By RYAN ARENA

L’Observateur

BATON ROUGE — West St. John’s Quan Scott led the way among local athletes competing at Thursday’s Class 1A and 2A state track and field championship meet, netting a pair of medals for second place finishes.

Scott took second place in the 1A long jump and triple jump events, setting a mark of 22-01 in the boys long jump and 44.06.75 in the triple jump.

“This kind of atmosphere brings out the best in me,” said Scott. “Both jumps felt good … I wanted to push myself harder all week. Coach stressed to me that I needed to relax though … it was hard, but he knew it was best for me.”

“As just a 10th grader, it’s a tremendous accomplishment,” said West St. John coach Antoine Carter. “On such a big stage, where you aren’t able to be coached, he really performed exceptionally.”

Teammate Jarius Moll finished fourth in each of the 100 (11.18) and 200 meter (22.43) dashes.

“I think with the chance to really work on it during the season, (Moll) could have won both events,” said Carter, noting Moll was not able to practice during the season due to baseball. “But after not being able to finish track season last year (due to injury), I’m glad he had the chance to compete at state this year and add to his accolades.”

The Rams’ Lawrence Williams was sixth in the javelin throw (45.14).

“He didn’t have the opportunity to practice either, but he did a tremendous job to reach state and then put forth a solid performance,” said Carter. “

The Riverside boys were led in the Class 2A meet by Grady Gieger, who placed fourth in the javelin with a throw of 51.00.

“He did an excellent job,” said Riverside coach Joseph Trosclair. “He thought he might place in the top three … but that was his best throw of the year. He worked hard and I think he’s satisfied with what he’s accomplished.”

The Rebels’ Donald Thomas finished eighth in the long jump (18-09.25).

On the girls’ side, the Lady Rams’ Arnelle Jack finished fourth in the 100 meter hurdles (16.46). Ebony Brown took sixth in the shot put (31-00.75). Tahajenik Howard and Jennika Jones finished eighth (31.74) and ninth (29.73) respectively in the javelin. The girls’ 4×200 relay team (Elisha Grows, Arnelle Jack, Harley Morris and Lyre Jones) and 4×100 relay team (same roster) each were ninth with times of 1:57.79, and 54.65 respectively.  

For the Lady Rebels, Channon Simmons was seventh in the 400 (1:04.33). Michelle Mayes was ninth in the javelin (28.34). The 4×200 relay team (Kaitlyn Masters, Taylor Terrio, Rae Alexander and Channon Simmons) finished ninth (1:51.36) while the 4×100 team (Terrio, Alexander, Kennedy White and Shelby Deslatte) took eighth (53.73).ꆱ