SPSL NORTH: AT A GLANCE

• FAVORITE: Kent-Meridian.

• CONTENDERS: Kentwood, Kentridge.

• SLEEPERS: Tahoma, Kentlake.

• LEAGUE OUTLOOK: Kent-Meridian won its first SPSL North track title last season since 2001. This spring, the Royals have been pegged to repeat that success and have the tools to do it. Though Kent-Meridian lost burner B.J. Arceneaux, who transferred to Kentwood, the Royals still bring back multiple-event standouts Brandon Harris, Abu Kamara, David Jones, Jordan Thompson Walker and University of Washington-bound star Derrick Daigre, who won a state title in the 800-meter in 2009, but struggled with injuries last spring. Since 2007, the Royals have posted a 23-4 overall mark in SPSL North meets. … Knocking on the door of Kent-Meridian could be a variety of teams. Kentwood, Kentridge, Kentlake and Tahoma all have strengths. If Kentridge’s Cameron McKernan can keep his legs healthy, a top-eight finish at state should follow. McKernan, a senior, was one of the top running backs in the SPSL North in the fall. While McKernan anchors the sprints for the Chargers, senior Alex Horton, a state participant last year, should emerge as one of the area’s best in the 800 and 1,600. The Chargers should also receive big contributions from Bralen Westendorf (200, 110 hurdles), Reggie Collins (hurdles, 400) and Kaid Tipton (hurdles) among others. … Meanwhile, Kentlake has one of the best one-two punches in the high jump in the state behind Shad Hall and Alex Straus. Both earned state berths last spring and should build off of those performances this May. In addition, Kentlake’s Tyler Jewett has the potential to emerge as one of the area’s best throwers. A senior, Jewett entered the week ranked second in the SPSL in the discus with a toss of 105-feet, 2-inches. The Falcons also should receive a strong boost from Mount Rainier transfer Stephon Vaifale, a sprinter who showed plenty of breakaway speed on the football field in the fall. … Kentwood could have a state champion on its hands in Arceneaux, who entered the week among the league leaders in the 100-meter. In addition to Arceneaux, the Conquerors could get big things from Joseph Banks, a senior who hasn’t been healthy enough during the spring season the last two years to compete. Finally healthy, Banks will be one to watch. Meanwhile, Kentwood junior Danny Lunder blossomed into one of the top cross country runners in the area during the fall, grabbing a state berth. Expect Lunder’s emergence to continue on the track in the 800 and 1,600.

ATHLETES TO WATCH

NAME                                        SCHOOL                 EVENT(S)                  YEAR

Brandon Harris                       Kent-Meridian             Sprints, jumps                 Sr.

Notable: After remaining home during state a year ago, senior has something to prove.

B.J. Arceneaux                         Kentwood                        Sprints                       Sr.

Notable: Health pending, this Conqueror could burn way to state title in 100.

Derrick Daigre                        Kent-Meridian                    Distance                     Sr.

Notable: Injuries kept him from repeating in the 800; look for rebound.

Shad Hall                                    Kentlake                   High jump, hurdles          Sr.

Notable: Currently among the SPSL leaders in the high jump with a mark of 6-2.

Alex Straus                                Kentlake                         High jump                  Sr.

Notable: Paired with Hall, he helps give Falcons vaunted 1-2 punch in high jump.

Alex Horton                               Kentridge                        Distance                      Sr.

Notable: Entered week with one of top 1,600 times (4:31.20) in the state.

Danny Lunder                           Kentwood                         Distance                       Jr.

Notable: He enjoyed a breakout season in cross country, expect the same on the track.

CIRCLE THE CALENDAR

Arcadia Invitational, April 8-9: KW will be at this California-based invitational, which brings together the top teams in the nation. If the KW girls have a good showing, look out for the state meet.

Pasco Invitational, April 16: Kentlake, Kent-Meridian, Kentridge and Tahoma all will be on tap in one of the top meets of the year.

South Puget Sound League Meet, May 11 and May 13, Kent-Meridian High: The SPSL has more top-tier track athletes than any league in the state. This will be one of the few opportunities to see them all showcased at the same time and place locally.

State Meet, May 26-27, Mount Tahoma High: This late May capper to the prep year is worth the price of admission, especially on a sunsplashed day at a fantastic venue for a state meet.

ON THE WEB

There isn’t a better track & field Web site around than www.athletic.net, which doesn’t only follow the preps from the Northwest, but the entire country. The site includes breakdowns of indoor track as well as cross country. In addition, it includes state leaders, league leaders and virtually everything in between.