Boys Throws Preview
Class A Discus – After the many seniors left the seen last year, this year’s discus competition is actually looking to be a battle. At the top, I have chosen Bishop Brossart’s Troy Cooper. Troy came out last throwing the discus pretty far, but had a rough day at the state meet. I look for him to use that performance to motivate him into winning this year’s state meet. Right behind him will be Frankfort’s Josh Smith. This kid is big, powerful, and has already proven that he is able to throw the discus. After not making an appearance at the state meet last year for the discus, he may play the role as an underdog. My pick for third is Cumberland County’s Buddy Price. Buddy made an appearance at last year state meet, but with many good performances this year, he seems to have the motivation to conquer whoever he goes against. There are many others to look out for that are close to the top three. Let’s not forget Cooper’s teammate, Mike Marshall. Mike has bulked up a bit in the last year and looks like he has worked hard to get to the top. Also, Dan Riddle of Newport Central Catholic has made some great performances as of late, but I am not sure if he has the consistency to continue his impressive streak. Let’s not forget about Bellvue’s Adam Bowling, who has been there the last two years. He may have the experience to overcome the powerhouses of Class A.
Class A Shot Put – This year’s shot put title winner should be no surprise. After coming off of stellar year last year and having the farthest throw in the state, Troy Cooper is not looking only to repeat last year’s title but also getting the double for this year. Coming in second will be the young and talented thrower from Glasgow, Patrick Stuart. Patrick has a ridiculous bloodline for throwing. He is the nephew of Jesse and John Stuart both of whom were great in their time. His father Howard also had a great throwing career. Patrick will be looking to throw far and be promising for future state titles. My third pick is none other than the second part of the best throwing duo in the state, Mike Marshall. There is not much to say about Mike because his performances speak of his hard work and dedication. Another force to be reckoned with is Josh Smith. Like I said earlier, this kid is just big and powerful. Also, you can look for Ben Eisenmenger of St. Henry and Dan Riddle of Newport Central Catholic.
Class AA Discus – This meet should be of some interest. Chaz Grider of Casey County has been noted to have one of the best techniques in the state. He has been very consistent and is the top runner for the state meet. Right behind him is another returning force, Bullitt East’s James Bozworth. James has also been very consistent. He has made appearances at the state meet and has much experience. His teammate Ricky Seay seems to be in the running for third. Others to lookout for are Jay Linton of Mercer County and his teammate Ellis Delahousay as they will be battling the rest of the field for a place on the podium as this class is very close in performances.
Class AA Shot Put – Leading the way in the shot put is Paducah Tilghman’s Mike Jones. He made an appearance last year with his teammate winning the title. He is looking to keep the shot put title in Paducah. Right behind him is his current teammate Isah holt. These two could pull off the second 1-2 punch in throws. Another force to reckon with is Chaz Grider. He will be making his first appearance in the shot put at the state meet. He has become a little better in the shot put and may make a run for the double. Let us not forget about Curtis Marshall of Newport as he has been very consistent throughout the year. Also in the mix is a familiar name out of Owensboro Catholic and that is Jeremy White. This event seems to be a toss up as all of the performances are very close together. This should set up some great competition.
Class AAA Discus – This should come to no one’s surprise that Apollo’s Brad Wright is the clear cut favorite. He has had some great throws throughout the year and continues to improve with each meet. His freshman teammate Harris Bivins has also shown to be very promising in throwing pretty well. These two could take the top two spots in the discus, but I think there is another familiar name that will separate them. Clark County’s Tristan Jones has thrown his PR at every state meet. This year could be different. After coming off surgery, he made not be in the shape he wishes to be, but this kid is a gamer and I look for him to do very well. The field seems to be a tight, and anyone could end up high on the podium. Others to lookout for are Harrison County’s Austin Murdock and South Laurel’s Phillip Hibbard.
Class AAA Shot Put – This could be a great competition with so many performances that close to each other. I will pick the athletic kid from Clark County to be the Champion. Tristan has proven over and over again that he is capable of throwing far. He will be geared and looking for his first state title. Brad Wright will be looking to play the spoiler as he will be focused on getting the double this weekend. This athlete continues to show great improvement and has all of the tools to be #1. Coming up in the mix of those two is Clay County’s Raleigh Campbell. He has been solid all year and should mix things up a bit, between these two. Other names that might be a shocker are Boyd County’s Justin Selby and Daviess County’s Cameron Fraizer.