PREVIEW CIF-SS Division Track and Field Prelims

The action on the track kicks off with one of the fastest groups in California, with ML King of Riverside leading their way with a 46.62 seasonal best from last week's Big 8 League finals, moving the crew up to third in California. Meanwhile, right behind them are the Bruins of Long Beach Wilson (46.78), ranked fourth in the state. With Long Beach Poly owning a 46.95 (fifth in the state), Trabuco Hills improved down to 47.10 to earn the South Coast League title and elevate up to sixth in the state. Chino Hills (47.21), Roosevelt (47.24), and Vista Murrieta (47.47) also own sub-47.50 seasonal bests while Quartz Hill (47.58) and Lakewood (47.61) also project to advance. Four of the top six in California and six of the top ten get settled into the blocks for this one.

Cajon comes in as a heavy favorite to advance, coming in hot off their 41.64 Citrus Belt League title and moving up fourth in California. A relatively young Long Beach Poly group rolled to a 41.66 at the Mt. SAC Relays and is ranked sixth in the state, and fourth in the section. Also impressing at the Southwestern League Finals, Murrieta Mesa improved down to a 41.75 (seventh in the state), while Rancho Cucamonga captured the Baseline league title with a stellar 41.85 seasonal best to move them into the top ten for the Southern Section. One of the most improved crews in California, Paloma Valley comes in with a 41.89 from the Mt. SAC Relays while Chino Hills ran 41.92 in trying to keep pace with Rancho Cucamonga last week. Jordan (41.97), Trabuco Hills (42.22) and Redondo Union (42.49) also project to advance based on seasonal bests.

Developing into one of the stars in California, Santiago sophomore Rylee Blade comes in with the best resume after running a 4:46.96 at the Mt. SAC Relays and moving up to fourth in the Southern Section. She will run in the second heat, in what should be the most competitive. Newbury Park sophomore Tiffany Sax owns a seasonal best of 4:52.99, while University of Texas-bound senior Aishling Callanan of Peninsula checks in with a 4:54.48. Meanwhile, Etiwanda senior Janelle Avilez has run 4:56.24 this season. In the first heat, Murrieta Valley junior Sofia Lieberman is one of the most improved girls in the nation as she entered the season with a 5:25.89 best and comes in as the Southwestern league champ with a best of 4:56.72. Newbury Park freshman Sophia Grant ran her best of 5:00.57 last week while Claremont junior Denise Chen owns a lifetime best of 4:57.40 and seeks her third straight trip to next weekend's final. That third heat features Huntington Beach junior Makenzie McRae (4:53.84), and Trabuco Hills senior Danica Brinkman (4:58.57) while also watch for Arcadia sophomore Reena Hsieh who has improved down to a 4:53.96 this season.

Newbury Park senior Brayden Seymour has run the fastest time for the 1600 meters in California at 4:07.16 and should drive the pace in that third heat along with Long Beach Poly senior Cameron Rhone (4:15.80). Saugus senior Jacob Fredericks (4:16.72) checks in off an eight-second improvement to capture the Foothill League title. Mira Costa junior Parker Stickney has also run a 4:16.31 this season. In the second heat, the top seeds are all coming off lifetime best efforts at their respective league finals last week, with Mira Costa sophomore Ian Hansen the top seed at 4:16.16. University senior Ansh Parashar (4:16.24), Saugus senior Gavin Dion (4:17.39), and Trabuco Hills sophomore Dylan Jubak (4:17.47) look to also qualify. That first heat stars San Clemente junior Brett Ephraim who, on this same track last week, moved into the state meet conversation with his breakout 4:12.48 monster effort. Meanwhile, Great Oak features their trio including junior Gabriel Rodriguez (4:14.31) and sophomore Westin Brown (4:15.69), both of whom battled to the wire at the Southwestern league finals. But, hidden down the list, Highland senior Matthew Donis did not need to red line it at his league finals but comes equipped with a 4:09.66 performance from the Mt. SAC Relays several weeks ago.

Defending champion, Orange Vista senior Kailah McKenzie, is looking to advance for the third year in a row and coming in off her 14.35w performance.  She was also a state meet medalist in the event in 2022 and the Masters Meet champ. The top seed in heat three, Carter senior Ileen Emerson settles in with her 14.46 effort at the Mt. SAC Relays, while in heat three, Long Beach Wilson sophomore Kaylin Edwards joins her with the exact same mark from the Oregon Relays. Long Beach Poly senior Kennadi Reed (14.53) and ML King senior Sarah Ajayi (14.56) and fifth and seventh, respectively, for wind-legal marks in the Southern Section. In regard to seasonal bests, Quartz Hill sophomore Sanaiya Watkins (14.64) and Long Beach Poly junior Anise Becker (14.73) line up on either side of Ajayi, who was third in the 2022 Division One final. Six of the top nine in the section look to advance onto next weekend.

Boys 110 Hurdles

Fourth a year ago for this event in heat three, Upland senior Davis Davis-Lyric is the top boy in the state at a 13.85 wind-legal best from the Arcadia Invite last month. He was runner-up at the 2022 state meet and looking to finish higher later this month. Meanwhile, Murrieta Mesa senior Elijah Green impressed with his 14.25 effort at the Mt. SAC Relays and is ranked second in the section. Rancho Cucamonga sophomore Daniel Wimbush has elevated up the charts and gave Davis-Lyric all he could handle in his 14.11w runner-up effort at the Baseline league finals. Fellow sophomore, William Isaiah Bright of Murrieta Mesa rolled to a wind-legal 14.69 behind his teammate at last week's Southwestern league finals. A finalist a year ago, Vista Murrieta junior Arthur Celestine checks in with a 14.76 wind-legal seasonal best while La Quinta senior Hayden McKee (14.81) captured the Desert Empire league title, and Jordan senior Jacob Hernandez claimed the Moore league title with his 14.87 seasonal best. Also, watch for Vista Murrieta junior Julian Moore and his 14.87 as the Southwestern league advanced six individuals to the postseason.

Five of the top seven in the Southern Section check in for this one as 2022 runner-up Aujane Luckey, the Arizona State-bound senior is back. After only competing in relays for most of the season, she clocked in with a 54.91 to win the Moore League title. She was also the runner-up at the 2022 state meet after capturing the divisional title in 2021. With a lifetime best of 53.69, Quartz Hill senior Adonijah Currie is second in the state with a 54.14.  We also welcome Ayala junior Kayla McBride, who was runner-up in the 100 meters in 2022 but moves up here with obvious success in checking in with a 54.91 seasonal best. Roosevelt sophomore Kaia Burns dropped a 55.90 to win the Big 8 league title last week, while also watch for Orange Vista senior Mercy Ehiemere who turned heads with an early season best of 55.52. Others also projected to advance include Chino Hills senior Jordyn Thomas (56.19) and Murrieta Mesa junior Brooklynn Bright (56.74).  

Beyond the overwhelming favorite, Long Beach Poly junior Xai Ricks, this event is wide open. Ricks captured the Moore league title with a lifetime best of 47.14 and is on top of the section list. Chasing his fumes, the Long Beach Wilson duo of senior Marcell Francis-Mitchell and freshman Jae'ron Harris both crossed with seasonal bests of 48.67 to move into the top 10 in the section. Meanwhile, Long Beach Poly freshman Noah Smith also cracked 49 seconds with his 48.72 effort. Harris and Smith are the top two in the nation for the Class of 2026. Chaparral senior David Magbagbeola rocketed up the rankings with his 48.85 effort to win the Southwestern league title. Living up right beside him, Long Beach Wilson junior JT Kraemer brings a 48.74 seasonal best and has made an immediate, just joining the sport several months ago. Six others have also eclipsed the 50-second threshold, led by Hemet senior Austen Diaz at 49.74.

Girls 100 Meters

The event is wide open regarding qualifying with Murrieta Valley sophomore Taylor Anyansi coming in hot off of her 11.92 wind-legal win at the Southwestern league finals. Lining up next to her in heat three, Redondo Union sophomore Journey Cole (12.00) comes in with the second-best wind-legal mark in the division after taking home the Bay league title last week. Defending her home turf, Trabuco Hills senior Halle Sutherland rolled to a 12.01 at the South Coast League prelims last week while we have witnessed some nice improvement from Newbury Park sophomore Kyra Terry, who also owns a 12.01. A finalist a year ago, Roosevelt senior Dakota Minor captured the Big 8 league title last week in 12.02 while we also anticipate a close affair in heat five where Chino Hills junior Lady William-Mensah and Lakewood junior Jai'ya Jones both closed with identical 12.05 efforts last week. Who will claim those last few spots is completely up for grabs as several others fall into that 12.10-12.20 range.

Los Alamitos sophomore Devin Bragg is looking to defend his Division One title from 2022 but first, will focus on simply advancing. The freshman class state record holder, with a wind-legal best of 10.56 in 2023, will have his hands full in heat five as Paloma Valley senior Jason Deal has been the 'real deal' in 2023, as one of the most improved sprinters in the state with a 10.49 wind-legal best. But Jordan junior Jordan Washington captured the Division Two title last year and moving back into Division One, is truly the one to beat. He purred to a 10.36 wind-legal best to capture the Moore league title once again and tie for the state lead for the event. Meanwhile, Cajon senior Jeyquan Smith looks to advance for the third year in a row and comes in off his 10.48 wind-legal best from the Citrus Belt league finals. Murrieta Mesa senior Chase Eisenhauer impressed in his Southwestern league title last week and brings a wind-legal best of 10.67 while also keep track of Quartz Hill sophomore Adonyss Currie as he matched that same effort. Equally impressive, Rancho Cucamonga sophomore Cameron Sermons rolled to a wind-aided 10.46 along with Chino Hills junior Donnie Parrish last week at the Baseline league finals.

Girls 800 Meters

After competing for Diamond Bar the past two seasons, Claremont junior L'Mio Edwards of Claremont is the headliner as she brings her 2:11.65 seasonal best as the top seed in heat two. While Edwards is ranked seventh in the section, her main challenge will come from Peninsula senior Aishling Callanan (2:14.90) and Chino Hills senior Isabella Duarte (2:16.01). Vista Murrieta junior Fiona Holloway owns the second-best time in the division for 2023 with her 2:13.30 effort from March. She is the favorite in the third heat but will have to hold off Claremont freshman Isla Bulmer (2:15.62) and much-improved Kiarra Stewart (2:17.74), the Trabuco Hills junior. Heat one looks to be more competitive as the top seed is Valencia junior Angelina Teymouri, who checks in with a seasonal best of 2:17.48. With that, looking down the list, you will find Arcadia sophomore Reena Hsieh, who owns the fourth-fastest time of those competing with a 2:15.33 best for 2023. Others to watch for in that first heat include Chino Hills junior Alayna McGarry (2:17.54), Beaumont sophomore Hannah Butterfield (2:17.91), and Long Beach Wilson junior Xcaret Tirado (2:18.03).  

With the top two boys in the state opting to focus elsewhere, this door is wide open for this one. The favorite coming into will run in heat three, as vastly improved Vista Murrieta senior Tarron Johnson has rolled to a 1:50.93 this season to rank third in California. In his heat, his greatest threat should come from Loyola senior Harrison Lavery (1:54.11). State meet medalist in 2022 and placing third the past two seasons in Division One, Long Beach Wilson senior Marcell Francis-Mitchell (1:51.75) is coming into his own this past month and is favored to capture the second heat. His challenges should derive from his teammate, junior JT Kraemer (1:52.32), and La Serna junior Aidan Vigil (1:54.46). Meanwhile, watch for Great Oak junior Gabriel Rodriguez (1:51.79) to headline the fourth heat as he was a Masters Meet qualifier in 2022. San Clemente junior Taj Clark (1:52.60) and Etiwanda senior Noah Gordon (1:54.85) also look to advance. In heat one, Long Beach Poly senior Lamarr Kirk rolls him with a 1:51.37 seasonal best with Los Osos senior Noah Chairez (1:54.28) improving by over four seconds in the past month.

The top five girls and eight of the top ten in the Southern Section lace it up for this one. Someone in the top ten for the section may not advance as this is one of the toughest rounds here as twelve girls check in with sub-45 second resumes, including our defending champion, Redondo Union junior Lela Divinity.  With six heats, it is imperative to win your heat, and Divinity (44.03) is the top seed in the second heat. Overall, Long Beach Wilson sophomore Kaylin Edwards owns the top time in the section at 42.77 (fifth in the state) and lines up in heat five. In heat four, Long Beach Poly senior Kennadi Reed (42.99) is sixth in California while seventh in the state, Long Beach Wilson senior MaNia Tidwell (43.45) headlines in heat one. The fight for those remaining spots heats up as glancing at seasonal bests, the Vista Murrieta junior duo of Samarra Blake (44.03) and Jaylen Spencer (44.49), Long Beach Poly junior Anise Becker (44.19), Orange Vista junior Vanessa Chavira (44.27), ML King senior Sarah Ajayi (44.30), Valley View senior Leylah Diaz (44.39), Quartz Hill sophomore Sanaiya Watkins (44.59) and Mira Costa junior Avana Zenner (44.60) look to advance.

Boys 300 Hurdles

The Baseline League provided some fireworks last week with Upland senior and UCLA-bound Davis Davis-Lyric running home with the league title in a lifetime best of 37.93 to move up to third in California. But, at the prelims, Rancho Cucamonga sophomore Daniel Wimbush turned heads with his 37.91 effort to currently rank second in the state and tops the nation for the Class of 2025. Roosevelt junior Cayden Roberson (38.24) is currently fifth in the state and will headline heat one, where four others have gone under 40.10, including the Southwestern league champ, Vista Murrieta junior Arthur Celestine (39.01) and Huntington Beach junior Kieren Beckman (39.35). In heat five, sixth a year ago, Loyola junior John Mueller is the top seed with a 38.62 seasonal best with Murrieta Mesa sophomore William Isaiah Bright (39.29) to his outside. Also projected to win his heat, Jordan senior Darryll Stevens has clocked a 38.55 to rank tenth in the state. To his outside, he will have Chino Hills senior Joseph Bailey (39.06) to pace him through to the line.

Under all conditions, Quartz Hill senior Adonijah Currie owns the top time in California with her wind-aided effort of 23.80 at the Mt. SAC Relays. She captured the Division 2 title in 2022 while competing for Golden Valley. Working to keep pace with her in that same race was Ayala junior Kayla McBride at 24.13 to rank sixth in the state. While both are in separate heats, it is Roosevelt senior Dakota Minor that checks with the top legal effort in the state after her breakthrough 24.28 Big 8 League title run as she looks to improve upon her third-place finish from the 2022 Division 1 final. But, never count out Long Beach Wilson senior and Arizona State-bound Aujane Luckey who crossed with a wind-legal 24.54 to win the Moore League title after earning the silver in this event last year. All four project to win their heats while in our fifth heat, Newbury Park sophomore Kyra Terry (24.64) will match up against Lakewood junior Jai'ya Jones (24.68). Also in the mix to advance, watch for ML King senior Coryssa Hope (24.80), Chino Hills junior Lady William-Mensah (24.82), and Lakewood sophomore Amaya Rice (24.84).  

Jordan junior Jordan Washington comes into the postseason on fire and fresh off a 20.94 wind-legal best to capture the Moore league title last week. As he now sits on top of the Southern Section list and third in the state, he opens the action in heat one. Also coming in strong and moving up to second in the section with his 21.08 effort to win the Citrus Belt League title, Jeyquan Smith looks to advance once again as well.  Los Alamitos sophomore Devin Bragg rolled to a 21.22 effort at the Surf League prelims while one of the most improved boys in the state is Paloma Valley senior Jason Deal who clocks in with a 21.27 best. Despite being the national leader in the 800 meters, and strategically moving to the 200, Long Beach Poly junior Xai Ricks rolled to a 21.31 behind Washington at the Moore league final, with teammates sophomore Caliph Johnson (21.67) and freshman Malachi Dawson (21.68) finishing in his shadow. Meanwhile, Roosevelt senior Jason Sherman rolled to a 21.64 title run at the Big 8 league finals. Quartz Hill sophomore Adonyss Currie is also one to watch as he owns a 21.20w best. The top five wind-legal marks in the Southern Section put on their spikes for this one.

In regard to seasonal bests, heat one boasts six girls with sub-11:00 minute resumes, headlined by Huntington Beach junior Makenzie McRae who is having a breakout season with her 10:28.25 from the Arcadia Invite. Seeking her third straight trip to the final is Quartz Hill senior Brianne Smith who has run a 10:39.13 this season, while Murrieta Valley freshman Arielle Avina was impressive in her 10:42.85 title run at the Southwestern league finals last week. Also looking to advance for the third year in a row is Claremont junior Denise Chen (10:46.72) while Redondo Union junior Lyla Fedio (10:49.38) continues to improve.  In the second heat, Santiago sophomore Rylee Blade projects to easily advance as evidenced by her negative split, 10:21.08 performance from the Arcadia Invite. Mira Costa senior Anna Chittenden has crossed in 10:31.12 this season while Etiwanda senior Janelle Avilez at 10:32.85 has been one of the most improved girls in the state.  Divisional runner-up in 2022, Newbury Park senior veteran Ailish Hawkins posted a 10:34.79 this season. Five of the top seven from last year's Division One final all project to advance back in 2023.

Boys 3200 Meters

Our defending champion and current California state leader is Millikan junior Jason Parra, coming in with an 8:46.50 effort from the Arcadia invite.  Runner-up from 2022, Highland senior Matthew Donis brings his 8:52.91 resume to the second heat, opposite of Parra. In that second heat with Donis, Crescenta Valley senior Parker Simmons checks in with his 8:53.77 best while he was fourth a year ago. That same heat features eight others that have dipped under 9:20 this season, led by Santiago senior Van Filek (9:06.02) and the South Coast League runner-up, San Clemente senior Juan Chantaca at 9:09.74. Newbury Park senior Brayden Seymour (9:11.81) and Great Oak senior Austin Elkins (9:13.62) will also look to keep pace and advance. Meanwhile, looking to stay in touch with Parra in the first heat, look for Newbury Park senior Aaron Cantu (8:57.26) and Southwestern league champ in Great Oak sophomore Westin Brown (9:10.99) and ML King freshman Maximo Zavaleta (9:10.97).

California state leader, Long Beach Wilson, should cruise into the finals as the Moore league champs have a seasonal best of 3:46.02. The most competitive heat will feature Chino Hills, ranked second in the state at 3:49.35, and Redondo Union with a seasonal best of 3:54.25, which is the 11th-best mark in the section. While both each project to advance, Long Beach Poly brings their 3:52.68 from the Moore league finals to the game while Santiago (4:02.21) and Beaumont (4:02.59) look to keep pace. Orange Vista (3:58.20) is the top seed in their heat with Roosevelt right in tow, coming off a 4:00.38 effort last week. Also watch for Ayala, who erupted with a 3:57.04 to capture the Palomares league titles, and Vista Murrieta (3:58.86) to also advance out of that second heat.

The top two squads in California headline this one as Long Beach Poly (3:14.26) and Long Beach Wilson (3:15.04) should cruise to wins in their respective heats. Ranked eighth and ninth in the Southern Section, Trabuco Hills look to defend their home turf with their 3:21.15 seasonal best while Loyola (3:21.35) also looks to snag one of those automatic spots in winning one of the six heats for this one. Heritage is the top seed in heat one with a 3:22.15 best while Jordan (3:22.57) and Rancho Cucamonga (3:23.99) will push Trabuco in that fifth heat. Northwood brings a 3:22.99 seasonal best while also watch San Clemente to be in the running for a spot as the Tritons have run 3:24.49. Keep your eyes on those runner-ups as only three will advance in this six-heat affair.

Four of the top ten in the Southern Section get into the ring with Etiwanda senior Camryn Alo boasting a 42-4.5 seasonal best. She is currently third in California for the event while her teammate, senior Sinaiah Pointer has measured out to a 41-2 best to rank ninth in the section. Also projected to easily advance is Hesperia sophomore La'Brejai West with her 41-8.5 best for 2023, which ranks her ninth in California. Edison junior Alexa Sheldon (40-8) is tenth in the section and a heavy favorite to advance. Looking to earn points for her squad at next week's finals, we also project Long Beach Poly junior Mai Ricks (40-0) to advance as she joined the 40-foot club several weeks ago. Two others that have thrown out over 39 feet in 2023 include Los Alamitos senior Taylor Hofland (39-10) and Camarillo senior Ava Crouse (39-8).  

Five of the top nine in the Southern Section look to advance to next week's round with Camarillo sophomore Trinity Tipton locking in with her 140-3 seasonal best, which ranks her fourth in the section. To boost the team title chances, Long Beach Poly junior Mai Ricks improved to a 133-8 in her taking home the Moore League title last week, while also moving up to sixth in the section. Edison junior Alexa Sheldon checks in with a 132-9 best, ranking her seventh and projected to easily advance once again. Camarillo is well represented here with senior Laynie Tuimaualuga (132-3) ranked eighth in the section while teammate senior Ava Crouse (129-2) rounding out one of the top trios in California. Runner-up in 2022, Los Alamitos senior Taylor Hofland has measured out to 13-2, meanwhile, Cajon senior Kailea Satterwhite is also slated to advance based on her 132-2 best for the season.  Finally, watch for Heritage junior Andreese Ortiz (129-2) to qualify onward to next week.

Defending champion Vista Murrieta junior Aspen Fears is the top girl in the Southern Section, clearing 13-1 this season. While is currently third in California, her counterparts from the Southwestern League are well represented with six advancing altogether. The Great Oak duo of sophomore Michal Coates (12-6) and Shayna Hinds (12-1) are also slated to move forward. Runner-up while competing in Division 2 last year, Murrieta Valley senior Madisyn Negro owns a lifetime best of 13-2 and comes in with her best effort, 12-4, last week. Familiar with the runway, Trabuco Hills senior Jessica Davis captured the South Coast League title with her 12-5 lifetime best last week. Meanwhile, three others have cleared the 12-0 watermark in Vista Murrieta senior Katie Rodriguez, Fountain Valley junior Isabella Abrahams, and Redondo Union junior Camilla Brennan.  Nine of the top ten girls in the section will check in for this one!

Long Beach Poly sophomore Jillene Wetteland captured the title in 2022 and while trying to get back to her 5-8 lifetime best, she has cleared 5-6.25 and is ranked seventh in the section. After earning the silver at the divisional final a year ago, Orange Vista senior Kailah McKenzie cleared the 5-9 bar at the Inland Empire Championships several weeks ago and is now tied for the state lead.  Chino Hills junior Makena Bailey has cleared the 5-7 bar and is also a heavy favorite to advance for a second year in a row. ML King senior Alyssa Hope has a seasonal best of 5-6 and anything close to that will easily advance her as well. Others that have elevated up over 5-4 in 2023 include Vista Murrieta junior Emoree Smith, Hesperia senior Queen Allah, and Murrieta Valley junior Allie Goetz.

The top three girls from the 2022 finals are back! ML King senior and USC-bound Alyssa Hope looks to defend her title next week but first, must advance for the third year in a row. She owns a seasonal best of 20-3.25 (nwi) but runner-up in 2022, Orange Vista senior Kailah McKenzie is coming off an outstanding effort of 20-8 to take over the state lead on jumps under all conditions. Owning the second-best wind-legal best in the state, Vista Murrieta junior Alyssa Alumbres comes in with a 19-6 best. Long Beach Wilson sophomore Loren Webster came up big with her 19-4 effort last week and is now projected to garner points at next week's final. Etiwanda sophomore Alaya Robinson owns a best of 18-5.25 this season, while also in the 18-foot range, look for Redondo Union sophomore Journey Cole (18-3.5), and Ayala sophomore Isabelle Salazar (18-3.5). We also watched Upland senior Simone Smith (18-1.5) and Santiago senior Shaylee Mutka (18-0.25) join that group last week.

Defending state champion, ML King senior Alyssa Hope did not advance in the event last week so she will focus on her other jumps. With that, Upland senior Simone Smith enters as the favorite as she comes off a 40-0 performance to win the Baseline league title last week. Simply looking to advance, she is joined by the talents of Elsinore senior Dajeauna Williams (39-9) and Etiwanda sophomore Alaya Robinson (39-9). Robinson placed fourth at the California state meet a year ago. Also a state meet medalist, Vista Murrieta junior Alyssa Alumbres comes in with a seasonal best of 38-7.75. Others looking to advance include Santiago senior Shaylee Mutka (37-8.75), Chino Hills junior Makena Bailey (37-6), Rancho Cucamonga sophomore Saje Heard (37-4) and Upland sophomore Ashlyn Reyes (37-2).

Redondo Union senior and University of Penn-bound Kai Deines leads the way in 2023 after placing third in 2022. His 61-4.5 best for the season is third in California and second for the section. Warren senior Jaylon Wells has stepped up in 2023 as his 58-7 is ranked ninth in the state and third in the section. As he did in 2022, expect Chaparral senior Leland Godfrey to move on as he gets into the ring with a 55-8.75 best from last week. Warren junior Eman Goodloe improved to 54-7.5 last week to move just ahead of Alta Loma senior Santiago Cerda and his 54-5.5 seasonal best. Also looking to move on, Oak Hills junior William Wilcox brings his 53-10 best into the ring while also watch for Yucaipa sophomore Benjamin Lingenfelter (53-4).

Boys Discus

California state meet medalist in 2022, Redondo Union senior Kai Deines placed second at the 2022 divisional final but goes into the postseason as the favorite with his 180-9 seasonal best. The goal is to simply advance, as Warren senior Jaylon Wells should also easily move on as he owns a 178-11 best for 2023. Oak Hills senior Christopher Nora launched a 170-2 effort several weeks ago while Alta Loma senior Santiago Cerda looks to advance for the second year in a row as he looks to improve upon his 165-3 best. Yucaipa sophomore Benjamin Lingenfelter owns a seasonal best of 162-0 while Chaparral senior Leland Godfrey improved out to 158-2 several weeks ago at the Inland Empire Championships. Those last spots are wide open for the taking with ML King sophomore Andrew Dixon (154-1) and Elsinore junior Joseph Garcia (152-4) are strong prospects to also advance.  

Of all events wide open for those projected to advance, this one is it! In a year where only three boys in the state have cleared the 6-7 bar, San Clemente senior Griffin Schwab, Riverside Poly senior Zach Owens and Cypress senior Alan Vuong are all tied for second in the Southern Section with their 6-6 clearances.  Schwab was runner-up in the 2022 final. Four others have cleared the 6-4 headlined by Vista Murrieta senior Bryson Williamson who cleared the height last week. Rio Mesa Jackson Knowles is the second-best sophomore in the section while Pacifica senior Umaree Harris and Loyola senior DaRon Elam have also cleared 6-4. Also projected to advance La Quinta senior Hayden McKee has cleared 6-3 this season.

Boys Pole Vault

Our top three returners from the 2022 final are also the same three leading the way in 2023. Runner-up a year ago, Redondo Union senior Dylan Curtis has cleared 16-3 and ranks second in California and first in the Southern Section. ML King junior Jaden McKee checks in with a 15-10 best from capturing the Big 8 league title last week, moving him to fourth in the state. Great Oak senior Austin Pepito is also coming in hot as he elevated up over the 15-7 bar to capture his league title and move up to eighth in the state. Those three should easily advance. Meanwhile, Trabuco Hills senior Nikolas Bendis (14-6) and Los Alamitos senior Gabriel Gandara (14-4) also project to move on while San Clemente sophomore Dexter Brice won the league title here last week with a 14-1 clearance. Redondo Union could very well advance three to next week's final as junior Louis Goldman cleared 14-0 several weeks ago.

With VERY limited wind readings, we have to lean more on marks under all conditions. With that, Cajon sophomore Keith Cotlage should be a lock for next week as he has measured out to 23-3.5 and jumped over 23 feet in these same pits at the Trabuco Hills Invite five weeks ago. Rancho Cucamonga junior Rahim Wright comes in hot from his Baseline League title effort of 23-1. Meanwhile, one of the most consistent jumpers in 2023 has been Burroughs' senior Dilan Webster. Also consistent and projected to move on, Vista Murrieta senior Obi Nwafor is also in the 23-foot club with his effort at the Mt. Carmel Invite. Cajon senior Jeyquan Smith checks in with a 22-8 best while Long Beach Poly senior Javon Hampton went 22-4.5 earlier in the season. Also, watch for Upland senior Michael Burnett who flew to a 22-4 last week. Also watch for Rio Mesa junior Chance Harrison as he was a finalist a year ago.  

Vista Murrieta senior Obi Nwafor comes into the postseason as a slight favorite with a 47-2 measurement this season.  Fountain Valley senior Jonathan Yu brings his 45-5 seasonal best to the runway while he seeks a third straight trip to the divisional finals and was a Masters Meet qualifier in 2022. But aside from the veteran, several new names have popped up in the past few months with Great Oak junior Andrew Robinson (45-0.5), Cajon sophomore Keith Cotlage (44-11), Murrieta Valley senior Joseph Saenz (44-10.5), Warren junior Jordan Jones (44-9), and La Quinta sophomore Kameron Hawkins (44-9) all excelling and now projected to advance to next week's final. Also, do not overlook Northwood senior Dominic Cotton (44-2.5) who placed third at the Orange County Championships several weeks ago.