Teams hit pool for tournament
The NJSIAA swimming team tournament begins today, and here is a look at the local participants with input gathered by local coaches.
The NJSIAA swimming team tournament begins today, and here is a look at the local participants with input gathered by local coaches.
Boys' Swimming
Public South A:
(8) Lacey at (1) Shawnee; (5) Eastern at (4) Atlantic City; (6) Vineland at (3) Egg Harbor Township; (7) Southern at (2) Mainland.
Outlook: The top two seeds, Shawnee and Mainland, probably will meet for the title, although Vineland, which lost by 19 to EHT earlier, is coming on strong. The winner of the Vineland-EHT meet could be dangerous. Give Shawnee the slight overall edge.
Public South B: (1) Haddonfield, bye; (5) Cumberland at (4) Woodstown; (6) Glassboro at (3) Ocean City; (7) Central Regional at (2) Moorestown.
Outlook: Moorestown and Haddonfield are expected to meet in what experts say would be an extremely close final, one that could be decided by the final relay. Moorestown is faster in the middle lanes, but Haddonfield has more depth, which could be the difference.
Central A: (8) Jackson at (1) Cherry Hill East; (5) Rancocas Valley at (4) West Windsor South; (6) Cherokee at (3) Toms River North; (7) Toms River South at (2) Cherry Hill West.
Outlook: The likely champion could be the winner of a projected second-round match between Cherry Hill East and West Windsor South.
South Non-Public A: (1) St. Augustine, bye; (5) Holy Cross at (4) Red Bank Catholic; (3) Notre Dame at (2) Christian Brothers.
Outlook: The top two seeds should meet in a very close championship. Give St. Augustine the slightest of edges.
South Non-Public B: (1) Holy Spirit, bye; (5) Sacred Heart at (4) Monsignor Donovan; (6) Ranney at (3) Gloucester Catholic; (7) Moorestown Friends at (2) Bishop Eustace.
Outlook: Holy Spirit should justify its top seeding.
Girls' Swimming
Public Central A:
(8) Toms River South at (1) Cherry Hill East; (5) Toms River East at (4) Cherokee; (6) Hamilton East at (3) West Windsor South; (7) Toms River North at (2) Cherry Hill West.
Outlook: Cherry Hill East has ruled South Jersey swimming, but the biggest threat will be No. 3 West Windsor South. Look for a close final, with West Windsor South possibly enjoying a slight edge.
Public South A: (8) Clearview at (1) Egg Harbor Township; (5) Oakcrest at (4) Washington Township; (6) Southern at (3) Mainland; (7) Atlantic City at (2) Vineland.
Outlook: Egg Harbor Township is the top seed and is clearly the team to beat.
Public South B: (1) Haddonfield, bye; (5) Woodstown at (4) Central Regional; (6) Cumberland at (3) Ocean City; (7) West Deptford at (2) Moorestown.
Outlook: Haddonfield beat Moorestown by 13 points in last year's final, and the Bulldogs will be difficult to unseat.
Non-Public South A: (4) Monsignor Donovan at (1) Holy Spirit; (3) Notre Dame at (2) Red Bank Catholic.
Outlook: The top two seeds, Holy Spirit and Red Bank Catholic, should meet in the final. When in doubt, go with the top seed.
Non-Public South B: (1) Bishop Eustace, bye; (5) Moorestown Friends at (4) Ranney School; (3) Wildwood Catholic at (2) Gloucester Catholic.
Outlook: Don't be surprised if the top two seeds meet in the final. - Marc Narducci