Published: April 27, 2008 01:05 am         

Region II- 4A results

DENTON — One-fourth of an inch was the difference between Greenville sophomore Jessica Franklin advancing to state in the long jump and becoming an alternate.

Franklin leaped 18 feet 6 inches to nip Lancaster’s Ambra McCuin by one-fourth of an inch for second place at the Region II-4A track and field championships on Saturday at Fouts Field.

Franklin advances to the University Interscholastic League’s state meet on May 9 in Austin. McCuin will serve as the alternate. It will be Franklin’s first trip to state.

Franklin wasted no time in challenging for a state berth, popping the big jump on her first attempt.

“I was pumped up at the beginning,” said Franklin.

The Greenville sophomore leaped 16-10 on her second attempt, 17-7 1/2 on her third and then scratched on her final three attempts, having trouble hitting the board.

McCuin, who’d soared 18-3 on her third attempt, went after Franklin’s mark on the Lancaster jumper’s final attempt but at 18-5 3/4 was an eyelash short.

Tai’Shea Reese of Kilgore won the event and set a new regional record with her leap of 19-9 1/2 on her second attempt. Reese ranks among the state’s leaders.

Greenville junior Rocio Medrano cleared a season-best 5-4 in the high jump. Medrano matched the same height as four other jumpers, but they had less misses at previous heights so Medrano was awarded sixth place.

“She did an excellent job, clearing 5-4, keeping herself in it,” said JoAnna Vaden, the Lady Lions’ field event coach.

Val Cammon of Waco Midway won the event with a clearance of 5-6.

Vaden said Medrano’s form “has come a long way” this season.

“So has Jessica’s,” said the GHS coach.

Greenville senior Katie Jones cleared 7-6 in the pole vault but wound up 16th in the competition. Whitney Binder of Lindale won at 10-6.

Lancaster dominted the girls division at regional, winning the 4x100 (46.99), the 4x200 (1:37.89) and the 4x400 (3:45.94), the 300-meter hurdles (Ashley Starks, 42.42), the triple jump (Ambra McCuin, 39-9 1/2) and the shot put (Esme Walls, 40-1/4).