Expect a big year in the boys' long jump in Pennsylvania. After an indoor season that saw him jump to PA No. 2 all-time, Ezra Mellinger of Lampeter-Strasburg will look to add to his resume. He had a breakthrough junior season, but ultimatly he placed tenth in AAA at outdoor states. But this indoor season, Mellinger gained more consistency, eventually jumping 24-11.5, breaking the indoor state meet record. He was second at indoor nationals and could be on pace for an historic outdoor campaign.
The top returning jump from last outdoor season, however, comes from Lance Hamilton of State College Area. Hamilton jumped 23-8.75 for the District 6 crown last season. He took sixth at outdoor states and then was seventh at indoor states. His SC teammate Jake Hefkin jumped 23-1 last season and placed seventh at outdoor states. Indoors, he was fourth at states. Both will be major factors this spring.
The other returning AAA medalists from last season are Liberty's Javonte Haynes (fifth) and Baldwin'...
