Boys Throws

Boys Throws are in a unique situation as I write this preview. Amir Ali Patterson of Crespi is the top returner in both the Shot Put and the Discus Throw based on 2013 performances. However, the senior has been ruled ineligible by CIF, and is currently pursuing an appeals process to compete. The latest information I have was reported in the Encino-Tarzana Patch on Monday, which summarizes the status of his appeals. For purposes of this preview, I have decided he will be included.

Discus Throw

Amir Ali Patterson of Crespi is the top dog among returning boys throwers in both disciplines, closing out the regular 2013 season with PRs of 187-06 in the Discus Throw. But when most of the top competitors hung it up after the CIF State meet, Patterson kept going, improving his Discus PR to an amazing 199-11 at the USATF Youth Championships - 14 feet further than the #2 CA returner. 

 Waiting to Challenge Patterson is Joseph Ilaoa of Homestead. Ilaoa finished his season strong, registering his best marks a the State Meet. He has a PR of 187-06 from State Prelims, and wound up fifth at the State Finals. Ilaoa also won the CCS Top 8 Classic, and the prestigious Stanford Invitational. 

Finally, junior Malik McMorris of Mater Dei is the third returnin discus throwers with a PR in the 180s. McMorris actually has a PR of 185-11, and finish sixth at state. It's also worth noting that McMorris had amazing improvement late in the year, bettering his PR by over 20 feet during post season competition.

Amir Ali Patterson of Crespi at the USATF Youth Championships last summer.

Discus Throw Top Returners

Shot Put

As with the discus, Amir Ali Patterson of Crespi is the top returner in the shot put - though not by nearly the same margin. Patterson has a PR of 62-09.75 which he registered at CIF State Finals, finishing second to Nick Ponzio. Patterson won at the Mt. Carmel Invitational, the Maurice Greene Invitational, and CIF Southern Section D3 Finals.

Kelsey Benoit of San Clemente finished seventh in the state with a 62-06.75 mark, and consisently finished with marks of 58 feet or better last spring. Colton Foster of Frontier is the third thrower over 60 feet, with a 60-07.50 PR. Foster Finished fourth in the State Finals and also won the Reedley Invitational and the CIF Central Section Masters meet.

Following the top three, there is a slew of throwers returning with marks in the high 50's.

Shot Put Top Returners