During the outdoor season last spring, Needham's Davonte Burnett proved to be untouchable. He was unbeaten against his MA rivals in the 100- and 200-meter dashes during the regular season and went on to capture the state and New England titles and placed seventh in both races at the New Balance Nationals. Just a few days ago in a Bay State Conference meet, Burnett continued his winning ways and put himself at the top of the 300m rankings with a PR of 35.66. One of his main competitors this winter appears to be Angel Figueroa of Fitchburg. Figueroa also joined the sub 36-second club by winning his race at the Winter Festival this past weekend with a time of 35.83.
With the graduation of multiple all-stater Brooke-Lynn Williams of Norton, the 55m dash appears to be wide open for girls. One runner that may have thrown herself into the mix of possible contenders this year is Springfield Central's Kyla Hill. At a PVIAC meet on Dec. 16, the sophomore won the short dash in a state-leading 7.26. Last year as a ninth-grader, Hill was fourth overall in the 55m at the All State Meet.