Don Ketchum
Former Staff Writer, AZPreps365.com

D-I, D-II boys and girls expect another big year in pool

August 25, 2013 by Don Ketchum, AZPreps365


This report covers the writer’s assigned area, which is Fountain Hills west through Scottsdale, all of Phoenix (except for Ahwatukee), the southwest, northwest and north Valley areas and all of northern Arizona. The information was obtained from questionnaires e-mailed to coaches and AIA archives.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Phoenix Brophy Prep has a chance to repeat as Division I boys’ swimming-diving champion, but that doesn’t mean the Broncos will be leaving opponents too far in their wake.

“It should be an exciting year in Division I,’’ said Brophy coach Pat O’Neill.

O’Neill thinks that Scottsdale Chaparral could be the main contender this year. The Firebirds finished fourth last season.

Brophy and Chaparral appear to have a lock on most of the relay events.

Senior Bradley Dorsey, whose specialty is the 50 free and 100 free events, is the top returnee for Brophy. And the Broncos have another top freestyler in incoming freshman Jack Blake, one of the top swimmers in the nation.

Chaparral features senior Austin Drummond, who was second in the 100 backstroke a year ago. Like Brophy, the Firebirds have a strong incoming freshman in freestyler Ryan Hoffer.

Brophy and Chaparral will meet in a big dual meet on Oct. 12.

Scottsdale Desert Mountain also could be the mix, led by senior Nicholas Magana, who excels in the 100 free.

Prescott has a top contender in the 100 fly in senior Grant Temple.

Phoenix Arcadia, which won the Division II title last season, is back in Division I after a lengthy absence.

The Titans also are strong in the relay events, and have a pair of outstanding individuals in junior Matthew Anderson (200 IM and 100 breast), and sophomore Antonio Ramirez (500 free).

Arcadia’s move could open the door for Scottsdale Notre Dame Prep in Division II.

The Saints are led by senior senior Joseph Starkweather (50 free and 100 fly).

Buckeye Verrado is led by Stephen Magat II (50 free, 100 fly and 100 free) and Steven Hayes, a freestyler who also has added diving to his resume.

In Division I girls, Phoenix Xavier Prep has a chance to repeat, but Phoenix Pinnacle is coming on strong.

Pinnacle is led by sophomore Isabel Whited (200 free), junior Victoria Toris (50 free, 100 free) and junior Samantha Fazio (50 free), and the Pioneers will challenge in the relay events.

Tucson Salpointe won the girls’ Division II title, but this could be Buckeye Verrado’s year.

Verrado has some excellent returnees in senior freestyler Picabo Bender and junior Amy Bilquist (50 free and 100 back).

The team also has Nicole Kowoski (100 breast, 100 free, 200 IM) and Aryn Kodet (100 breast, 100 free).

Scottsdale Notre Dame Prep also should be improved, led by senior returnee Samantha Getzen in the 100 fly and 100 free and senior Meredith Klosterman in the 200 free and 500 free.

Phoenix Christian Prep has Angel VanHofwegen in the 50 free and 100 fly.