What to look for at the 2024 girls' swim-dive championships

BISMARCK -- WDA girls swimmers and divers head to West Fargo for the ND state championships this weekend. Prelims for diving begin at 12:15 p.m. on Nov. 15 with swim events to follow at 3:15 p.m. The finals are set for Nov. 16. Here’s what to look for from the final event of the season.

Which WDA team has the best shot at a title?
Century is the defending champion and has a good number of swimmers who can pick up places in several events. Minot High is coming off a WDA championship, it’s 35th. It’s seeking its first state crown, however, since 2014. The squad has a handful of high-end performers. Depth is what it often can come down to at the state meet. And which of those teams can place more athletes on the awards podium will make the difference.

How many WDA swimmers-divers will win individual titles?
The field is set for the nine individual state events and a WDA participant currently holds the best time or top score in time in six of them. Of the three events an EDC swimmer is ranked first, a WDA swimmer is next and there are other participants close to the top time. Some swimmers to watch for include Minot High’s Sam Vonbokern and Emily Dunstan. Bismarck High’s Madeline VerDouw. Legacy’s Tova Blikre and Lilyana Hochhalter and Williston’s Dru Zander.

Can the WDA sweep the relays?

There are three relay events, the 200 medley, 200 freestyle and 400 freestyle. WDA teams are expected to be in the mix for winning those events, including Williston which has the top time in the state in the 200 freestyle. Minot High is ranked second in the 200 medley and 400 free behind Fargo Shanley. Legacy is ranked third in all three.

Which WDA swimmers have the best shot at double wins?
There are a few to look for, including Sam Vonbokern of Minot High (200 freestyle and 100 butterfly) and Madeline VerDouw in the (200IM and 100 breaststroke). Dru Zander of Williston is also one to look for in the (50 freestyle and 100 butterfly).

Event leaders
200 Freestyle: Sam Vonbokern, Minot High, 1:56.34; Lauren McDonagh, WF Sheyenne 1:58.30; Arianna Hoff, Shanley 1:58.69; Lilyana Hochhalter, Legacy, 1:59.58
200 IM: Madeline VerDouw, Bismarck High, 2:13.37; Bethany Mehl, Fargo South, 2:15.24; Ava Williamson, Minot High, 2:16.82; Alexa Heckaman, Shanley, 2:17.33
50 Freestyle: Dru Zander, Williston, :24.51; Helen Wu, Fargo Davies, :24.55; Emily Dunstan, Minot High, :24.09; Abby Erickson, Legacy, :25.24
100 Butterfly: Sam Vonbokern, Minot High, :58.33; Dru Zander, Willliston, :58.53; Helen Wu, Fargo Davies, :59.20; Addison Cerney, Fargo North, 1:00.46
500 Freestyle: Brooklyn Hanson, Shanley, 5:27.23; Tova Blikre, Legacy, 5:27.45; Addison Olson, GF Red River, 5:30.11; Sienna Mrachek, Century, 5:30.76
100 Freestyle: Arianna Hoff, Shanley, :54.08; Lilyana Hochhalter, Legacy, :54.87; Emily Dunstan, Minot High, :55.34; Abby Erickson, Legacy, :55.60
100 Breaststroke: Madeline VerDouw, Bismarck High, 1:06.83; Bethany Mehl, Fargo South, 1:07.18; Lauren McDonagh, WF Sheyenne, 1:07.24; Brooklyn Herrick, WF Horace, 1:08.03
100 Backstroke: Addison Cerney, Fargo North, :58.71; Tova Blikre, Legacy, 1:00.47; Joely Anderson, GF Red River, 1:01.47; Jocelyn Wettlaufer, WF Horace, 1:01.76
1M Diving: Haley Conklin, Minot High; Harper Meyer, Fargo North; Ellie DeForest, Bismarck High, Branwen Loeffler, GF Red River

Relays Leaders
200 Medley: Shanley, Minot High, Legacy
200 Free: Williston, Century, Legacy
400 Free: Shanley, Minot High, Legacy