CLASS 5A TOP FIVE

1. Cherry Creek: With a load of established talent and a remarkable freshman class, the Bruins could win their fifth straight title.

2. Regis Jesuit: The Raiders also welcome a strong set of newcomers to their traditionally strong program.

3. Fairview: The runner-up from last season is just as strong, and once again it will rely on depth.

4. Ralston Valley: The two-time Class 4A champ moved up and should immediately make an impact.

5. Arapahoe: With junior Paige Newell leading the way, the Warriors are expected to finish strong.

TOP RETURNEES

Athlete, school, year

Sophie Allen, Boulder, Sr. State finish: Second, 100 backstroke; first, 200 medley relay

Loren Brandon, Cherry Creek, Sr. State finish: First, 500 freestyle and 400 freestyle relay; second, 200 freestyle

Jackie Cromer, Lewis-Palmer, Sr. State finish: First, 200 freestyle

Yana Garvey, ThunderRidge, Jr. State finish: Third, 100 backstroke

Jenna Gregoire, Rampart, Jr. State finish: First, 100 freestyle; third, 50 freestyle

Arianne Lujan, Ralston Valley, Sr. State finish: Second, 200 individual medley; second, 100 butterfly (4A)

Olivia Martens, Grandview, Sr. State finish: Third, 100 butterfly

Jordan Mattern, Cherry Creek, So. State finish: Third, 200 freestyle; first, 200 and 400 freestyle relay

Katie Naze, Cherry Creek, Jr. State finish: Second, 200 individual medley; first, 200 and 400 freestyle relay

Tricia Nelson, Fort Collins, Jr. State finish: First, 50 freestyle; second, 100 freestyle

Paige Newell, Arapahoe, Jr. State finish: Second, 500 freestyle; third, 200 individual medley

Shelley Perkins, Chatfield, Sr. State finish: First, 50 freestyle

Caroline Piehl, Smoky Hill, So. State finish: First, 200 individual medley; third, 100 freestyle

Lauren Rigg, Fairview, Jr. State finish: First, 100 butterfly

Alex Todd, Regis Jesuit, So. State finish: Second, 100 butterfly

Christine Wixted, Cherry Creek, Jr.State finish: First, 100 breaststroke

CLASS 4A TOP FIVE

1. Rock Canyon: Nothing is going to stand in the way of the two-time runner-up, which boasts a stronger team than ever before.

2. Thompson Valley: With sophomore Lizzie Bergquist leading the way in the pool, the Eagles also should score big points with their diving squad.

3. Estes Park: The Bobcats suffered big graduation losses, but they still have plenty of young talent.

4. La Junta: With junior freestyler Marta Roberson and a crop of talented freshmen, the Tigers will be tough.

5. Broomfield: After the graduation of her sister, versatile senior Kia Dobie is expected to be the leader.

TOP RETURNEES

Athlete, school, year

Jehan Atoe, Rock Canyon, Sr. State finish: Third, 100 backstroke; first, 200 medley relay and 400 freestyle relay

Lizzie Bergquist, Thompson Valley, So. State finish: Third, 200 individual medley

Londyn Clawson, Rock Canyon, Sr. State finish: Second, 100 breaststroke; first, 200 medley relay

Summer Cook, Mountain Range, Sr. State finish: Third, 500 freestyle

Taylor Curado, Rock Canyon, Sr. State finish: First, 100 butterfly, 200 medley relay and 400 freestyle relay

Jessica Holley, Rock Canyon, So. State finish: Third, 100 freestyle; first, 400 freestyle relay

Kirsten Milberg, Rock Canyon, Sr. State finish: First, 100 backstroke, 200 medley relay and 400 freestyle relay; third, 200 freestyle

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