Group 2 Recap: Haddonfield Pulls Off Another Sweep

Haddonfield did it again!!

For the third time this season, the Dawgs pulled out the brooms and pulled off a state title sweep at the Bennett Center in Toms River.

First it was the State Group 2 relay titles last month, then came the South Jersey, Group 2 titles, and on Saturday the powerful small school from Camden County flexed their power again by completing the trifecta by winning the boys and girls titles at the State Group 2 Championships.

In a thrilling showdown, the Haddonfield girls won the meet-cocnluding 4x400 relay to edge defending champion Rumson, 47-45.

Haddonfoield and Rumson were tied at 37-37 when Rumson won the third heat of the 4x400 in 4:06.61, but Haddonfield's quartet of Riley Austin, Saya Sood, Edith Green, and Dylan Hosty crossed the finish line in 4:04.86 in the fourth and final heat to deliver the decisive points that clinched the state title for the Dawgs.

This victory marked Haddonfield's 9th th indoor state title, wjhich is the fourth most in state history for a girls' program.

Haddonfield's roster showcased depth across events. Hosty, in her first state meet, won the 1600-meter run in 4:56.89 and placed 2nd in the 800 in 2:18.57, narrowly ahead of Austin, who finished 3rd in 2:20.31. Junior Molly Mills added to the team's points with a 6th-place finish in the 800 at 2:22.37. Austin also placed 3rd in the 400 in 59.65, while junior Nina Fisicaro cleared 10-6 for 3rd in the pole vault. Madison Kelsey and Tatum Russo contributed in the 3200-meter run, helping solidify Haddonfield's narrow advantage.

The sprint events were fiercely competitive, with Parsippany's Jacqueline Reid winning the 55-meter dash in 7.25, but Haddonfield sprinters maintained the team's standing throughout. Distance events, including Hosty's standout performance, proved pivotal.

Other notable performances across the state meet included Willingboro's junior Trinity Brapoh, who broke the meet record in the 55-meter hurdles with an 8.16, and junior Jade Pinder, who finished 2nd in the 400 in 57.60 and 3rd in the 55 in 7.32. Willingboro also placed 4th in the 4x400 relay with Jaden Murry, Brapoh, Kaila Speight, and Pinder. Brapoh added a 6th-place finish in the high jump at 5-0.

In field events, Lindenwold senior Egypt Bolan cleared 5-8 to win the high jump, Collingswood senior Phallen Still jumped 5-2 for 4th, and Delran senior Ashley Doyle ran 11:12.41 for 6th in the 3200. Seneca junior Jaden Eberman placed 6th in the 400, and Overbrook freshman Taylor Banks ran 7.39 for 5th in the 55.

HADDONFIELD BOYD GO BACK-TO-BACK/ WIN 13TH TITLE

Haddonfield's dynasty added another chapter as the Bulldogs powered their way to a 13th state championship - and a second consecutive Group 2 title - behind a balanced, workmanlike performance across the board.

The final team standings reflected that dominance:

Haddonfield Memorial HS - 50
Voorhees HS - 26

Already among the state's most decorated programs, Haddonfield'S 13 titles is tied with the fourth most amonb boys' programs in NJ histgory. Christian Brothers (28), Willingboro (16), Asbury Park (15) are the only boys' teams that have won more championships than Haddonfield. St. Benedict's Prep has also won 13.

This latest title was built on depth and distance strength.

In the 800 Brando,n Stoner delivered a clutch runner-up finish in 2:00.06, while teammate Aaron Keith took fourth (2:00.63) and John Leibrandt added ninth, piling up critical team points. The distance crew continued to surge in the 3,200, where Ryan Gibson (9:29.47) and Benjamin Andrus (9:38.37) placed second and third, respectively, with Peter Simpson finishing sixth to further pad the lead.

Andrus doubled back in the 1,600, claiming second in 4:17.89. Simpson (4:23.82) and Michael Sinnes (4:31.23) also scored, underscoring Haddonfield's endurance advantage.

The exclamation point came in the 4x400-meter relay. The Bulldogs surged to victory in 3:30.63, outdueling Pleasantville in a tight finish and slamming the door on the team championship.

Points in the hurdles (Ryder Bozine, sixth in 7.84) and field events, including contributions in the high jump and pole vault, showcased the lineup's versatility.

In the end, it wasn't one singular star but a collective effort that returned Haddonfield to the summit once again. With back-to-back championships secured and a 13th trophy added to the case - this one by a commanding 24-point margin - the Bulldogs continue to cement their legacy as one of New Jersey's premier track and field programs.