Multiple Class 3 State qualifiers for NMCC and Kelly

New Madrid County Central's Ja'Kwon Jones competes during the Class 3, Sectional 1 Meet at Park Hills Central High School on Saturday, May 11, 2024.

Submitted

FLAT RIVER, Mo. — The Class 3 Sectional Meet at Park Hills Central High School saw New Madrid County Central and Kelly High School athletes deliver standout performances, securing multiple berths at the upcoming Class 3 State Meet.

NMCC's Ja'Kwon Jones continued his dominance, leaping to victory in the high jump (6 feet 4 inches) and long jump (22-0.25).

He wasn't alone in his success; teammate Jacob Bennett joined him in the triple jump, with both securing spots at the state meet with second (43-3.25) and third (41-10) place finishes, respectively.

Evan McClellan also punched his ticket to state with a winning time of 15.04 in the 110 hurdles. McClellan also won the 300 hurdles in 47.70.

Not to be outdone, NMCC's Amya Bills claimed victories in the 100 (12.45), 200 (25.36), and long jump (17-11.75). Teammate Ivyanna Winters also qualified for the state meet with a third-place finish in the 300 hurdles (47.70).

“Our team competed very well and I could not be more proud,” said NMCC coach Jarrett Allen. “Having eight district championships and seven sectional championships is uncharted territory for us, but I knew our kids had it in them and they handled the pressure very well.

Mercy is the presenting sponsor of the Semoball Awards, the area’s premier awards show recognizing student-athletes and coaches in Southeast Missouri.

“Success builds confidence and those kids have been very successful this season,” he continued. “They are all some of the most selfless kids I know and we cannot wait to see what they do at state next weekend.”

Kelly also saw its athletes shine.

Skyler Still claimed the top spot in the javelin with a throw of 176-01, and teammate Landon Crisel secured a state berth with a third-place finish (145-11.25) in the same event.

Zach Hileman punched his ticket to state, taking third in the 400 with a time of 51.66.

The Hawks’ relay teams showcased impressive speed and coordination.

The 800 relay team (Zach Hileman, Canon Kirkpatrick, Grant Burleson, and Preston Appleton) clinched third place with a school record time of 1:31.04.

The 400 relay team, comprised of the same athletes, earned fourth place with a time of 43.81.

The 1,600 relay team (Hileman, Burleson, Evan Shoaf, and Kirkpatrick) also set a new school record with their second-place finish, clocking in at 3:28.33.

Grady Hall and Grant Burleson added to Kelly's successes with third and fourth-place finishes in the high jump and triple jump, respectively.

For the Lady Hawks, Blaire Riley earned her place at state with a second-place throw in the javelin (118-10).

“We are starting to hit on all cylinders at the right time,” said Kelly coach Steven Musial. “Everyone is focused and ready to compete for the title of all-state.”

The Class 3 State Meet will be held on Friday, May 17, and Saturday, May 18, at Jefferson City High School.