Click to Print Recognize - Nov 2006 Recognize Teams in Greater D.C. that Demand Attention GIRLS' SWIMMING // YORKTOWN The Patriots brought less than 10 swimmers to state last year but ended up making history by claiming the school's first-ever Virginia AAA state title and setting a state record in the 200 free relay. And with three members of that relay team back and only two state swimmers graduated, head coach Dave Lassiter could have the goods for a repeat performance. "There's no secrets to this team," says Lassiter. "The only thing we can do is hit you with everything we have, because we are so small (at the state level)." One of Lassiter's best weapons is Washington Post All-Met swimmer Katy Hinkle, who recorded four All-American times at state last year. She placed second in the 50 free (23.71) and the 100 free (51.43), helped the 200 free relay team set the state record (1:36.58) and helped the 200 medley relay team win first in an All-American time of 1:47.66. "She does everything," says Lassiter. "She's a very hard worker and a good kid." Seniors Kristen Wolla and Thea Kromer joined Hinkle on both relay teams last year and will be key swimmers again this season. Wolla finished 10th in the 100 breaststroke finals last year while Kromer placed 11th in the 200 individual medley and sixth in the 100 butterfly. Those three seniors, who swim year-round with club programs, will get help from a talented group of incoming freshmen. "We have a middle school program and summer leagues are big around here. We've seen them all grow up," says Lassiter. "It's just one big family." BOYS' BASKETBALL // DEMATHA The Stags demand nationwide attention, coming in at No. 3 in RISE's preseason national rankings after winning WCAC, City Title and Alhambra Catholic Invitational championships last year. Four starters are back from that squad, including RISE All-Area guard Austin Freeman, a Georgetown recruit who averaged 17.9 points per game last year. He's joined by one of the nation's top juniors, forward Chris Braswell, and seniors Jerai Grant and Jeff Peterson. GIRLS' INDOOR TRACK // ELEANOR ROOSEVELT The Raiders won the Maryland Class 4A/3A state title last year, sweeping all three relays and winning seven total gold medals. All four individual champs return this year in senior Tameka Jameson (500), junior Tasha Stanley (800), junior Dominique Lockhart (1,600) and senior Marika Walker (3,200). Jameson, the 2006 Washington Post Runner of the Year, is also joined by her twin, Takecia, sophomore Doris Anyanwu and a slew of other returning runners. WRESTLING // MANASSAS PARK Manassas Park is going for its fourth consecutive Virginia A state championship this season and, despite graduating four senior individual state title winners, has a good chance to do so. Four state placers return from the 2006 squad in senior Sergio Ortiz (second at 103 pounds), senior Steven Hall (second at 119), senior Ben Martell (fifth at 152) and junior Elmar Aparicio (third at 160). Teams Ready to Break Out Sport School Lowdown Girls' Basketball Suitland Senior Taleia Moton is an up-and-coming star on a state-worthy team. Boys' Swimming Robert E. Lee Butterfly state champ Zack Wise returns. Girls' Indoor Track Westfield Distance runner Kerry Hartman could push team up Virginia AAA standings. Boys' Indoor Track Arundel Hurdler Chris Hawkins leads a strong class of juniors from seventh-place team.