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2016 Preview - Girls Field Events at California CIF Outdoor State Championships - DyeStatCALPublished by
By Erik Boal, DyeStatCAL Editor
Here is an event-by-event breakdown of what to look for in these girls field events Friday and Saturday at the 98th CIF State Championships:
High Jump Favorite: Alexis Vincent-Walker, Clovis. Cleared 5-7 at last year’s state final, but placed fifth based on attempts. After winning the Central Section Masters, the sophomore has bigger aspirations this season to capture a title in a familiar environment. Other contenders: Ellie Earle-Rouse, Arcata; Cassie Ackemann, San Lorenzo Valley; Aine McNulty, Los Gatos. Earle-Rouse has cleared a state-leading 5-8.25, with Ackemann and McNulty both clearing 5-7 at the Central Coast Section finals, giving any of them the potential to capture the title with a consistent day of jumping. Sleeper: Hannah Hanson, Academy of Academic Excellence. Has cleared 5-8, but not since March. After winning the Southern Section Masters Meet, should definitely be a factor in the final. Long Jump Favorite: Tara Davis, Agoura. Although a showdown with two-time state champion Courtney Corrin of Harvard-Westlake won’t materialize because of Corrin’s toe injury, Davis has the potential to capture her first championship and improve upon her personal-best 21-0.5. Other contenders: Rhesa Foster, Clovis North; Destiny Longmire, Rancho Verde. Both have surpassed 20 feet and could be one big jump away from being in title contention. Sleeper: Katherine Jackson, Rodriguez. The two-time Sac-Joaquin Section Masters champion has come close to eclipsing 20 feet on multiple occasions and has the potential to secure a place on the podium if she does. Triple Jump Favorite: Tara Davis, Agoura. Her 43-2 from the Texas Relays is still more than a foot ahead of any challenger, but she hasn’t produced a mark beyond 42 feet since and will need another big performance in order to secure the championship. Other contenders: Ciynamon Stevenson, Great Oak. Put herself in the title conversation with her 42-0.5 at the Southwestern League finals and has surpassed 41 feet at both the Southern Section Division 1 finals and Masters Meet. Sleeper: Allanah Lee, Castro Valley. Just like Kennedy Jones last year, Castro Valley jumpers have a history of big performances at the state final and following a 40-0.25 at the North Coast Section Meet of Champions, the sophomore is a legitimate threat to make the podium. Discus Throw Favorite: Elena Bruckner, San Jose Valley Christian. The national leader at 186-10, Bruckner is pursuing the state record of 190-3 set in 2009 by Shafter’s Anna Jelmini. Other contenders: Laulauga Tausaga-Collins, Mount Miguel. Broke a 30-year-old record by throwing 166-4 at the San Diego Section Division 2 final, just off her season-best 167-3, which makes her a strong title contender. Sleeper: Pamela Amaechi, San Francisco Lincoln. Has thrown 166-5 this season, but hasn’t surpassed 160 feet since March and would need a big personal best to capture the championship. Shot Put Favorite: Elena Bruckner, San Jose Valley Christian. After throwing a state record 54-7 at the West Catholic Athletic League final, Bruckner wants to become only the third prep female athlete to surpass 55 feet. Other contenders: Jasmine Pharms, Stagg. Delivered a 48-11.25 performance at the Sacramento Meet of Champions and is looking to become the 20th female athlete in state history to surpass 50 feet. Sleeper: Laulauga Tausaga-Collins, Mount Miguel. Has a personal-best 47-2.25, but will need a significant improvement to remain in title contention. Pole Vault Favorite: Rachel Baxter, Anaheim Canyon. The top 17-under American and second in the world this year with her state all-time best 14-3, Baxter needs to only clear 14-2 to break the meet record set in 2007 by Castilleja’s Tori Anthony. Other contenders: Erika Malaspina, Pacific Collegiate. A showdown of the top two vaulters in the country will finally occur with Baxter and Malaspina, who cleared a Central Coast Section finals record 13-9 to move into third in state history. Sleeper: McKenna Caskey, Mater Dei. Has cleared 13-4 this season, but has valuable experience after placing fifth at last year’s state final and has shown consistent improvement this year.
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