State track & field: Girls' primer

DES MOINES — The state track and field meet kicks off Thursday at Drake Stadium and runs through Saturday. The following is a primer on top girls' individuals and teams throughout the state, plus predictions on the team races:

CLASS 4A

Individuals to watch — Linn-Mar's Stephanie Jenks puts a wrap on a magnificent distance career; she has won eight state titles and is a prime contender in the 800, 1,500 and 3,000. She also will compete in the 400 hurdles. Iowa City West's Valerie Welch has developed into an elite performer and is seeded in the top three in the long jump and both hurdles events. Jasmine Blue and Abilene Ranschau headline Cedar Rapids Jefferson's sprinting crew. Versatile senior Carly Donahue of Pleasant Valley was the top female performer at the Drake Relays. Seeking a fresh face? Look no further than Waterloo East freshman Kerris Roberts, the Drake 100 champion and the top seed in the 100 and 200.

Teams to watch — It's shaping up as a battle between traditional powers Waukee and Pleasant Valley. Waukee is seeded to score in 17 events, and is projected to nickel-and-dime its way to the title, though it does appear to have big points coming in the 800-meter run and the shuttle hurdle and distance medley relays. Defending champion Pleasant Valley has a little more star power behind Donahue and distance runner McKenzie Yanek, so don't be surprised if the Spartans repeat. Linn-Mar has a pair of aces in Jenks and Payton Wensel, but will be challenged to keep up with the pace of the frontrunning teams.

Projected top five — 1. Waukee, 2. Pleasant Valley, 3. Linn-Mar, 4. Urbandale, 5. Iowa City West.

CLASS 3A

Individuals to watch — Dianna Slight, a junior at Boone, could make a run at a four-title weekend; she's seeded in the top three in the 100, 200, 400 and long jump. Davenport Assumption has the distance events blanketed with Joy Ripslinger and Julia Schumacher, who are seeded 1-2 in the 800 and 1,500. Marion's Maddie Bach had the fastest regional time (10:42.35) in the 3,000 and is seeded fifth in the 1,500.

Teams to watch — Who are we kidding? There's not much suspense here. Assumption is headed toward its fourth consecutive championship, which will put the Knights in a select group of four-time champs — Atlantic (1998-2001), Tipton (2004-07) and North Tama (2006-09). The Knights just have too much to be challenged; they're seeded to score in 13 events and win six. Pella appears to be the best of the rest, while Decorah is the area's best hope for a top-three trophy.

Projected top five — 1. Davenport Assumption, 2. Pella, 3. Dubuque Wahlert, 4. Decorah, 5. Boone.

• State track and field: Boys' preview

CLASS 2A

Individuals to watch — Kiana Phelps of KP-WC holds the all-time Iowa best in the discus, and the University of Oregon recruit is virtually a sure thing to sweep the throws in her final state appearance. Iowa State signee Aleenah Marcucci of Northeast is the favorite in the 100-meter hurdles and the long jump, and will be among the leaders in the 400 hurdles. Keaton Kester of Earlham and Rylan Santi of Madrid rank 1-2 in the 100 and 200, and Des Moines Christian's Oksana Covey ran 57.33 in a regional-meet 400.

Teams to watch — Cascade is the pick for its third title in five years, not because of an elite individual or two, but because of its powerhouse relays. Led by three top-seeded foursomes (the 400-, 800- and 3,200-meter relays), the Cougars are seeded to score more than 50 points in the relays alone. River Valley Conference rival Monticello provides the most resistance. The Panthers are strong in the middle-distance relays, and if they're in the hunt at the end, they own the top-seeded 1,600 relay. Union and Osage could rise into the mix.

Projected top five — 1. Cascade, 2. Monticello, 3. Union, 4. Osage, 5. Pekin.

CLASS 1A

Individuals to watch — This weekend closes the book on the career of two elite sprinters from the South Iowa Cedar League, Katie Maschmann of Montezuma and Jolissa Kriegel of BGM. Maschmann is a threat to win the 100 and 200, and will anchor the Bravettes' 400- and 800-meter relays. Haley Schroeder of Elkader Central is favored in the 400, and will participate in three middle-distance relays. Maria Gonzalez of West Hancock will attempt to sweep the jumps.

Teams to watch — It's a new batch of small-school contenders this year, with West Hancock a slight favorite to capture the title. The Eagles are top-seeded in five events — Gonzalez in the high jump and long jump, plus the 800- and 1,600-meter relays and the sprint medley. Elkader Central is the most likely threat. The Warriors will score big in Schroeder's four events, and their sprint relays are capable of adding to the total. It's unlikely that enybody else can surpass 40 points.

Projected top five — 1. West Hancock, 2. Elkader Central, 3. Montezuma, 4. Sioux Central, 5. Ackley AGWSR.

l Comments: (319) 368-8857; jeff.linder@thegazette.com