Jordaine Johnson of East Orange Campus made a run at the state record in the 200-meter dash on Friday night, narrowly missing it when he burned an N.J. No. 4 all-time and U.S. season-leading time during the Essex County Track Coaches Association Season Opener Invitational on Friday night at Ocean Breeze.
The University of Florida-bound Johnson blasted a 21.09 in the half-lapper, just .19 of the state record of 20.90, which was set in 2019 by the late Mario Heslop of Franklin when he won the New Balance National title. Johnson also won the 55m dash on Friday with a PR of 6.42, the No. 1 time in New Jersey so far this season.
Johnson's 21.09 is just off his overall PR of 21.04 that he ran outdoors last May at the Super Essex Conference Championships.
The only sprinters in New Jersey high school history to run faster indoors in the 200 are Mario Heslop and Shamali Whittle of Hamilton North (21.05 in 2022), as well as Xavier Donaldson of Seton Hall Prep (21.07 in 2023).
Johnson is U.S. No. 1 ahead of Jesse Myers of State College (P.A.) at 21.36, Shaun McCoullum of George Washington (P.A.) at 21.60, Mateo Ganje of Redmond Sprint Club (W.A.) and his teammate Shakur Taylor with a 21.70.
- Photo Album by Tom Smith
- New Jersey Boys 200 Meter Rankings Indoor 2024
- United States Boys 200 Meter Rankings Indoor 2024
More Meet Highlights
Shakur Taylor, who was second in the 200m to his teammate Johnson at the ECTCA meet running 21.70 for U.S. No. 5, also won the 400m at 49.25 for N.J. No. 1 and U.S. No. 10.
The Pt. Pleasant Boro boys 4x400m squad clocked a 3:25.78 for N.J. No. 1 and U.S. No. 9, teammates listed were Benjamin Scott, Christian Joule, Jack Gahagan, and Owen Brouder.
Professor Ceo of Manville HS cleared 6-6 in the high jump and is now tied for N.J. No. 3 and U.S. No. 15.
Abigail Hanemann of Pt. Pleasant Boro won the girls' 200m running 25.10 for N.J. No. 4.