Who To Watch For In Each District Meet

Dan Beck

PIAA District 11 Championships


Who To Watch For: Talitha Diggs (Saucon Valley)

Why?: She is the top-ranked District 11 girl in the 100, 200, 400, 300 meter hurdles, and long jump. Diggs has gotten better in every event in her junior season, and has showed off her versatility and range. During the indoor season, she won the indoor state title over 400 meters and ran bests of 54.21 and 24.16. She hasn't hit those times yet outdoors, but it's postseason time now and Diggs will be ready to shine.

What to expect: When we talked to Diggs at April's Shippensburg Invitational, the junior was unsure what events she'd contest at districts and states. We know have our answer, as she's entered in the 200 meters and 400 meters. She's PA No. 1 in the long jump, but she'll instead put all her eggs in the sprints basket, which is probably a smart idea given how stacked the 200 and 400 are. Diggs is capable of winning state titles in both, and she'll be the overwhelming favorite in both. Expect some very quick times on Wednesday.

Others to watch for: Lydia Bottelier (AAA - High Jump/Sprints); Emily Demalis (AA - Sprints); Olivia Haas (AAA - Distance); Emma McClafferty (AA - Throws); Cori McCormick (AA - Distance); Isabelle Meckes (AAA - Throws); Reagan Pender (AA - Distance); Shelby Staib (AAA - Jumps); Paige Terrette (AAA - Throws); Kasey Thomas (AAA - Throws); Juanita Wiggins (AAA - Jumps); Kate Willshaw (AAA - High Jump)



Who To Watch For: Javonte Haynes (Liberty)

Why?: The senior just started jumping last year, but he's been a quick study to the long jump. He became just one of a few boys over the last few years to hit the 24-foot mark in the event and he currently sits at No. 2 in the state with a best of 24-1. He had an off day at the EPC Championships last week, but he'll return to the Whitehall runway with a ton of motivation this week.

What to expect: Haynes was fifth at states in AAA a year ago in the long jump, popping a nice leap of 22-1.75. This year, though, he's been much better and much more consistent, likely a product of more experience with the event. He's hit jumps in the 23-foot range on three occasions to go along with his PR of 24-1. The senior will be a serious factor for District 11 and state titles this season.

Others to watch: Collin Burkhart (AAA - Throws) Keyon Carroll-Herring (AAA - High Jump); Chris Fredericks (AA - Javelin); Jarrin Geisinger (AA - Sprints); Kevin Haas (AAA - Distance); Anthony Harris (AAA - Jumps) Thomas Kitchell (AAA - Throws); Eric Lyon (AAA - Javelin); Jacob Martinez (AA - Distance); Delano McKenzie (AA - Jumps); Zach Moyer (AA - High Jump); Nicholas Nittoli (AAA - Throws); Christian Tackett (AAA - Hurdles); Josh Volak (AA - Jumps); Maurice Whittle (AAA - Sprints/Jumps); Riley Williamson (AAA - Distance)