ANIYA HILL WAS ALL SMILES AFTER THROWING A STATE LEADING 147-0 IN THE DISCUS!
It didn't take long for the Bossier Parish Championships to provide some big-time performances Thursday afternoon, and the throwing events led the way as Haughto junior Aniya Hill turned in the state's leading throw in the girls' discus with a 147-0, thirteen feet better than her previous best.
Hill passes Zachary's Ambria Langley and moves into the No. 1 spot in the state rankings. Nationally, Hill's throw ranks No. 19 overall, and No. 6 among all juniors.
"I've been practicing hard this week--with my footwork and speed," Hill said. "That practice showed up today."
Many times, a thrower will know if it is a good throw when the discus leaves their fingertips, but that was not the case with Hill.
"Honestly, on that throw I didn't think it was going to go far," Hill said.
In the boys' discus, Parkway's Devon Oliver kept the personal record party going by breaking the 160 foot barrier. Oliver, who is only a sophomore, came into the competition ranked No. 5 in the state, moves to No. 2 with a throw of 160-5.
Oliver's throw ranks No. 12 in the nation among high school sophomores.
Yet another thrower who made a move to the top of the rankings was Benton javelin thrower Jeffery King. King came into the competition ranked No. 6 in the state with a previous best of 169-9. He improved by over thirteen feet as he launched the winning throw out to 183-5.5. He is ranked No. 2 in Louisiana and trails the state leader-Catholic's Paul Catalanatto-by five feet.
Nationally, King's throw ranks No. 5 among all high school juniors.
Speaking of making moves, just 13 months ago Hill moved from Delaware to Haughton.
"It was sudden and a big change," Hill said. "I got used to it quick. The best part about it has been the people I've met on the track team. It's been good."
Oliver, who also won the shot put with a throw of 51-0, helped his Panthers win the boys' parish championship. Parkway scored 168 points, 18 more than runner-up Haughton.
"It's always a good feeling to win our Parish Championship--and two years in a row at that," Parkway head boys coach Chris Kennady said. "The boys had a great day overall. I believe we scored in every entered event, and they understand what it takes to win as a team. Every point matters. We have improved tremendously every week and looking forward to taking this confidence into the championship season in a few weeks."
In the girls division, Benton had five girls score 18 or more points. Addyson Hulett , who won the pole vault(9-6) and 400 (1:01.56), and Jamie Willis , who won the triple jump (33-2) and 100m hurdles (15.75) scored 22.5 points each. Isabelle Russell , who won both the 1600m (5:21.80) and 3200m (12:20.31), and Kyla Daux , who finished in the top three of the high jump, triple jump, and 300m hurdles, scored 20 points each. Sadie Hamby scored 18 points in the throwing events, including a big personal record of 119-3 in the discus.
The Lady Tigers won the parish title with 192 points, 16 more more than second place Parkway.
"I thought our athletes competed well today," Benton head coach Scott Reeder said. "Izzy Russell ran well in the mile and two mile. Addy Huellett won the pole vault, 400, and was part of the mile relay. Jamie Willis won the hurdles and triple jump and ran a leg on the 4x4. Also, Haven Puckett is really starting to impress in the sprints. All in all, we are about where we need to be at this point in the season. We have a few injuries that we have to address, but I am proud of the effort."