Norristown 4x200 / Photo by Steven Pisano
New Balance Games Preview
The Armory has been home to some of the top PA performances this season and Saturday should be no different with a handful of talented teams and individuals making the trek to New York for the New Balance Games.
GIRLS PREVIEW: In the invitational portion, Norristown's Jayana Webb returns after a strong performance at the VA Showcase. Webb is entered in the 300 meters and she'll look to take down a talented field. 40.22 is the state-leading mark by Cheltenham's Bria Barnes.
In the mile is Abington's Kelly Jawork, CB East's Tate Dawson, and Owen J. Roberts' Allison Brunton. In the DMR, we'll see CB East, CB West, Coatesville and Hatboro-Horsham, all likely looking to solidify a spot in the state meet.
Alexa Parks (Palisades) / Photo by Megan Zeller
Moving onto the non-invitational portion, we've got some loaded entries.
Palisades' Alexa Parks will return to the high jump mat. The PA#1 and US#2 cleared 5-8 at the Armory earlier this season in her first indoor meet ever. This past Sunday, Parks went 5-7 at Ursinus. Now the Penn State recruit will return to the Armory.
Cardinal O'Hara's Olivia Arizin, who we've only seen a limited amount this winter, is entered in the 1000 meters, where she's the top seed. Cardinal O'Hara is also entered in the SMR and 4x800.
In the 300 meters, Coatesville's Porsha Miles, Springside Chestnut Hill's Alexandria Kitchell, and Penn Wood's Tatiyana Laylor are among a deep field of entries. The 600 meters should be strong as well, led by Penn Wood's Terri Turner. Also in that field is Coatesville's Makayla Eberly.
In the 55 meters, watch out for Norristown's Jonae Cook and CB East's Meaghan Shewbrooks. In the 2 mile, we'll see Stroudsburg's Amy Conboy and Michelle Joyce, along with Hatboro-Horsham's Hannah Knudsen and CB West's Megan Kolbe.
In the pole vault, the one to watch Springside Chestnut's Elizabeth Jefferson, who won last month at the Marine Corps Classic at the Armory.
They relays should bring some excitement. In the 4x200, expect some quick times from PA#1 Norristown, along with Cheltenham, Coatesville, Springside Chestnut Hill, and CB East. In the 4x400, state leaders Penn Wood will look to pad its PA#1, while Norristown is also in the field.
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Terrance Laird (Coatesville) / Photo by Don Rich
BOYS PREVIEW: Terrance Laird of Coatesville will head to the Armory on Saturday to compete in the 55 meters. Laird ranks PA#3 in the 60 meters, but is yet to run the 55 this season.
In the invitational 300 meters, a trio of Keystone Staters are entered. The Bishop Shanahan duo of Nate Alleyne and Keegan Hughes, along with Saint Joseph's Miles Green are in the field.
In the 600 meters, Penn Wood's Dennis Manyeah and Saint Joseph's Prep's Robert Dupell will match up in a good field. Dupell is PA#1 and US#4 after a big race in the event at Bishop Loughlin earlier in the season.
Like the girls, we should see plenty of good relays action. Bishop Shanahan should put down a solid SMR with all its depth. In the 4x200, Imhotep and Norristown should be strong. The PA#1 time in the 4x800 should be on high alert with Abington, Cardinal O'Hara and Penn Wood in the field on Saturday. Abington, Imhotep, and Penn Wood will all return for the 4x400 as well.
In the 2 mile, the Coatesville duo of Colin Milhalak and Ryan Leahan will matchup with Penncrest's Avery Lederer, Stroudsburg's Teddy Mostellar and Saucon Valley's Ethan Bernstein.