Danielle Bess (Plantation American Heritage
The best freshman sprinter in the state might be American Heritage(Plantation) HS sprinter Danielle Bess. Although she has been running with AHS through her middle school years, Bess is ready to continue her success against high school competition. She won the 2016 AAU National Club Championship in the 200-meter and in her first race as a high schooler she ran 25.30 to win the Big Blue track meet on February 25th. Expect big things from Bess, as she is no stranger to quality high school competition.
Laine Roberts (The Bolles School)
The freshman pole vaulter from Jacksonville Bolles will be looking to build on her great 2016 that resulted in her winning the FLYRA Middle School State Championships in the pole vault. She also came in 6th place last year at the FHSAA State Championships in the pole vault, which should be very encouraging to see an 8th grader exceed against high school competition. Roberts started off her season with winning the Bolles Mini Meet and Mini Meet #2 so this freshman pole vaulter has the potential to be a 2A pole vault favorite come the end of the season.