NATCHEZ — Chazlyn King has been a dominant force in the shot put and discus competitions this season.

Yet Friday she had to dig deep achieve a positive outcome.

The Natchez High School senior managed to record a toss of 32-feet, 3-inches in the shot put, placing her in third place at the regional meet at Natchez High. The top-3 finish is good enough to secure a spot in next week’s South State competition.

“I’ve been doing real well in shot put,” King said. “I’ve been winning first place a lot. In discus, I’ve been kind of shaky.

“I’ve been throwing 33 inches (in shot put) consistently, but (Friday), I was still shaken up from the discus throws.”

King tallied a throw of 100 feet, 1-inch in the discus, but wasn’t able to crack the top 3 to advance.

Natchez High coach Larry Wesley said his standout senior has recorded first-place finished in the shot put competition in every meet this season prior to Friday.

Despite her lofty status in the shot put, King said she feels her best event falls in the discus.

“I didn’t advance in discus (Friday),” King said. “I just started practicing on the spin move, and I’ve been focusing on the ACT. I haven’t been able to practice.”

King transferred to Lanier High School her freshman season, where she first picked up the sport and managed to advance to South State.

From there, she transferred back to Natchez High where she sat out her sophomore season before returning for her junior campaign and advancing to the state finals last season.

Wesley said what makes his ace thrower special is her unique blend of size and athleticism.

“She has great movement, as far as her body,” Wesley said. “She’s a real special talent. Girls her size don’t have the ability to move the way she does.”

Wesley also said King is knowledgeable in the art of discus and shot put throwing.

“She’s dedicated,” Wesley said. “The kids that are throwing shot put and discus, she’s the one training them for me. I’m pretty much just mentoring her.”

Teammate Kenisha Cogdell said King has proven instrumental in the progress she’s made this season.

“She teaches me how to throw, the proper structure and technique,” the 10th grader said. “She just shows me the proper way.”

King plans to attend Alcorns State in the fall, hoping to continue her track and field career.