MARYLAND, USA: Shanoya Douglas of Muchette High will lead four Jamaicans into the ‘A’ final of the Girls’ 100m at the third edition of the Puma East Coast International Track and Field Showcase at the Prince George’s Sports and Learning Complex on Saturday.
The fan favourite left no doubt that she is the country’s brightest sprint star, producing 11.97 seconds (-2.1m/s) in chilly conditions to win heat two, comfortably ahead of Travis McKenzie of the USA.
McKenzie, who will be heading to the University of South Carolina after her high school career, clocked 12.07 for her second-place finish.
Douglas’ 11.97 represents the fastest qualifying time heading into the final. But she will have her work cut out for her after her compatriot Sabrina Dockery of Lacovia High, the Carifta Games champion, won heat one in 11.99 seconds (-1.3m/s), the second fastest qualifying time.
The other Jamaicans in the final are the Hydel High pair of Alliah Baker (12.10) and Shemonique Hazle (12.12), who finished third and fourth, respectively, behind Douglas and McKenzie in heat two.
Also, through to the ‘A’ final is Elise Cooper of McDonough School in Maryland, who is considered one of the best junior sprinters in the USA. Cooper secured her spot in the final after clocking 12.14 to finish second behind Dockery in heat one.
Four Jamaicans are in the ‘B’ final – Doniellia Lewis (12.30) of Holmwood Technical, Adora Campbell (12.31) of St Jago High along with the St Mary High pair of Shagay Sheppy (12.31) and Kaliesha Bell (12.33).
Meanwhile, the Boys’ 100m ‘A’ final will feature three Jamaicans. Orlando Wint of Vere Technical will lead the Jamaican qualifiers after clocking 10.79 (-1.9m/s) to finish second behind USA’s Shaun McCoullum (10.71) of George Washington High School in Virginia in heat two.
Excelsior High’s Damor Miller (10.82), who won the 100m at the ISSA/GraceKennedy Boys’and Girls’ Athletics Championships in March, and St Jago High’s Raheem Pinnock (10.82) are the other Jamaicans in the ‘A’ final.
Ajani Dwyer, who is the NJ record holder in the 55m dash and owns the fastest time in the nation in that event this season, easily leads all qualifiers with 10.64 seconds.
Johan-Ramaldo Smythe of Muchette High is the only Jamaican in the ‘B’ final with a qualifying time of 10.97.
