Arizona's Top High School Girls Track Athletes of the Week: Garrett, Ripperdan Lead Star-Studded Week

The seventh week of Arizona's high school track and field season delivered some exceptional performances, none more so than Rebekah-Jhade Garrett's continued dominance in the sprints and hurdles. The Phoenix North Canyon senior extended her winning streak in the 100-meter hurdles to four consecutive victories, clocking 13.39 seconds at the Arcadia Invitational on April 11. The time, achieved with a 2.1 meters-per-second tailwind just above the legal limit, moved her within striking distance of the state record of 13.32 seconds.

Garrett's performance headlined what was a remarkable week of track and field action across Arizona, with the Arcadia Invitational serving as the premier stage for the state's elite prep athletes.

In the mid-distance events, Nicole Ripperdan of Queen Creek established herself as the woman to beat in the 800 meters. The senior finished second in the open 800 at Arcadia, running 2:09.01 to set the state leading time. Her performance vaulted her to seventh all-time in Arizona history for the distance, cementing her status as one of the state's premier middle-distance runners.

The sprints saw a new name emerge at the top of the standings. Ava Davis of Goodyear Millennium won the seeded 200 meters at Arcadia, crossing the line in 23.76 seconds to set the state lead. The sophomore's time moved her to ninth on Arizona's all-time list for the event, suggesting a bright future lies ahead.

In the field events, Tatum Lee of Phoenix Desert Vista announced her arrival as the state's top discus thrower, launching the implement 145 feet and 7 inches at Arcadia to set the state lead. Amerah Richardson of Chandler Arizona College Prep continued her versatility, clearing 19 feet in the long jump to set the state lead while also running 11.88 in the 100 meters to move to third in the state rankings.

The distance events produced their own standout performances, with Tally Call of ALA Queen Creek breaking the 5-minute barrier for the first time in her career, winning the 1600 meters in 4:57.50 to move to second in the state. She backed that up with a second-place finish in the 3200 meters, running 10:53.44 to claim third in the state rankings.

As the season progresses toward the state championships, this week's performances have set a high bar. With multiple athletes already operating at or near all-time state levels, the coming weeks promise compelling competition as the state's top prep athletes vie for regional and state titles.