THROWS
Sophomore Faith Bender is U.S. top three in both the shot put and discus throw. (Kirby Lee/Image of Sport)
Girls Discus:
The CA headliners are the same in the girls throws, with Fowler senior Jocelynn Budwig, West Ranch Senior Natalie Ramirez, and Liberty sophomore Faith Bender the trio to beat. That trio holds the top three spots in the U.S. in the discus throw with Budwig leading (171-7), Bender second (164-2) and Ramirez third (163-2). In the shot, Budwig is the defending state champion, but Ramirez holds the national lead at 47-5.25. Budwig is U.S. No. 2 at 47-4.25, and Bender is U.S. No. 3 at 46-8. Golden Valley senior Shyann Franklin, second to Budwig at State in the shot put, ranks CA No. 4 and U.S. No. 7 at 46-0.5.
Boys Shot Put:
The boys are almost as impressive with defending state shot put champion Daniel Viveros, a senior at Bakersfield Liberty, leading the U.S. with a throw of 68-11. Esperanza junior Jeff Duensing is CA No. 2 and U.S. No. 4 at 65-7.5. Ventura senior Carlos Aviles has gone 62-3 so far this season. St. Pius X's Tanner Duffin will be a threat to win here as well.
Boys Discus:
Newbury Park's Gino Cruz leads the state in the discus throw with a best this week of 194-11. Another senior, Buchanan's Christian Johnson is next at 190-0. Duffin will feature here as well.