NATCHEZ — Dee Fleming claimed first place at the South State track and field events last week.

But the Trinity Episcopal standout said he could have delivered more.

Despite leaping 19 feet, 7 1/4 inches, Fleming said he wasn’t at his best and he was hampered by the conditions at the event.

“I jumped well, but I didn’t hit the (jump board) once, because I would slip and fall,” Fleming said. “There were a lot of injuries caused by the board — people were sliding off it.”

Today, Fleming will see if his preparation paid off as he competes in the state finals in the MAIS AA long jump event at Jackson Academy.

“Mentally, I’ll be better,” Fleming said. “I’ve been putting in the extra work to prepare myself to jump better.”

Fleming won’t be the only Saint standout vying for a state title, as Hayes Daly will take part in the 1,600- and 3,200-meter dashes, Josh McGehee will compete in the discus, and the 4×800 relay team will test their mettle against the best in the state.

The 4×800 team is comprised of Sam Mosby, Colby Passman, Starling Yarbrough and Trey Gill.

“The 4×800 team has been somewhat a surprise,” Trinity track coach Curtis Moroney said. “They are good athletes, but they are young. Sam is a seventh grader, Trey is an eighth grader, Colby and Sterling are ninth graders, and they’re competing in a varsity boys event. They’ve qualified (for state), and their times have continued to come down every week … They keep getting better every week, and they’re running hard.”

Daly enters Saturday’s running events as perhaps the favorite in the 3,200 after posting a blistering time of 11:40 in South State.

“You have to leave it all on the track, and that’s what I did,” Daly said. “I had really good, tactical races, executed my plans and came home with the blue ribbons.”

The track portion of the state meet will take place Saturday at Jackson Prep.

“I’m so excited,” Daly said. “I’ve been training for months, lots of miles and lots of hours. I’m looking forward to it, and hopefully I have some good success on Saturday.”

Maroney said his track and field squad is ready to roll for this weekend’s meet, and it’s just a matter of each individual doing the necessary things as they get prepare for their respective events.

“I always believed the best pre-race preparation is to make sure you’re well rested and your nutrition is right,” Maroney said. “Make sure you’re hydrated and had the right food. You don’t want anything to slow you down.”