RAYMOND GRAHAM, STAR Writer

After only two weeks of action, so far, the 2015 athletics season is already promising much.

Defending champions Edwin Allen; Hydel, St Jago; Vere Technical, and Holmwood have set the stage for a thriller at the Inter-Secondary Schools Sports Association (ISSA) Boys' and Girls' Athletic Championships in March.

The Michael Dyke-coached Edwin Allen was the best on show at the Pure Water JC Invitational. They gave early warning that they will not be easily beaten, come March 24-28.

Despite many pundits saying the team was weak in the middle distance, Nadine Rose and Jeima Davis in class three, Ashani Robb, and Janiel Moore in class two, and Alvina Howell in class one, showed they have enough fire power to continue where they left off last year. The team continued their good form at the JAAA Puma Kirkvine Meet.

Powerful team

On paper, St Jago has one of the most powerful class one teams with Shanice Reid and Natalliah Whyte joining Peta Gaye Williams, Genekee Leith, and new addition hurdler Andrenette Knight, formerly of Vere.

The outstanding Kimone Shaw bolsters the team in class three, as do Toni Ann Reid and Sashel Frater. However, after two meets, the Spanish Town-based school has shown they lack a good middle-distance team.

The team which could make the biggest impact is the Corey Bennett-coached Hydel. Two years ago, they made their intentions clear by finishing in the top five, and a year ago, showed that result was no fluke as they held on to second spot, for the majority of the final day before St Jago dug deep to get by them late afternoon.

At the recent Douglas Forrest Invitational, their athletes were simply brilliant.

Britney Duncan, Semoy Hemmings, Shamona Hunt, Shardia Lawrence, Britney Kerr, Monifa Green, and Samara Spencer make a quality class-one team, and have a legitimate chance of scoring more points than any other team. They are especially strong in class-two. Despite losing their top class-three sprinter, Shaniel English to St Jago, will do well.

Multiple winners Vere and Holmwood are rebuilding, and neither can challenge for the title, but be spoilers.

Both teams are strong in middle distance. Vere is led by Sasha Gaye Whyte and Derri Ann Hill in class one; Britnie Dixon and Kayce-Ann Plummer in class two, and Sanique Walker and Aliesha Skyers in class three.

The stage is set for a wonderful season and with nine weeks remaining, every weekend will be one to look forward to. Champs 2015 could be the best ever.