Cade Anders talks about his record-setting throw.

POWDER SPRINGS — Cade Anders finished in third place in shot put Thursday, giving the Tift County Blue Devils their best finish at the Class 7A state track and field meet at McEachern.

Anders threw 55’9” on his fifth attempt, breaking his own school record of 55’6″, which he set at a quad meet earlier this year. The distance less than a foot short of second place and 2.5 feet behind first, Garrett Brophy of Grayson (58’2.25”). Shot put was Anders’ second event of the day; he was also 9th in discus at 142’5”.

Deyonte Dean was 10th high jump at an even 6 feet. Two others also finished at the same height, but a solitary miss meant he was 10th instead of tied for eighth.

Divinity Mitchell was a second short of qualifying for the 100 hurdles finals. She finished 12th in 17.04 seconds.