Boys 2011-2012 high school indoor track preview

TOP 5 TEAMS

1. First Colonial

The Patriots are one of the favorites to win a Group AAA state title because of sprinter Justin Burke, who last season placed runner-up in the 55, third in the 500 and 11th in the 300. He could win all three events this season.

2. Lakeland

The Cavaliers were state runners-up last season and have a good chance to contend for the title this season. They are led by jumper Anaquan Peterson, who won the long jump and finished second in the triple jump at the state meet.

3. Western Branch

The Bruins return four athletes who were all-state qualifiers, including Chris Crawford who made it in the long jump and 55 hurdles. Mondryl Glover was seventh in the 55 meters.

4. Ocean Lakes

The Dolphins are always strong in the distance events, this year led by David Harrison and John Will. But also watch for Derek O’Connell — he placed runner-up in the pole vault — and Racheed Davis, who was fifth in the triple jump and a state qualifier in the long jump.

5. Norcom

The Greyhounds placed 40th at last season’s state meet but expect a top-10 finish this season with junior sprinter Romero Hines – fifth in the 300 and eighth in the 55 meters at the state meet.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

Grizzlies return trio Grassfield lost all-state performers Jeremy Greenwald and Mike Lawton to graduation, but the Grizzlies return state qualifiers Alexander Midkiff (1,600 meters), Seth Taylor (3,200) and Trey Holloway (55 hurdlers).

Presidential return Wilson standout Kenneth Williams returns in the sprints. The senior – who is drawing recruiting interest from many schools, including Tennessee – was a state qualifier in the 500 and 300 meters, placing sixth and 20th, respectively.

Sprinters bolster Bookers Booker T. Washington coach Marlon Fields is optimistic. “With a hardworking group of returners and highly ambitious newcomers, I look for great performances this year,” he said. The Bookers are led by sprinters Rodney Johnson, Lavelle Hawthorne, Terrion Smith, Colin Simpson, Christian Whitley and hurdler Re’quan Mace.

Truckers mix old, new Churchland has a lot of experience, led by seniors Devon Booker, Josh Thomas, Walter Williams, Deandre James and Isaiah Johnson. The Truckers also have some underclassmen who could make a difference.

Falcons can go the distance Cox is led by distance runners Patrick O’Connell and Billy Burgess. Both have a good chance to be all-district runners.

Burke highlights Patriots First Colonial has star sprinter Justin Burke, but the Patriots also have three talented jumpers in Avion Jones, Jabari Evans and Khiry Weaver. All three can clear 6 feet 2 in the high jump but also are competitive in the long and triple jumps.

Hawks have plenty of seniors Hickory coaches Pat Troia, Jud Sarver and Melvin Queen say this will be a fun team to coach because it’s a solid group with senior leadership. Seniors Michael Sanders and Zach Inman, along with sophomore Micah Ellington, will lead the distance crew. Robert Hunt, the school-record holder in the 300 meters, will lead the Hawks sprinters. And Patrick Fisher was a region qualifier in the pole vault.

Braves return top relay team Indian River will once again be strong in the relays. The Braves, who won the 800 relay at the state meet last season, are led by Devin Thompkins, Rashaun Ray, Trae Tyler and JaQue Sawyer.

Stallions rely on sprinters Green Run is led by sprinters Damian Smith, James Darby and Larry Crisp. Distance runner Jacob Whitaker also should help.

Chiefs led by Frenia Kempsville is led by thrower Taylor Frenia who last season dominated the shot and discus. Also watch for pole vaulters Andrew Tran and Haniel Jackson, and high jumper Chris Guy.

Eagles return all-state runner Landstown returns Brent Coulter, who last season earned all-state honors in the 3,200 meters. Thrower Aaron Hutchins, and sprinters Zamier Johnson and Damond Burns also should help.

Warriors look deep Nansemond River is deep in sprints and jumps. The Warriors are led by Kyle Green, Jason Philson, Quantelis Garrett, Stevon Simms, Julius James and Lamont Brown.

Football team helps Greyhounds Norcom will get a big boost from the football team, including Joe Powell, Justin Sullivan, Hakiem Swann and Breyhon Wallace.

Elsewhere in the Eastern District Norview has depth in the sprints, but the Pilots strength will be in the middle distance events with senior Marquis Worsley. At Wilson, star Kenneth Williams – drawing recruiting interest from Tennessee – returns after placing sixth in the 500 at last year’s Group AAA indoor meet.

Bulldogs welcome back MVP Norfolk Academy will be strong in the hurdles and jumps with Demitri and Darrell Boyce, Jon Caughey, Kevin Tan and Dominic Burkett. Ian Granger will carry the distance events. And Marquis Evans — the Tidewater Conference outdoor MVP — will compete in his first indoor season in the sprints and jumps.

Runners key Ambassadors Norfolk Christian coach Shamika Kentish said the Ambassadors have “an abundance of potential” this season with key runners Stephen Singleton, Trevon Foster and Peter Eich.

Youth movement for SunDevils Salem will be very young but talented this season. The SunDevils will be competitive in the sprints and relays led by Michael Smith, and Kimdrick Feaster.

Can Bruins return to top? Western Branch won a state title in 2010 but finished 13th last season. Expect a much better finish this season because of their sprinters. The Bruins are led by Josh Marriner, Christopher Crawford, Mondryl Glover, Byron Robinson, Devante Cherry and Jamal Burris.