GIRLS SWIMMING: SPSL NORTH AT A GLANCE/SWIMMERS TO WATCH

SPSL NORTH GIRLS SWIMMING: AT A GLANCE

• FAVORITES: Kentwood.

• CONTENDERS: Kentridge, Kentlake.

• SLEEPER: Tahoma.

• NOTABLE: The SPSL North is taking on a new look this year as Auburn Riverside, Federal Way and Jefferson have been moved to the Central Division in the three-division format. That being the case, the North remains plenty talented with a considerable amount of state-tested swimmers back in the water. Of the six teams that now make up the SPSL North — Auburn, Tahoma and the four Kent School District teams — Kentlake returns the most swimmers who competed at state a year ago, led by junior star Chelsea Bailey. Last fall, Bailey became the first girl in state history to break the 50-second mark in the 100-yard freestyle, clocking in at 49.82 seconds to gain the gold. Bailey also placed second in the 100 backstroke (54.84) and helped the Falcons take third in the 200 free relay (1:40.90). Bailey, however, is hardly the only burner in the Falcon pool this fall as her three teammates on that third-place 200-relay team — Abby Swanson, Taylor Bouffard and Katrina Hetrick — also return. That same group swam in multiple other events at state, which gives Kentlake plenty of reason to be optimistic this season as it challenges for its first SPSL North title since 2004. The Falcons also should receive a nice boost from freshman Emily Tanasse, who figures to become one of the league’s top backstrokers right away. … Kentridge, which entered the season having won 36 straight SPSL North dual meets, also returns some solid building blocks in state veterans Emily Mohr (100 free, 50 free, 200 medley relay and 400 free relay) and Jacqueline Do (200 free relay). Do, a senior, has competed at state in each of her three previous seasons at KR. … Kentwood opened the season with a bang, knocking off the perennial power Chargers, 107-78. It was the first time since 2003 that the Conquerors had beaten Kentridge. With more than 40 girls in the pool, Kentwood has the depth to contend for the North title. Leading the way for the Conks are state competitors Kelly Phillips (200 medley relay), Erika Panza (200 medley relay, 400 free relay), Lindsey Krause (200 medley relay) and Erica Wright (breaststroke). Wright’s mom is Sharon, the Kentwood coach, who is the wife of Tahoma swim coach Dave Wright. The family will go head-to-head on Oct. 15, when Tahoma plays host to Kentwood. … Kent-Meridian brings back a state-level swimmer in Joanna Wu, who turned heads last fall by qualifying for state in the 50 and 100 free. Behind Wu, the Royals bring back some pretty good depth with Alexa Beaulieu (50 free, breaststroke), Shailynn Duval-Dreblow (50, 100), Christina Hayes (200 IM), Holly Wood (50 and 100) and Miranda Susnar (50 free, breaststroke) among others.

• OUTLOOK: Kentridge entered the season having won 53 of its last 55 SPSL North dual meets, a stretch that includes four straight league titles. That streak ended on Sept. 10, when the Chargers fell to the Kentwood. However, Kentridge cannot be counted out just yet, but it’s going to be an uphill trek for the Chargers to win another league crown this year. Kentwood has the depth to snag its first league title since 2003, though with plenty of state quality swimmers, look out for Kentlake, which has talent, but fell just short last week against KW, 93-92. Tahoma can’t be ignored, especially with junior Rachel Reese (100 butterfly, 100 backstroke) back in the mix, but likely doesn’t have the firepower to challenge just yet.

SWIMMERS TO WATCH

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