SPSL NORTH BOYS SWIMMING: AT A GLANCE
• FAVORITE: Kentridge
• CONTENDERS: Kentlake, Mount Rainier
• ON THE CUSP: Kentwood, Tahoma
• LEAGUE OUTLOOK: The South Puget Sound League North Division is on the upswing. The North returned just five state swimmers a year ago, however, that number has ballooned to 11 this winter with Kentridge (4) and Kentlake (4) leading the way. Kentlake and Kentridge tied for the league crown a year ago (7-0-1). The tie ended Kentridge’s 34-meeting winning streak. The last time Kentridge didn’t win – or earn a share – of the North crown was way back in 2005, when Enumclaw took the title with an unblemished 8-0 mark. With depth and talent, the Chargers and Falcons likely will take this race down to the wire. The Chargers, however, already moved up a leg on the Falcons, beating Kentlake Dec. 16 125-64. Outside of The Big Two, Mount Rainier and Kentwood have enough returning talent (Tanner Essex in the sprints, Jesse Dehnert on the board and Anthony Li in the all-around) to make some noise. The same can be said for Tahoma, which returns super sophomore Stephen Shin. Shin was one of just two freshmen last year to qualify for the state meet, doing so in the 100 back (the other was Kentlake’s Erik Fulmer). Meanwhile, state veteran Matt Bailey returns to Kent-Meridian for his senior season. Bailey (200 IM and 500 free) suffered a sinus infection before last year’s state meet and was not 100 percent. If he can remain healthy, a podium finish awaits the talented Royal. … Seth Dawson has taken over coaching duties at Kentlake this winter for Diana Ekstrom, who led the Falcons for just the one season. Dawson is Kentlake’s fourth coach in as many years. He inherits one of the most talented and depth-laden teams in the entire SPSL North with Fulmer, Keeling-Garcia, David Dougherty and Kyle Koon back in the mix. … Kentlake was the North Division’s highest-placing team at last year’s state meet, tying for 22nd with 28 points. Kentwood was next in line (32nd/9 points) followed by Kent-Meridian (34th/7 points).
SWIM MEETS TO CIRCLE ON THE CALENDAR
Kentlake at Tahoma, Jan. 6, 3:30 p.m.: A good opportunity to see super sophomores Fulmer of KL and Shin of Tahoma on display.
Kentridge at Kentwood, Jan. 6, 3:30 p.m.: Longtime rivals always put on a good meet.
SPSL meet, Jan. 29, Rogers High: Good opportunity to see the SPSL’s elite talent.
District meet, Feb. 3, Foss High (diving), Rogers High (swim): Final chance for swimmers to advance to state.
State meet, Feb. 18-19, King County Aquatic Center: The season finale.
SWIMMERS TO WATCH
NAME SCH. YEAR EVENT(S)
Cameron Whiting KR Sr. Sprints
Notable: Already qualified for state in 6 events.
Matt Bailey K-M Sr. 200 IM, 500
Notable: If healthy, K-M standout will be on podium at state.
Erik Fulmer KL So. 100 back, relays
Notable: Just missed top eight at state in 100 back.
Stephen Shin Ta. So. 100 back
Notable: Qualified for state as freshman.
Matt Drui KR Sr. Diving
Notable: Best returning diver in entire SPSL North.
T. Keeling-Garcia KL Jr. 100 fly, relays
Notable: Took SPSL North-best seventh at state in 100 fly.
Tim Berquist KR Sr. Relays
Notable: Key cog in Kentridge’s 200-free relay.
Tanner Esser KW So. Sprints
Notable: One of North’s top freshmen a year ago.
Anthony Li KW Sr. All-around
Notable: One of few KW seniors, he possesses a high ceiling.
Jake Dacus KR Sr. Sprints
Notable: State veteran has speed to burn.
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