NP out to defend state crowns

Area high school teams look dominate in the pool again

North Penn enters the season as Defending State Champions on both the boys and girls side, and is looking for more.

“The goal for the season remains the hunt for another state championship,” coach Jason Grubb said. “Hard work and steady growth will decide if the Knights can repeat.”

The Wissahickon girls are aiming for an upward climb in the Eastern Conference.

“With so many returning players, expectations are extremely high for this group,” coach Greg Beyer said. “We have strong leadership and a great core of talented, young players that are hungry to win. The players’ goals are in line with the coaching staff’s expectations for this season.”

Upper Dublin is shooting for a spot in states.

“This is mostly a young squad that is putting in the hard work and seeking to return to the state tournament,” coach Coach Chris Ianni said. “With a lot of young talent mixed with experienced upperclassmen, we are looking to thrive off of our great season from last year and improve ourselves once again.” Following is a team-by-team look at the area.

Boys Germantown Academy

Coach: Mike Koziol. Key returners: Daniel Araten, Sr., driver; Jake Rabbiner, Sr., driver; Patrick O’Hara, So., driver; Jack Lafond, Sr., driver; Walker Butler, Jr., utility, Brian Bartle, Sr., utility; Louis Porter, So., driver; John Forde, Sr., utility; Max Lasdon, So., driver; William Martin, Jr., utility/goalie; Gabriel Levy, Sr., driver; Noah Spratt, Jr., two-meter offense; Justin Stokes, Sr., goalie/utility. Outlook: The Patriots have a good collection of seniors that should provide plenty of leadership and experience

DIGITAL FIRST MEDIA FILE PHOTO North Penn’s AJ Patterson is one of the top returning players in the area.