Abington’s Maria Wood has photo finish before her race at Hoar Invitational

WENHAM — Abington’s Maria Wood was lucky she didn’t miss the start of the 200, courtesy of a flat tire on the way to Sunday’s Jim Hoar Coaches Invitational.

Wood, though, was able to get to the Gordon College track with just minutes to spare and did what she does best as the Green Wave speedster smoked the field in a startling new personal best of 25.23 seconds. Wood dropped down to the 100 later in the meet and placed second in a photo finish.

Wood, undefeated this season in the 200, is looking toward wins at the South Shore League championships before the division meet. And with a new personal best, she’s hoping to run much faster.

“I would love to run under 25 and race for a state title,” said Wood. “I got here about 10 minutes before the race, did a quick jog and some dynamic stretching before going into the blocks. I used the adrenaline rush to my advantage and got off to a fast start.”

Brockton’s terrific sprinter, Dourvens Bleus, surged coming off the turn and pulled away from a talented field to take the 200 in 22.53. He later captured the 100 in 10.89 to complete the double.

“Since the pandemic I’ve been working out every day and it’s been worth it,” said Bleus, who will attend American International College. “There’s room for improvement with my start. I went all out the last 100 and felt really good.”

St. John’s Prep’s Jarrett Young roared to a sterling 400 win in a scalding 48.40 and in the girls’ race Kylee Bernard sprinted to an impressive win with her 57.54.

Weymouth’s Ronan Folan dominated the discus, capturing the gold medal with a heave of 161 feet and then came back for a winning shot put effort of 52-5 1/2 for the sweep in the circle. Alexander Dacruz of Greater New Bedford took the triple jump with a leap of 43-10 3/4. Michaela Denson of Sabis International Charter finished atop the shot put standings with a toss of 37-5.

Dennis Deyontai of Canton found the hot, humid conditions to his liking as he dominated the 400 hurdles in 57.99. Deyontai is confident of racing faster in the coming weeks after clocking times in the 56s during workouts. “I wanted a fast pace and with the heat you don’t get as tight,” he said. “You do get drained in the last 100.”

William Kenney of Gloucester dueled Riley Cole of Northampton well ahead of the pack and put enough distance between them for the win in 4:17.32. Cole was a second back in 4:18.47. The 800 came down to a slugfest with Zach Utz of Martha’s Vineyard holding off North Andover’s 1:57.31 to 1:57.72. Tyngsboro’s Max Gregoire dipped under 2 minutes with his 1:59.54 for third.

from Boston Herald https://ift.tt/2Sg0cQL