Kyle Darmody, Providence, Sr.: Following in his older brother’s footsteps (Kip at University of Texas now) in the pool, Auburn commit.

John Ferretti, Providence, Sr.: Will be counted to help Panthers continue to be a 4A state contender.

Jack Manchester, Hough, Sr.: Harvard commit was 4A state runner-up in 500 freestyle, looks to win it all, while leading Huskies to the top.

Lane Bretschneider, Marvin Ridge, Sr.: Reigning 3A state champion in the 100 breaststroke is University of Denver bound

Michael Chadwick, Charlotte Latin, Sr.: Missouri commit, defending 200 IM state champion has exploded on the national swimming scene with his MAC club team as well.

Hayes McCullagh, Charlotte Latin, Sr.: With Chadwick, two-event state champion (200 free, 100 butterfly) should have Hawks contending for state title, also a D-I college prospect.

Matthew Josa, Home School (South Charlotte), Sr.: Ranked in the top five nationally in butterfly and backstroke, Queens commit.

Griffin Fiedler, Jay M. Robinson, Sr.: Reigning 3A state champ in 100 butterfly, runner-up in 200 freestyle looking for more.

Davied Sanchez, A.L. Brown, Sr.: Reigning 3A state champion in 100 backstroke leads Wonders, one of SPC’s best.

Bailey Burt, Providence Day, Jr.: 500-freestyle state champion (2012) will help make Chargers a factor.

Observer Area Girls’ Swimmers to Watch

Maija Roses, Cannon, Jr.: Olympic trials’ qualifier also won two state titles, setting a state record in the 100 breaststroke.

Emily Allen, Hough, So.: 6-foot-3 standout back to defend her 50 freestyle state title, lost 100 free by .03 seconds.

Heather Merritt, Hough, Jr.: State runner-up in 200 free and 100 back, looks to win it all.

Blair Timberlake, Hough, Jr.: 4A state diving champion, also helped save a local boys’ life at her summer job as a lifeguard.

Lauren Rhodes, Charlotte Catholic, Jr.: State meet MVP, reigning Observer girls’ swimmer of the year, set record times in both her individual state titles (100 and 200 free).

Elsa Welshofer and Nicole Emery, Charlotte Catholic, (both) Jr.: Both won state championships in their respective events, 100 butterfly and 200 IM.

Nora McCullagh (50 free champ), Maria Sheridan, Christine Sullivan, Charlotte Catholic (all): Cougars’ loaded with state contender talent in every event.

Ashley Dyke, Charlotte Latin, Sr.: Texas Christian commit is a standout for Latin girls.

Hunter Rogers, Jay M. Robinson, Sr.: Senior among state’s best in 100 and 200 freestyle for Bulldogs.

Alexandra Martelle, South Mecklenburg, Jr.: Sabres’ standout also earned All-America status with her MAC team.

Jay Edwards