In the world of high school swimming, speed reigns supreme, and once the top teams establish their dominance, catching up can feel like an uphill battle. But here's where it gets intriguing: for the past four weeks, the top six teams in the rankings have remained unchanged, with the top seven holding steady for three weeks straight. Is this a sign of unshakeable supremacy, or is the tide about to turn? And this is the part most people miss: as we approach the most critical phase of the season, everything could still shift dramatically.
This week's highlights include Bridgewater-Raritan's hard-fought victory to maintain their No. 1 spot and CBA's impressive leap into the top 10. Let's dive into the details of how these teams are making waves.
1. Bridgewater-Raritan (6-0)
Last week: No. 1
Bridgewater-Raritan delivered one of the season's most significant upsets by defeating No. 4 Hillsborough with a commanding score of 105-65. The Panthers showcased their prowess by achieving their highest power point total of the season—4,507—in an exceptionally fast meet. Jaden Lee stole the spotlight with victories in the 100 fly (49.77 seconds) and the 200 IM (1:55.05), while Christopher Wasko secured wins in both the 50 free (21.63) and the 100 free (47.55). The team's depth was on full display as they swept the top two spots in the 100 breast, 50 free, and 200 IM. Their next challenge? A highly anticipated showdown with No. 3 Delbarton.
2. St. Augustine (5-0)
Last week: No. 2
In their sole meet of the week, St. Augustine dominated Egg Harbor with a 102-68 victory. Jonah Alvarez led the charge, securing wins in the 100 fly (54.82) and the 100 back (54.60). The Hermits demonstrated their strength by sweeping both the 50 free and the 100 free. Their final regular-season meet will be against Vineland on Tuesday.
3. Delbarton (7-0)
Last week: No. 3
Delbarton had a packed week with three victories, the most notable being a 104-66 win over No. 10 St. Peter’s Prep, earning them 3,844 power points. The Green Wave dominated by winning 10 out of 11 events, with Max Ciechanowski emerging as the only multi-event winner with times of 1:44.34 in the 200 free and 48.14 in the 100 free. They also handed Morris Knolls its first loss of the season before defeating Randolph. Now, they set their sights on dethroning No. 1 Bridgewater-Raritan on Tuesday.
4. Hillsborough (6-1)
Last week: No. 4
Despite a 105-65 loss to Bridgewater-Raritan, Hillsborough demonstrated resilience by achieving their highest power point total of the season—4,137. John Eodice and Kevin Ward showcased their speed by finishing 1-2 in both the 200 free and the 500 free. The Raiders won't compete again until January 27, when they face Somerville.
5. Chatham (6-1)
Last week: No. 5
Chatham continued their winning streak with a 122-44 victory over Kinnelon and a 104-66 win over Morris Knolls. In the latter meet, Brett Davis led a sweep of the 200 free with a time of 1:52.12. Jack Kulp, Declan Robertson, Ryan Kulp, and Andrew O’Day also contributed to the team's balanced success. Chatham's final regular-season meet will be against Mendham on Tuesday.
6. Cherry Hill East (6-1)
Last week: No. 6
Cherry Hill East secured their third ranked win of the season by defeating Moorestown 108-62. Luke Davis was unstoppable, winning the 200 free by nearly five seconds and the 500 free with a time of 4:48.70. They also dominated neighboring Cherry Hill West 106-62. Their next challenge is a meet with Rancocas Valley on Tuesday.
7. St. Joseph (Met.) (5-0)
Last week: No. 7
The Falcons continued their dominance against elite teams with a 97-73 victory over Pingry, their third top 20 win of the season. The meet featured thrilling races between some of the state's top swimmers. Reid Stellatella narrowly edged out Carter Smith in the 500 free, while Anthony Vasilov did the same against Owen Smith in the 100 free. The Falcons also secured 1-2 finishes in the 200 free and 50 free.
8. Christian Brothers (5-0)
Last week: No. 12
Christian Brothers made the biggest leap of the week, climbing four spots after winning the Monmouth County Championships and defeating Westfield 104-66. Their performance earned them an impressive 4,074 power points. Santiago Massone stood out with MOC times of 51.28 in the 100 back and 50.45 in the 100 fly.
9. Pingry (2-3)
Last week: No. 8
Pingry struggled to maintain momentum after a big win over Ridge, falling 97-73 to St. Joseph (Met.). Max Ruffer provided a bright spot by edging out Braden Michaels in the 100 fly and securing a 1-2 finish with Carter Smith in the 200 IM. The Big Blue will look to rebound in the Skyland Conference Championships on Saturday.
10. St. Peter’s Prep (4-2)
Last week: No. 9
St. Peter’s Prep couldn’t keep up with Delbarton, losing 104-66. Isaac Rivers secured the team's only win in the 50 free with a time of 22.02. The team won't compete again until January 23, when they face Passaic Tech.
But here's the controversial question: Are the current rankings a true reflection of each team's potential, or are we underestimating some dark horses? With the season's most decisive moments ahead, now is the time to voice your thoughts. Who do you think will rise to the top, and who might surprise us all? Let the debate begin in the comments!
