On a big weekend for high school track and field competitions, a Dutch fork basketball player was among local athletes turning in impressive performances.

Fresh off leading the Silver Foxes to the Class 4A girls basketball title, Alaina Coates competed in the shot put at the Diamond Hornet Invitational. She posted a 40-foot, 1-inch toss that earned her second place in the meet and met the national silver standard for MileSplit US Second Team, a national honor roll for track and field athletes.

Representing Westwood, Jai Lykes, formerly of Blythewood, placed fourth with a 37-11 mark, placing her also among the nation’s elite. Jumpers Craishaud Faulks and Sean Hamilton, both of Richland Northeast, also posted elite marks.

But Lower Richland’s Imani Boatwright, a senior, was the lone Midland’s sprinter to meet the national standard, winning the 800-meter run with a 2:17.61 finish. Boatwright holds the state’s best mark in the event.

The top performer at the Lower Richland event was Beaufort’s Kaila Smith, who won the 100- and 400-meter hurdles with state-best and national elite times.

Softball invitational

The Lady Wildcat Invitational, one of the state’s top softball tournaments, is quickly approaching. The tournament will be held this weekend at Pine Grove Sports complex and feature many of the state’s top teams, including host Lexington, White Knoll, and perennial contender Hillcrest.