NOTE: This 2011 boys and girls swimming preview covers the area from north Scottsdale west through Phoenix, the southwest and northwest Valley, northwest Arizona and northern Arizona.

By Don Ketchum

Siblings Phoenix Brophy Prep and Phoenix Xavier Prep are expected to rule the pool again in 2011 in Division I. Tucson Catalina Foothills also should have strong boys and girls teams.

How will the other schools fit in?

Flagstaff has had traditionally strong teams, and should again this year.

The boys, coached by Clint Rose, are strong in the freestyle events. Dan Sorenson (200) and William DiVittorio (50, 100) are the leaders. The team also has a competitive 200 freestyle relay group and diver Brian Allen looks formidable.

The Flagstaff girls are led by first-year coach Gayle Schurz. She brings expertise that allowed her to earn the Minnesota Coach of the Year honor in 1997.

Schurz lists Nikki Masters (500 free, back, IM), Sabrina Greene (100, 200 free) and Amy Knutson (50, 100 free) as the top swimmers. The 400 freestyle relay team looks strong.

Buckeye Youngker is a relatively new program but appears to be improving each year. Only two swimmers departed via graduation.

Senior Jordan Stage and sophomore Jack Osceola are the top boys competitors. The relay teams also appear competitive, although it remains to be seen how an injury to sophomore Aaron Seniceros will affect them.

The Youngker girls are led by senior Krystal Cruz and junior Erica Pjonter.

Glendale Mountain Ridge has one of the top young swimmers in sophomore Brenna Dickson. She was in the top 10 in two events as a freshman (50, 100 free) and competes in the 100 butterfly and 200 individual medley.

It will be interesting to watch the development of the program at El Mirage Dysart.

Keep an eye on freestyle competitor David Gorka, who is a good all-around athlete, also excelling in soccer.

Bullhead City Mohave has a new swimming program guided by coach Ed Catalfano.

Quinton Quitmeyer and Nathan Barnhart are expected to be among the boys leaders and Blair Benefield on the girls team.