• FAVORITE: Kentridge

• CONTENDERS: Kentwood, Jefferson, Kentlake.

• SLEEPER: Kent-Meridian.

• NOTABLE: Kentridge entered the season having won 22 straight dual meets, a streak that dates back to Dec. 6, 2005, when the Chargers tied Enumclaw, 93-93. Always among the teams with the highest numbers, Kentridge welcomed six freshmen divers this season, a bit of an anomaly in the sport. … Mat Bailey, a state qualifier in the 200 IM last year as a freshman with Kentridge, has transferred to Kent-Meridian. Bailey’s arrival gives the Royals two state veterans. Kyle Axtell, one of the premier divers in the league, made it to state for the Royals last winter. … Kentwood freshmen John Perko already has turned some heads. A sprint freestyler, he has the potential to advance to district, and possibly even to state, according to Kentwood coach Sharon Wright. Andrew Douglass (500) is Kentwood’s lone returning state qualifier. … David Beyer has taken over at Kentlake for Caroline Whitlock. Beyer also coaches Kentlake’s girls team. … Hailey Maconaghy is the new coach at Tahoma, replacing Pat Patterson. … Thomas Jefferson’s Jordan Gaspay missed state last year by seven-tenths of a second in the 100 breaststroke. Only a sophomore, Gaspay is one of the SPSL league’s top returning swimmers.

CIRCLE ON THE CALENDAR

• Kentlake at Kentridge, Jan. 6: The Falcons graduated plenty of talent, but they still should challenge the Chargers.

• Kentwood at Kentridge, Jan. 8: Crucial week continues for North favorite Kentridge. A win here likely puts league title in KR’s hands again.

• District meet, Rogers High, Feb. 6-7: The final opportunity for swimmers to advance to state meet, it’s a must-see.

SWIMMERS TO WATCH

• Andrew Douglass, Kentwood, senior

Notable: Due to offseason knee surgery, has shifted gears from long distance to sprints.

• Kyle Rogers, Auburn Riverside, senior

Notable: Owns school record in the 50 free at 23.55.

• Cameron Whiting, Kentridge, sophomore

Notable: One of North’s up-and-comers, leads deep KR team.

• Jordan Gaspay, Jefferson, sophomore

Notable: Should make strong push for state in butterfly.

• Mathew Bailey, Kent-Meridian, sophomore

Notable: With KR last winter, he qualified for state in the 200 IM

• Kyle Axtell, Kent-Meridian, senior

Notable: State qualifier looms as North’s top diver this season.

LAST FIVE SPSL NORTH CHAMPIONS

2008: Kentridge, 7-0

2007: Kentridge, 7-0

2006: Kentridge, 8-0

2005: Kentridge, 8-0-1

2004: Enumclaw, 8-0