Boys swimming: Scouting the state meet

at Evanston Township High School

Friday: Diving prelims at 9 a.m., swimming prelims at 3:30 p.m.

Saturday: Final session begins at 1 p.m.

Team outlook: Neuqua Valley has the top seed in the 200-yard medley relay and 400 free relay, and its 200 free relay is seeded second. The Wildcats have virtually guaranteed individual points from senior Hans Peters (freestyle), senior Brien Gerber (IM, fly), senior Grant Betulius (backstroke) and junior Kevin Cordes (the defending breaststroke champ). Swimmers such as Conner Jager and Andrew Bratsos could also contribute as individuals. On top of all that, junior Ted Wagner had the fifth-best sectional diving score. As such, it's hard to envision anyone but Neuqua Valley leaving with the top trophy.

But many thought the same thing last year, and New Trier ended up winning the meet. The Trevians, led by senior standout Sam Metz, should once again figure in the picture thanks to impressive juniors and sophomores as well as two quality divers.

Naperville Central has the top seed in the 200 free relay, and its other relays are seeded No. 2. Seniors Danny Tucker, Matt O'Brien and Keith Piper and junior Jeff DePew all have a chance at individual points.

Individually: Peoria Richwoods junior Matt Elliott is the top seed in the 200 IM and 100 breaststroke. Cordes edged him in the breaststroke finals last year, but Elliott has the faster qualifying time this year. In the IM, Elliott's sectional time of 1:49.96 was almost four seconds better than his winning time from last year. Naperville North senior Will Heidler is among the state's elite (200 IM, 100 back). Look for Libertyville's Stevie Wimmer to make a splash in the 50 and 100 free - the Kentucky-bound senior is top seed in both races. Seniors Sam Gill (Chatham Glenwood) and Kyler VanSwol (Lincoln-Way North) are elite sprinter/flyers, and senior Dominik Cubelic (Glenbrook South) could be top three in both the 50 and 100 freestyles.