Southridge’s Cynteria James is Miami

Cynteria James capped her high school career on a high note.

The sprinter won an individual state title, added another gold as part of a relay and tacked on two more individual medals for good measure, all of which was a big factor in Miami Southridge winning its first team state title since 2017 and eighth team title overall.

It's why James is the Miami Herald's Dade Track and Field Girls’ Player of the Year.

"I’m very proud," James said. "Very happy. My last year, getting a state ring."

Let's quickly break down James’ final season with the Spartans:

▪ James won her first and only individual state title in the 400-meter dash, winning the event in 53.75 seconds to beat Creekside's Janay Moorer by almost a half-second. Prior to this year, James’ only state title came as part of Southridge's 400-meter relay team last season.

▪ Speaking of a state-winning relay, James ran the third leg of Southridge's 1600 meter relay team this year that won by nearly three-quarters of a second over St. Thomas Aquinas.

▪ James also finished in second place in 200-meter dash and third place in the 100-meter dash this year in times of 23.69 and 11.55, respectively.

All told, James contributed to 34 of Southridge's 77.5 points to make them the runaway winner in Class 4A. The Spartans previously won state titles in 2017, 2008, 2003, 2002, 2000, 1998 and 1992.

James individually had more points on her own than all but five other teams that competed in the Class 4A meet.

"The team was jumping up and down," James said of the championship celebration.

And she certainly hopes the celebration isn't the last of her track and field career. James will continue running track in college at the University of Kentucky.

"I love the team," James said. "I love the coaches. When I went on my visit, it felt like home."