GIRLS ALL STATE PREVIEW / VIRTUAL RESULTS

To say that the Lady Tigers of Newton North are a perennial powerhouse on the Massachusetts track scene would be quite an understatement, as one would have to look as far back as June of 2009 to find another teams name engraved on the MIAA All-State Track & Field Championship trophy. How will the Tigers fare this year without their big name star, Carla Forbes competing in three events? The same as they always have: relying on the support of their entire TEAM.  The coaching staff and athletes on the Newton North team will be the first to tell you that their dominance in prior years has never been about just one person, but that of a combination of many coming together to realize their potential and capability to accomplish amazing performances when the pressure is on. They have proven time and time again to get things done when and where they need to and one can be sure that once the gun has fired so too will the Tigers. 

Looking to challenge Newton North for the title will be Lowell, Notre Dame Academy-Hingham, Peabody and Hingham.  Last week Lowell took Newton North not just down to the final event, but to the final lean at the tape in the 4x400m relay where just .02 seconds decided the championship.  Despite the loss, a new format adds a clean slate and Lowell looks good on paper coming into this week’s competition.  If Lowell can once again replicate strong performances from teammates Bryanna Allison and Kaley Richards in the mile they might have a great shot as two point scorers in any single event may prove to be a game changer. Another question mark for the Raiders will be senior Sima Suon in the Javelin. Suon is the number two seed in the event, but with a pulled hamstring from the 4x100m relay at the divisional championship Lowell will need to look elsewhere for critical team points. Perhaps the combination of Lowell’s salty wound, always gutsy performances this time of year, and lack of attention (due to their boy’s team attempting a triple crown) will give the Raiders the edge they need to become victorious.