Texas middle school athletes are already putting up nationally competitive marks in the jumps, vault, and throws all before the outdoor season has hit its stride, and the leaderboards across every discipline are worth paying attention to.

A LOOK AT THE BOYS

Jumps

Kai Cameron of Carroll MS sits at No. 1 in the country in the high jump after clearing 6-1 at the Dawson MS Invitational, a PR. Behind him, the state's top 10 gets crowded fast. Dallas Thornton has gone 5-9, and seven more athletes sit at 5-8: Blaydon Sanders, Ryder McDaniel, Jahmaikel Seneca Jarrett-McKenzie, Britton Taylor, Isaiah Simmons-Rosa, Braylon Goff, and Christian Bell. 

In the long jump, Titus Houchin of Celina MS jumped 20-8 on Feb. 24 for a PR, the top mark in the state and one of the best in the country at the middle school level right now. Dylan Williams is second at 20-3.5. In the triple jump, Frunwi Fru of Midland San Jacinto MS leads the state at 41-10.5 and sits near the top nationally. Collin Grigsby and Jerry Dillard are tied at 41-4. 

Pole Vault

Gage Cole leads the state at 10-9, another nationally competitive mark. Jasper Harmer is right behind at 10-7.

Throws

Landon Tijerina leads the state in the discus at 159-0, a throw that holds up on the national leaderboard. Kade Bowles is second at 156-7 and Nolan Smith third at 145-8.  In the shot put, Jason Maxiell threw 47-0 for a PR at the Future Falcon Relays on Feb. 25. First throw of the season. First place in Texas.

A LOOK AT THE GIRLS

Jumps

Adesha Osuji and Peyton Wright have both cleared 5-4 in the high jump this season, sharing the top of the state leaderboard and sitting No. 1 nationally. In the long jump, Adrianna Contin of McKinzey MS leads both the state and nation at 19-9.75, with Wright second at 17-8. In the triple jump, Ally Bryson of Barbers Hill North MS leads the state and country at 35-6. Osuji sits second at 34-9.

Pole Vault

Tess Phillips leads the state with a 10-0 PR. Behind her, nine athletes are currently tied at 8-0. 

Throws

Kyrie Foster leads Texas and the country in the discus (116-5). Not to mention, she is a seventh grader.