January 20, 2016 Updated: January 20, 2016 7:45pm
Express-News staff writer Terrence Thomas takes a look at some of the key storylines:
Can Reagan repeat last year’s dominance?
The Rattlers swept the Region VII-6A crowns for the first time since 2004 in runaway fashion.
The boys amassed 404.5 points — 177.5 points ahead of the field — while the girls racked up 336 points for their fourth regional crown in six seasons.
With William Borst and Zachary Yeadon back to lead the boys squad, and Hannah Feng and Hannah Middleton pacing the girls team, don’t be surprised if Reagan is standing on the top step of the podium once again.
Which area school is best bet to win state?
The Alamo Heights girls appear to have the pieces to come away with their second UIL Class 5A state championship in three seasons.
The Mules won it all in 2014, capturing their first crown since 1973, and were fourth a year ago. They finished 2½ points out of third place and were 10½ out of second.
All-American Ellery Parish and All-State performers Lauren Raike, Elizabeth Ryan, Grace Strash, Sofia Rodriguez and Kate Russell should pave the way for Heights.
Will this year’s divers live up to last year’s?
In 2015, the area scene was headlined by one of the deepest and talented group of divers.
Marshall’s Christopher Law in Class 6A and Alamo Heights’ Sine Scribbick in 5A won silver medals in the 1-meter competition, while Johnson’s Morgan Cooper captured the bronze in 6A. Warren’s Maddie Horner and Marshall’s Giovanna Accioly were in contention for medals.
What are the prospects for this diving season?
Law, Cooper, Accioly and Horner graduated, so the depth of area ranks will take a hit.
But Scribbick, who has qualified for the U.S. Olympic Trials, is back and should be favored to nab her second gold medal in three seasons. She was first as a freshman in 2014 and was second a year ago — despite missing four months with a herniated disc in her back.
Will Brackenridge swimmer Star Rosales return to form?
Rosales, a senior, missed out last year on a return trip to the 5A state championships, her pursuit hamstrung by a broken hand.
Rosales was sidelined for two weeks before the District 30-5A championships, but was cleared by a doctor for competition two days before the meet. She easily won the 50-yard freestyle and 100-yard butterfly.
This year, Rosales appears to be back to her old ways. She clocked a 24.82 in the 50 freestyle last month, bettering her own San Antonio ISD record.