CROSS COUNTRY: Kentwood knocked off by Kent-Meridian

The Kent-Meridian boys got it done Wednesday afternoon.

Behind big performances from senior D.J. Jigre and Matt Bailey, the Royals turned back Kentwood 28-29 on the three-mile course at Clark Lake in a pivotal South Puget Sound League North Division dual meet.

Though one meet remains, the Royals (5-0) sealed at least a tie for the SPSL North crown, which will be Kent-Meridian’s first in any sport since 2002.

As he has done all season, Daigre led the way, blistering the three-mile course in 17-minutes, 17 seconds. Junior Matt Bailey, in his first year of cross country, wasn’t far behind, taking second by breaking the tape in 17:27.

Kevin Massimino delivered Kentwood’s fastest time, taking third with a time of 17:39.

Kent-Meridian’s 1-2 finish behind Jigre and Bailey proved to be too much for the Conquerors, who added fifth, sixth, seventh, eighth and ninth-place finishes. Behind Massimino, Kentwood sophomore Danny Lunder (5th place, 17:42) was the Conquerors next highest finisher.

Kent-Meridian can win the SPSL North outright on Wednesday, when it hosts Auburn at French Field.