Boys State Meet Preview: A Classic Battle With A Twist

In the team battle, it's a classic La Salle Academy vs. Bishop Hendricken High School. The two schools have been competing with each other for almost the past decade with very few interruptions in their dual hegemony over the rest of the state. However, as time passes new faces arrive on the scene, and this comes in the form of St. Raphael's Academy.  

The sister school of La Salle Academy, Saint Ray's as it is known, has been under the tutelage of Chris Magill, a former standout at Iona and current dominator of the local road race circuit. He has slowly built up the program over the past few years with many successful college athletes to boast of including Reilly Johnston, Darius Kipyego, and Rachel Mongeau on the girl's side. They placed 3rd overall last year off of a stellar performance by Devan Kipyego. They were missing Ethan McCann-Carter that day as well, a recent commit to play football at the University of Rhode Island. He is ranked first in the long jump and 3rd in the triple jump. Not to mention Pedro Mayol, last year's 600 meter state champion is coming in ranked in the top 3. Moses Mues could score in the weight, and their distance relays with Kipyego, Mayol, recent transfer Jeremiah Rocha, and another one of their runners could score major points. Rocha is also ranked highly in the 1000m. If everything goes their way, they could score upwards of 70 points. Last year's indoor winner was La Salle Academy with just 76 points. If there is ever a year for an underdog, it is this year.  

However, La Salle and Bishop Hendricken know what it takes to win with both winning several titles in the last few years. Hendricken seems to have an edge led by a very strong distance crew of Troy Silvestri, Andrew Frezza, Brayton Gazzero, Jack Moretta, Keegan Tierney, Alex Sjoblom, and more. It is not often that many individuals can score for one team, but Hendricken's depth states otherwise. Hendricken has several potential scorers in the 300, shot put, and weight throw that they are too numerous to name. While Saint Raphael's has an outside chance; the new 8-man scoring plays heavily into Hendricken and La Salle's favor.  

Speaking of La Salle, the defending state champions cannot be ignored. They have lost a few key runners, throwers, and jumpers, but return Jared Gibbons and Jubril Bamgbala. The two are projected to score over 20 points alone, not including the 4x200 or 4x400. Gibbons is the defending 55m champion, and going for the 3-peat, a feat that was almost seen in Rhode Island by the great Donatien Djero of Central who won his sophomore and senior year, but was beaten by .01 by La Salle's Sam Coleman his junior year. In the distance, Marshall Vernon has burst onto the scene as a threat to Hendricken's 3k domination. He seems primed to score major points and could be the next great La Salle distance runner, following in the footsteps of DJ Principe, Joe DosReis, Max DiMuccio, and Jack Mcloughlin. Several other La Salle runners seem likely to score including Blake Santos in the 600 and Grady McGinnis in the 1000. La Salle may have no throwers projected to score, but their jumpers could seriously help them bridge the gap with Hendricken. Add in their relays having a good day and they could go back-to-back.  

With Hendricken and La Salle stealing points from each other, it could be the perfect diversion for Saint Raphael's to come in and surprise both teams, but only on Saturday will we see exactly how it all plays out. I would predict as of now, Hendricken will win slightly with both La Salle Academy and Saint Raphael's close behind in 2nd and 3rd. Although I believe I could be very wrong come Saturday. Barrington looks likely for 4th and throwing powerhouse Lincoln rounds out the top 5.