Bussell busts the big one at the Dragon Relays in the long jump

RICHMOND, VA -- The Dragon Relays saw some exciting field event and relay action at the Arthur Ashe Center.

Huguenot\'s Ronnie Bussell posted a state best of 22-11 to win the boys\' long jump, while second place finisher Reynold Smith of Forest Park (22-2.50) was a winner in the triple jump at a state best of 45-11.50.

In the boys\' high jump, Montrell Brooks of JFK was uncontested in winning at a clearance of 6-6, while Whitney Murrer of Mills Godwin won in an exciting jump off at 5-6 over Armstrong\'s Malaika Pettes.

Hermitage sophomore Tanique Carter looks to be primed to be one of the Richmond area\'s top horizontal jumpers as she took the long jump in a leap of 17-4.75.

Highland Springs junior Whitney Gordon had the second best throw of the season in the state with her winning toss of 39-9 in the shot put.

Jonathan Walton of Prince Edward County, could possibly be a serious contender for the shot put in AA if he continues to throw like he has so far this winter as won his event with a mark of 46-9.

Bethel senior Lavonne Idolette was the sole double event individual winner on the day she took home wins in the triple jump (38-0.50) and 55 meter hurdles (8.52). Idolette\'s triple jump ranks her third in the state and 55 meter hurdle time puts her second.

Heritage\'s Denero Doles posted the state\'s second fastest time in the 55 meter hurdles as he won the event with a time of 7.73.

Norfolk Academy sophomore Ginna Ellis took the lead early in the girls\' 1600 meter run and kept it for good in her winning time of 5:23.

The boys\' 1600 meter run saw a battle between two Maggie Walker teammates in Daniel Howard and Jonathan Charlesworth. Howard led early on, but Charlesworth made a big made race surge and had gapped the field considerably. However, Howard closed hard to catch Charlesworth on the final lap to go onto a 4:42 win.

Both Maggie Walker boys (8:37) and girls (10:23) were victorious in the 4x800 meter relays.

Also, both Bethel 4x200 meter relays posted the day\'s best times with the boys (1:38) and girls (1:49) each winning the event.