Here are just a few of the athletes we think could be the future stars of the sprinters in Virginia.
Steffon Lyon (The St. James Academy)
VA #1 Freshman 100/200 - 10.55/21.24
Not to say anyone on this list isn't great, because they are, but Steffon is making a case to be the greatest. He is blasting past records that were frankly not meant to be broken. He has already run some very fast times and would lead all sophomores as well. He has yet to run a ton of open race so don't be shocked when these times drop big this May and June.
Zachary Pratt (The St. James Academy)
VA #1 Freshman 400 - 49.85
Only a freshman and already breaking 50 is a big deal. Zachary split 49 in the rain at Penn and also ran this time earlier in the season just coming off of indoors. We expect his time to drop as well in the quarter-mile.
Imani Moore (Varina)
VA #1 Freshman 100/200/400 - 11.51/23.95/55.04
Basically copy and paste what we said about Steffon right here. Imani is the absolute truth and is already making a case for being considered the heir-apparent to Sophie Rambo's claim of the sprint crown. Not to mention she is also the best freshman long jumper in the entire state as well.
Aaris Moore (Glen Allen)
VA #1 Sophomore 100 - 12.18
The Richmond area seems to be the place to be a fast-young sprinter these days. Aaris has run a blistering 12.18 to lead all sophomores already this season. Her time shows us she has more in the tank and could go even faster this season and postseason.
Malay Arpon (The St. James Academy)
VA #1 Sophomore 200 - 24.65
If you're sensing a trend, it's not just you. Basically everyone on this list is either from Richmond, Nansemond River, or The St. James Academy. Malay is a solid sprinter who is not just focused on one event. She has been a part of some very fast record-setting relays and individually is quite the star as well. So far this season she has run 24.65 for the 200 but just like her teammates, we are expecting more this postseason.
Massandje Comara (Hermitage)
VA #1 Sophomore 400 - 54.50
The Hermitage sophomore burst onto the scene a year ago when she not only won states but shattered the meet record and state class record. She is a verified superstar in our sport. Though we could argue the 500 is her best event, she is rounding into an all-around sprinter and maybe one day hurdler as well. Many already know her name and those who don't soon will.
Quincy Gilmer (Nansemond River)
VA #1 Sophomore 100 - 10.85
The one athlete from the 757 is Nansemond River's next young star. He of course is joined by a stacked team that took a close second place at indoor states. With his team healthy they should have a solid chance at the title again outdoors. He is your sophomore leader in the 100m dash.
Daniel Stephenson (The St. James Academy)
VA #1 Sophomore 200 - 22.00
You know you're on a stacked team when you're a sophomore and run 22.00 but still have faster teammates. Daniel is a star and his star teammates are going to help him get even better. Him being the state leader in the 200 helps us know he can be versatile by running the 400 or 100 and both relays which should help The St. James Academy continue to chase national titles.
Malcolm Brown (The St. James Academy)
VA #1 Sophomore 400 - 47.94
Finally we get to our boys' sophomore state leader in the 400. That is Malcolm Brown of The St. James Academy. He was their leadoff leg at Penn Relays in the Championship of America final that saw them be one of the few American teams to make the COA final.