Frank Horton Night Invitational - (Mississippi Athletes)
Cartwright placed 3rd, leads Hernando to Top-5 finish
Jessica Cartwright has gotten better and better each time she steps on the starting line. She had a really good cross season last year, especially at her state meet, but got to a late start due to injury. She came back for outdoor and won the MHSAA 6A 1600m State Title. With all of that being said, she has still really impressed me with what she has been able to accomplish this cross country season. She has literally dropped 90 seconds from the beginning of her season. She wasn't #1 on her team at the beginning of the season, and she now leads the whole state in the 5k. Sub-19 is surely coming soon for Cartwright this year.
Cartwright's teammate, and All-State #7, Riley Jackson also hit a SB with her first sub-20 5k of the season.
Triplett breaks 17, Top Mississippi Finisher
In the boy's race, the top Mississippi finisher and one of the best private school runners in the state right now, Will Triplett from MRA broke the 17 minute barrier for the first time, running 16:55. Triplett said his lone goal going into the race was to break 17 and to keep pushing forward throughout the season and see just how low he can get. Triplett has credited his 'gains' this summer to RunCCG, a private coaching company that has recently blown up with runners all across the South. Triplett is the favorite to take his first-ever state title in MSAIS 6A this season.
8th-grader Henry Richardson runs superb 5k
In that same race, Hattiesburg Forerunner Henry Richardson ran an outstanding 5k and a huge PR, a 17:09 5k... for an 8th-grader!! Those are almost some Taylor Brown kind of times. Richardson is easily one of the best young talents in the state, and we knew he was when he dropped a 4:53 and 10:50 whenever he was in the 7th grade. It is great to see Richardson traveling and getting some great competition, and he could be another to break the 17-minute 5k barrier soon.
Top 5 Mississippi HS Boys
1. Will Triplett - Madison Ridgeland Academy
2. Henry Richardson - Hattiesburg Forerunners
3. Gavin Brown - Desoto Central High School
4. Dhilan Patel - Desoto Central High School
5. Joseph Thornhill - Hernando High School
Top 5 Mississippi HS Girls
1. Jessica Cartwright - Hernando High School
2. Riley Jackson - Hernando High School
3. Abi Alden Benton - Madison Ridgeland Academy
4. Madison Mcmillen - Hernando High School
5. Lillian Mcdonald - Hernando High School