middle school career on a high note.
A'Semiyon Smith's upset win in Boys 110mH
Potentially the biggest upset of the meet came with A'Semiyon Smith's victory in the 110mH (33"), clocking in at 17.00 seconds. The Alexander Junior High School hurdles phenom had previously achieved a split time of 15.75 in his specialty event earlier this season. This win marks his first state champion title, and we eagerly anticipate the accomplishments he'll garner during his high school career.
Ja'Saria Harris doubles up in Girls Sprints
Pearl's Ja'Saria Harris was a force to be reckoned with in the Girls Sprints, winning both the 100m and 200m dashes with times of 12.51 and 26.57 seconds, respectively.
Harris displayed impressive speed in both events, beating out some of the state's top young sprinters.
Her victories on her home track were a testament to her hard work and dedication to the sport, and is surely one to watch in the future.
Kingston Gladney secures another title in Boys 300mH
Meanwhile, Kingston Gladney of Northwest Jackson Middle School continued to make a name for himself, securing another track title in the 300mH (30").
Earlier in the season, Gladney had edged out his competition to win the 300mH (30") title by a mere 0.42 seconds, winning the JPS Middle School Championships. Unrelenting in his pursuit of success, he emerged victorious in the event with a time of 43.60, only 0.08 seconds shy of his personal best.
As the sole seventh-grade runner to have earned an individual state championship title this year, we are excited to witness the growth and potential that another year of development will bring for this talented hurdler.
Ryan Beasly sets lifetime best in Boys 400m
Northwest Rankin's Ryan Beasly had a standout performance in the Boys 400m dash, winning in a lifetime best of 55.45 seconds.
Beasley showed incredible speed and endurance in the race, finishing ahead of the rest of the competition by a comfortable margin. Beasly also played a crucial role in his team's victory in the 4x400m relay, further demonstrating his talent and value as a runner.
Maliyah Seals dominates Girls 400m
Maliyah Seals, the top 400m middle school runner in Mississippi, added another title to her impressive resume, winning the Girls 400m dash in 1:01.16.
Seals showed tremendous athleticism in her specialty event, pulling ahead of her competitors in the final stretch to secure the win.
Her dominance in the 400m event made it a Pearl sweep in the sprinting events, further solidifying the team's reputation as a powerhouse in track and field.