Jace Wells (5) ran US NO. 5 indoor 200m performance with his 20.99 winning time
Boys' 200m Finals Heat 2
The boys' 200 meters at the Texas Tech Wes Kittley Invitational delivered a high-quality, two-round showcase that rewarded both patience and finishing power, even as athletes battled frigid conditions outside the Sports Performance Center on Saturday morning. As the crowd filtered in after braving below-freezing Lubbock temperatures, Jace Wells of Creedo Royals (Servite, CA) wasted no time warming things up on the track. In the preliminary round, Wells looked smooth and composed, clocking 21.16 to comfortably advance to the final and secure a favorable lane assignment. Considering his outdoor personal best of 21.03 from the CIF State Championships last spring, it was clear Wells was already knocking on the door of something special early in the indoor season.
When the final arrived, Wells didn't just knock; he broke through. Doubling down on his prelim effort, the sophomore cranked up the intensity and delivered a 20.99 victory, a performance that marked a new personal best and elevated him to US No. 5 nationally indoors this season. From the stagger, Wells controlled the curve and maintained his momentum through the homestretch, holding off a strong challenge from quarter-mile sensation Joshua Shelton, who finished second in 21.13. Jason Walker continued his outstanding weekend by winning the second section in 21.32 to pair with his 46.38 in the 400m on Friday night, while Maximus Hopkins followed closely at 21.39, keeping the field tightly packed behind the leader.
The depth of the race added to its significance. Fellow Servite, California standout Jaelen Hunter finished fifth in 21.51, just ahead of Chayce Davis (Euless Trinity) - 21.58 and Deisnyk McCullough II (Fort Bend Marshall) - 21.59, ensuring that seven athletes dipped under 21.60 despite the early-season timing and indoor constraints. For Wells, the performance was a clear statement: after flirting with his personal best in the prelims, he capitalized when it mattered most. With a sub-21 now on the board indoors, Jace Wells' breakout win at Texas Tech firmly positions him as a national contender as the season continues to unfold.
High School
| outdoor | |
| 60 Meter Dash | 6.99 |
| 100 Meter Dash | 11.04 |
| 150 Meter Dash | 16.04 |
| 200 Meter Dash | 21.03 |
| 300 Meter Dash | 33.72 |
| 400 Meter Dash | 48.14 |
| indoor | |
| 60 Meter Dash | 6.98 |
| 150 Meter Dash | 15.94 |
| 300 Meter Dash | 33.40 |