UIL Region 3-6A Boys Meet Preview

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The Region 3-6A Championships moves from Humble to League City for the first time in several years. While the venue might change, the competition doesn't and remains one of the toughest regions to qualify to the state meet out of.

The Region III-6A 100-meter dash is shaping up to be a jaw-dropping sprint showdown led by none other than freshman phenom Dillon Mitchell of Sheldon King. Mitchell lit up the track at the UIL Area 23/24 meet, blazing to a blistering 10.14 seconds with a 2.3 m/s tailwind - the fastest time in Texas this season, regardless of class. What's even more impressive is that he clocked a wind-legal 10.35 at the Texas A&M Bluebonnet Invitational, showing his speed is as real as it gets.

Right behind him is Richard Lee of Dickinson, a senior who brings big-time consistency. He ran a 10.25 with the same wind reading at Area and owns a wind-legal 10.54 from Bluebonnet. Lee has the strength and drive to challenge Mitchell down the stretch, and his postseason mindset makes him dangerous in a high-stakes race.

The race also features Joaquin Barlow from George Ranch, who clocked 10.40 at Area 19/20, and Bailey Hashmi of Houston Lamar, a proven competitor with a smooth 10.41. Both athletes are seasoned sprinters who could seize the moment if the top two slip.

Zion Ikuku of Cypress Ridge and Isaiah McMillian from Katy round out a fast field with times of 10.44 and 10.49, respectively - both capable of sneaking onto the podium.

With six athletes under 10.50, this Region III-6A final promises to be one of the most electric events of the meet. The question isn't if someone will go under 10.3 again - it's who will get there first.

The Region 3-6A 200-meter dash is stacked with elite talent and scorching times, but all eyes are on Richard Lee of Dickinson, who currently leads the state after clocking 20.77 at the Area 23/24 meet with a 2.9 m/s wind. That same mark, replicated under wind-legal conditions (1.5 m/s) at the Texas A&M Bluebonnet Invitational, makes Lee not just a favorite - but a force. He has the top-end speed and closing gear to take control down the homestretch.

Chasing Lee is Joaquin Barlow of George Ranch, who ran 21.00 at Area 19/20. He's been consistent all year and could make it interesting if he gets a strong curve and pushes early. Just behind him is Jordan Godfrey of Houston Lamar with a smooth 21.17 - showing strong progression as a junior and peaking at the right time.

Rising underclassmen like Kaleb Samuels of Pearland (21.19, 1.6 wind) and Damien Hankins from Katy Mayde Creek (21.23) add youthful firepower, while Dillon Mitchell of Sheldon King, the freshman sprint sensation, holds a 21.24 and could shake things up with his raw acceleration.

With 11 athletes running 21.36 or faster, the Region final will be a burner from gun to tape. But it's Richard Lee's race to lose - and if he's on, we might see something special drop below 20.7.

The 400-meter dash at the Region III-6A Championships is shaping up to be the race of the meet - a clash of speed, endurance, and pure heart with multiple runners under 47 seconds and three legitimate state title contenders in the mix.

Joshua Shelton of Pearland leads the pack with a blistering 46.63 from the Area 21/22 meet, but he's not alone. Charvis Tubbs of Humble has clocked a near-identical 46.60 earlier in the season at the Texas A&M Bluebonnet Invitational, proving he has the wheels and experience to challenge for the top spot. Sitting just a blink behind is Dionne Sims from Sheldon King, who dropped a smooth 46.98 and is peaking at just the right time.

Don't sleep on Elijah Ferguson of Katy Mayde Creek, either. Though his area time was a 47.55, he's run a season-best 46.39, the fastest mark in the state this year - making him the most dangerous wildcard in the field. If he hits that form again, it's lights out.

Also in the mix are Jason Walker (47.88) and Anthony Aileru (47.96), both with sub-48 credentials and capable of a big drop in a hot race.

With four guys already under 47 and others knocking on the door, this 400m final could come down to who's got the grit in the final 100 meters. A sub-46 performance isn't out of the question - and the winner here may very well be the next UIL 6A state champion.

The 800-meter run at the Region 3-6A Championships promises to be an intense, tactical battle - a middle-distance showdown loaded with speed, strategy, and experience.

At the top is Eli Nettles from Humble Atascocita, who enters the meet with both the fastest area time of 1:54.39 and an even more impressive season best of 1:53.20 from the Texas A&M Bluebonnet Invitational. Nettles is the clear favorite, showing he can run from the front or kick late.

But he's not alone. Mathias Pitzel of Katy Tompkins has quietly had a strong season, clocking 1:55.75 at the Area 19 meet but with a personal best of 1:53.53, putting him in serious contention. Maddox Davis from Katy has also dipped under 1:54, running 1:53.38 at the Panther Relays, and while he didn't race at Area, he remains one of the top talents in the region.

Jack Reeves of LC Clear Springs and Justin Martin from Sheldon King round out the top four with solid sub-1:56 performances, and could factor into the mix if the pace goes out hot or slows into a kicker's race.

With multiple runners under 1:54, this race could come down to who times their move best over the final 200 meters. Expect a photo finish and possibly another sub-1:53 mark if the field pushes the pace.

The 1600-meter run at Region 3-6A is shaping up to be a fast and deep race, stacked with front-runners and closers capable of breaking away at any point.

Leading the field is Chris Creedon of LC Clear Creek, whose 4:12.52 performance at the Area 23 meet stands as the fastest seed time heading into regionals. Creedon is a strong and consistent racer, and if the pace is honest from the gun, he'll be hard to shake. He ran a 4:09 PR last year when he led the state meet race until the final 50m when he finished fourth.

Challenging him will be Alex Hahn Vadstein from Katy Cinco Ranch, who posted a 4:14.66 to win Area 19. Even more impressive is his 4:14.39 at the Bluebonnet Invitational, showing he can handle fast early splits and hold on.

Teammates Joshua Perez (4:16.47) and Ryder Darcey (4:16.72) from Katy are also in the hunt - especially Darcey, who ran a 4:14.21 PR at Texas Relays and could easily surprise the field if the pace picks up late. The Katy duo offers an interesting tactical advantage if they work together mid-race.

Adding young firepower are Da'Juan and Ja'Juan Allison, both sophomores from Humble Summer Creek, clocking 4:17.91 and 4:18.73, respectively. With two rising stars from the same program, look for them to push the pace early or set up for a late-race surge.

The depth is undeniable, with at least six runners under 4:18 and several with PRs even faster than their seed times. Expect a blistering final lap and a possible sub-4:10 finish if the race turns into an all-out tactical war.

The 3200-meter run at Region III-6A is poised to be a distance showdown filled with strategy, pack running, and late surges, with several contenders capable of taking the crown.

At the top of the list is Joshua Perez of Katy, who ran a 9:27.92 at Area 19 to take the top qualifying spot. Just a whisper behind him is his teammate, Ryder Darcey, at 9:28.05, setting up a dynamic 1-2 punch for Katy. But don't be fooled by the seed times - Darcey owns the fastest time of the season in the field with his 9:13.92 from the College Station Cougar Relays, proving he's capable of dropping a significant negative split and pushing the pace.

Another top challenger is Alex Hahn Vadstein from Katy Cinco Ranch, who brings a 9:23.36 PR and enough racing experience to know when to make his move. If the Katy duo tries to control the pace early, expect Hahn Vadstein to respond in the second mile.

Rounding out the lead pack is Eli Mugambi, a talented sophomore from Humble Atascocita, who clocked 9:28.63 to win Area 23. Alongside him, Elijah Emerson of Paetow (9:32.60) and Joaquin Miranda of Cypress Creek (9:24.24 PR) are both well within striking range, capable of capitalizing if the front group hesitates.

Also not to be overlooked are the Allison twins from Humble Summer Creek - Da'Juan and Ja'Juan - both under 9:35 and improving rapidly. Their presence adds tactical intrigue, especially if they key off each other mid-race.

With at least seven runners having dipped under 9:30 this season and multiple sub-9:25 performances in play, this race could go out conservatively and turn into a tactical brawl, or ignite early and turn into a battle of attrition. Either way, the final 800m will separate the contenders from the pretenders.

The 110-meter hurdles at Region 3-6A is stacking up to be one of the most explosive and technically demanding races of the meet, with a tightly packed field and high-end talent from all over the region.

Leading the way is Cadyn Key of Katy, who clocked a blazing 13.59 at Area 19 - the fastest time of any qualifier. Although aided by a +2.4 wind, it shows the junior's raw speed and form are peaking at the right time. He'll need to be sharp, because Nolan Bartley of Humble Atascocita is right on his heels. Bartley has posted a wind-legal 13.70 at the PVAMU Relays, showing that his speed holds up under all conditions, and he enters with big meet experience and consistent marks all season.

Tied at third, Bryson Dossett from Ridge Point and Timothy Rhine of Shadow Creek both ran 13.89 with the same wind reading at Area 21. Dossett, a rising sophomore, has made serious noise this year, while Rhine is a junior who's shown versatility across hurdle events.

Further adding to the mix is the Seven Lakes duo of Tyler Drake (14.04) and Dominik Davis (14.13). With two athletes from the same school in the final, they may work to push each other to PRs in a tight field. William King of Dickinson also clocked 14.20 and owns a wind-legal mark from Area 23, making him a dangerous sleeper in this field.

Don't be surprised if lane discipline, hurdle technique, and the ability to finish strong separate the top three. With multiple athletes within a few tenths of each other and several wind-legal sub-14s in the mix, this final could come down to hundredths of a second - a true test of precision under pressure.

300-Meter Hurdles: This Will Possibly Be The Closest Race Of The Weekend

The 300-meter hurdles at Region 3-6A is shaping up to be an absolute burner, with a field so tight that a small misstep could mean the difference between gold and going home.

Leading the charge is William King of Dickinson, who not only won Area 23 with a 37.30, but also owns the season's best time of 36.59 from the Texas A&M Bluebonnet Invitational - a mark that firmly establishes him as the favorite. King is a senior with great strength over the final 100, and he's proven he can go sub-37 under pressure.

Right behind him, Jeremiah Jones of LC Clear Creek ran 37.46 at Area - smooth, composed, and clearly peaking at the right time. Jones, a junior, has emerged late in the season as a serious contender, and his top-end speed will challenge anyone over the last few hurdles.

Jadon Hopson (37.50) and Gregory Weldon Cheeks (37.51), both juniors, come out of Area 21 and are neck and neck - these two are nearly interchangeable in times and ability. Don't be surprised if one of them sneaks into the top two with a strong start.

Also in the mix: Timothy Rhine of Shadow Creek, a versatile hurdler who'll be doubling back from the 110s. His 37.75 in the 300H still puts him well within striking distance of a podium spot.

And don't overlook Tyler Drake from Seven Lakes, who won Area 19 with a 37.99. While not as fast on paper, his racing style is methodical and efficient - perfect for a technical race like this.

With four athletes between 37.30 and 37.51, and two more just tenths behind, this final is going to come down to the lean, the rhythm between hurdles, and who still has gas in the tank at hurdle eight. This one is way too close to call.

The Region 3-6A boys 4x100 meter relay is shaping up to be one of the most tightly contested events of the meet, with the top five teams separated by just 0.34 seconds. Houston Lamar leads the field with a time of 40.76, securing the Area 17/18 title and showcasing the kind of consistency and baton precision that makes them a favorite heading into Regionals. Their fluid handoffs and strong closing leg give them the slight edge going in.

Right on their heels is Katy Mayde Creek, who actually holds the fastest time in the region this season with a 40.65 from the Panther Relays. Although they placed second at that meet, their 40.79 performance at Area 19 shows they can deliver in high-stakes environments. If they tighten their exchanges and capitalize on raw speed, they could reclaim the top spot when it counts most.

Dickinson comes in ranked third after winning Area 23 with a time of 40.95. They've quietly put together a solid season, and their Area win shows they're ready to contend. With a bit of polish in the exchange zones, they have the potential to close the gap on the front-runners. Galena Park North Shore and Fort Bend Hightower, clocking in at 41.06 and 41.10 respectively, round out the top five. Both teams have a history of showing up in the postseason and could easily shake up the podium with a clean race.

Dark horses are the boys from Fort Bend Bush, who ran 41.00. With sub-41 potential, they could be a major factor if they qualify through to finals. As always in the 4x100 relay, it'll come down to crisp exchanges and staying in the lanes - because with margins this tight, one mistimed handoff could be the difference between gold and going home.

The Region 3-6A boys 4x200 meter relay will be another electric event to watch, with some of the state's fastest quartets going head-to-head in what promises to be a blazing race. Leading the charge is Houston Cypress Falls, whose 1:24.28 at the UIL 6A Area 17/18 meet stands as the top mark in the region. Their relay is powered by incredible top-end speed and seamless exchanges, and if they repeat that performance, they'll be tough to catch.

Just behind them is Katy Mayde Creek, who has shown remarkable consistency throughout the season. With a 1:25.41 from the Area 19 meet and a 1:25.13 earlier at the Klein Relays, they've proven they can hang with anyone in Texas. Their depth and smooth chemistry could be key to closing the gap on Cy Falls when it matters most.

Katy Tompkins and Shadow Creek are also very much in the hunt, posting near-identical times of 1:25.61 and 1:25.68, respectively. Both teams are well-coached and stacked with multi-event athletes, giving them the versatility and explosiveness needed in a high-speed relay like the 4x2. Expect a photo finish between these two if their anchors are neck-and-neck heading into the final 100.

Looking a little further down the rankings, Pearland High School clocked a 1:24.78 earlier in the season at the Bluebonnet Invitational and could be a sleeper pick if they return to that form. Other potential threats include Richmond Foster, Fort Bend Hightower, and Fulshear, all sitting just above 1:26 and waiting for a clean race to break through. In an event where fractions of a second make all the difference, the 4x200 will come down to who can stay focused, execute their handoffs, and unleash that final gear when the stagger unwinds.

When it comes to the 4x400 meter relay, there's a real case to be made that Region 3-6A is the most competitive in the entire state. It's absolutely stacked from top to bottom, and the Area rounds proved just how brutal this region is. We're talking about teams that have run 3:16 and 3:17 during the season and still not making it out. That kind of depth is almost unheard of at the high school level.

Leading the pack is Katy Mayde Creek, whose 3:12.58 is not just the best in the region - it's one of the top times statewide. They've been building momentum all season and showed championship composure at Area with their wire-to-wire win. Right behind them is Strake Jesuit, posting an impressive 3:13.49, and Katy, who finished in 3:14.49, both from the same Area 19 showdown. That means three teams under 3:15 came out of just one Area meet - a testament to how fierce the competition really is.

Shadow Creek and Houston Lamar are right there as well, both in the 3:15 range and more than capable of challenging for the regional crown. Pearland High School, despite running 3:16.10, barely squeaked through, showing how high the bar has been set. Even strong programs like Katy Tompkins and Cypress Creek, who've run sub-3:17, couldn't crack the top spots - that's how deep Region III goes.

This year's 4x4 could come down to not just speed but strategy and guts. With so many evenly matched squads, it's going to be about who closes strong on the anchor leg, who doesn't get rattled under the lights, and who's got just a little more left in the tank. If you're a fan of dramatic finishes and elite competition, this is the race to circle.

The shot put scene in UIL 6A is being dominated by Adam Carter of Katy, who is not only the top thrower in Region 3-6A but arguably the entire state. Carter has been on a tear this season, throwing a massive 68-10.5 at the District 19 meet and backing it up with a 65-8.5 performance at Area to win by over five feet. His consistency at such elite distances makes him a serious contender for the state title, and perhaps even a spot among Texas high school shot put legends.

Behind Carter, Jordan Fields of Galena Park North Shore and Marlon Cook of Cypress Creek are locked in a close battle, both clearing the 60-foot mark with throws of 60-4 and 60-2.5 respectively. These marks would typically win most meets, but in this year's incredibly deep Region III field, they're fighting for podium spots.

Also making waves is Oswald Jacquet, a freshman phenom from Sheldon King. Despite being just in 9th grade, Jacquet has thrown 57-11.5 at District and 56-3 at Area, showing remarkable poise and power at such a young age. Nicholas Elko of Paetow is right there too, hitting 57-6 at District and still solid with 55-1.25 at Area.

With this level of talent, the Regional meet is shaping up to be a showdown. Carter's out in front, but the fight for second through fifth will be intense, and all these athletes are peaking at the right time. Expect big throws and possibly even new personal bests as they battle for a spot at State.

The discus competition in UIL 6A is heating up with some incredible performances coming out of Region III, particularly from the Katy-area schools. Leading the way is Nicholas Gomez of Katy Seven Lakes, a junior who threw a personal best 177-5 to win Area 19/20. His smooth technique and rising consistency make him a real threat moving forward, especially as he's peaking at the right time of the season.

Hot on his heels is Adam Carter of Katy, who continues to prove he's one of the state's most dominant throwers across both shot put and discus. Carter posted a 195-5.75 bomb at the District 19 meet-a throw that not only leads Region III but is among the top in Texas. However, at the Area round, he recorded a slightly lower 171-11, still enough for second, but it leaves the door open for challengers if he doesn't hit his mark at Regionals.

Jonathon Haywood from Katy Mayde Creek is another consistent force in the ring, throwing 172-5.75 at the Bubba Fife Relays and following up with 171-0 at Area. He's proven he can hit big marks under pressure and will be a key name to watch heading into the regional showdown.

Darwin Bolden of Clear Brook and Cornelius Francis of Summer Creek round out the top five, both clearing 160+ at Area, with Bolden's 169-2 standing out as a personal best. Meanwhile, Ian Schrick, also from Katy Seven Lakes, adds to the school's strength in the event with throws of 165-1.25 earlier in the season and 160-3 at Area.

The depth in Region 3 is no joke-multiple athletes are throwing over 160 feet, and with Carter's huge ceiling and Gomez's rising trajectory, we're in for a very competitive regional final. Expect big throws and maybe even a shakeup at the top.

The long jump competition in UIL 6A is showcasing a fierce group of athletes led by Kash Moore of Katy Cinco Ranch, a rising junior who leapt an impressive 24-2.75 at the Area 19/20 meet. Moore has been consistently strong all season, with a notable wind-legal jump of 23-7.07 (0.8) earlier at the Texas A&M Bluebonnet Invitational. His ability to perform under pressure and steadily improve gives him top-contender status heading into regionals and possibly state.

Right behind him is Jackson Norris from Humble Atascocita, another elite jumper who delivered a 23-6.25 mark to win Area 23/24. Norris has also hit a 23-9.83 (1.7) jump at the Bluebonnet Invitational, showing he has the power and technique to push Moore at the next level. This matchup between Moore and Norris could very well define the regional final.

In third is Luke Omanga of Houston Strake Jesuit, who jumped 22-11.75 at Area and is a consistent force in the pit. He's followed closely by a tie for fourth between Jacorey Harrell (North Shore) and Simeon Cannon (Alief Hastings), who both landed at 22-9. With that level of talent rounding out the top five, Region III continues to prove why it's one of the toughest in the state.

As these athletes prepare for regionals, expect the long jump finals to come down to razor-thin margins, especially with Moore and Norris trading top performances this season. If conditions are right, we could see multiple 24-footers on the board.

The triple jump scene in UIL 6A is heating up fast, in Region 3, the charge is being led by Damerian Clerkley of Manvel, who sits atop the rankings with a season-best of 49-3 from the Area 21/22 championship. Clerkley's explosive series this season also includes a wind-legal 49-0.19 (0.3) jump at the Texas A&M Bluebonnet Invitational, showing he's in top form heading into the most critical stretch of the season. His consistency in the high 48s and 49s puts him firmly in state-title contention.

Challenging him closely is AJ Jenkins of Katy Mayde Creek, who leapt 48-6.25 to win the Area 19/20 meet. Jenkins has been a key piece of Mayde Creek's elite track squad this year and continues to impress across multiple events. Not far behind is Cameron Phillips from Humble Summer Creek, just an inch off Jenkins at 48-6, with a prior mark of 47-6 at the Generation Park Invitational earlier in the season. Phillips, a junior, is rapidly climbing the ranks and could be the dark horse in a very deep regional field.

The next tier includes Kevin Mitchell (Paetow) at 46-4, a promising sophomore who could develop into one of Texas's best in the coming years, and Ellison Collins (George Ranch), a freshman with a solid 46-0 jump at Area and a 46-7 wind-legal performance at District 20. These underclassmen are proving that the future of triple jump in Region III is just as exciting as the present.

With multiple athletes pushing past 48 feet and others not far behind, the triple jump at regionals could be one of the most unpredictable and electrifying events. Expect the competition to go deep into the rounds with the podium determined by inches-or even centimeters.

The high jump in UIL 6A is absolutely elite this season, headlined by Etoro Bassey of Katy Tompkins, who has launched himself to the top with a massive clearance of 7-2 at both the District and Area Championships. Bassey's consistency at such an elite height makes him not only the favorite in Region 3-6A but also a strong contender at the state level. His poise and explosive vertical have clearly separated him from the rest of the field and with four meets with 7-0 clearances, he is the athlete to beat.

Right on his heels are two athletes tied at 6-11 for second in season-best performances-Kenneth Owen of Houston Stratford and Landon Freeman of Houston Jersey Village. Both cleared 6-10 at the Area 17/18 meet, but earlier in the season, each reached the 6-11 mark at their respective district championships. Their duels throughout the postseason show they're peaking at the right time, and their ability to push each other could make for a dramatic Region III final.

This trio-Bassey, Owen, and Freeman-has created one of the most competitive high jump lineups in the state. With three jumpers all above 6-10, Region III is once again proving it's a breeding ground for elite vertical athletes. As we move into the regional and state rounds, the question becomes: will anyone else join the 7-foot club, or will Bassey soar alone at the top?

The pole vault competition in Region 3-6A has been soaring to new heights this season, led by Robert Austin of Katy Seven Lakes, who currently sits at the top with a mark of 16-6 from the Area 19/20 meet. Austin has also cleared 16-6.75 at the prestigious Texas Relays, where he placed 4th, showcasing his ability to perform under pressure on some of the biggest stages. His consistency and progression make him a standout heading into the regional and state rounds.

Close behind is Chizitere Okolie of Humble Summer Creek, who cleared 15-10 to win the Area 23/24 meet. Okolie has been steadily improving and looks ready to challenge the top vaulters in Region III. He brings a strong technical approach and competitive edge that make him a legitimate contender to go over 16 feet soon.

Kaden Latiolais of LC Clear Creek and William Hayden of Cypress Fairbanks round out the top four, with marks of 15-3 and 15-1 respectively. Both vaulters have shown they're capable of clutch performances, especially with postseason pressure mounting. Noah Matthews of Katy Cinco Ranch, who previously cleared 15-6 earlier in the season, also remains a threat despite a slightly lower mark at Area. His experience and ability to peak at the right time could be key moving forward.

With multiple athletes hovering in the 15-foot-plus range and Austin leading the charge, the pole vault scene in Region III is highly competitive and packed with potential state finalists. Expect the bar to keep rising-literally and figuratively-as the postseason continues.