Track & Field: James runs 400 in state-leading time

Gardena Serra's Renetia James was the top seed in the girls 400 meter dash entering today's state prelims and the Cavaliers junior bettered the 54.41 she ran at last week's Southern Section Masters Meet by clocking a state-leading 54.26 seconds.

Also among the eight runners qualifying for Saturday' finals were Temecula Great Oak senior Khala Taylor, who won her heat in 54.96 and junior Danni Alakija of Westlake Village Oak Christian (fifth overall in 55.22).

Beverly Hills junior Alex Rohani was the top qualifier in the boys 400 at 47.53. Joining him in the finals will be Los Angeles Dorsey's Rashard Clark (47.82) and fellow seniors Eli'sha Toler of Carson (48.08), Kyle Ezold of San Marino (48.36) and Alex McElwee of Arcadia (ninth overall in 48.38).

-- Steve Galluzzo