Although the county’s four swimming teams competing in Tuesday’s seven-team event at the Boundary Waters Complex didn’t finish among the leaders, they had some outstanding individual efforts.

Overall, Northgate finished with 201 points to edge Newnan (174) and Northwest Whitfield (130) for team honors. Rounding out the team scoring were Alexander (99), Chapel Hill (87), Douglas County (47) and Lithia Springs (37).

The meet was a final warmup for the annual county meet, which is scheduled for a week from today.

As a team, the Chapel Hill girls had a strong meet. The Lady Panthers placed second (85 points) behind Northgate (123).

“The Chapel Hill girls are a power,” said county coach Lindy Boatman.

Leading the Lady Panthers is Brittany Whiddon, who won both the 100 freestyle and 100 backstroke. She failed to qualify for the state in either event, but has already made the field in the 50 freestyle.

“Brittany is spending a lot of time helping coach the Stingrays,” said Boatman. “She’s doing a great job for us, but with a little more water time can be even better.”

The Lady Panthers were strong in the relays, breezing to victory in the 200 medley relay and also taking the 400 freestyle relay.

Tiffany Burton also had a strong second place in the 100 backstroke, while Amanda Bourque was third in the 100 breaststroke.

Although her team doesn’t have a large number of swimmers, freshman Zephanah Barney of Lithia Springs, - a year-around swimmer, has a bright future.

She won both the 200 IM and 500 freestyle.

“She likely won’t make the state cuts this season, but she will soon. She is a hot swimmer,” added Boatman.

In the boys division Alexander’s Mark Vickers placed a strong second in the 100 backstroke. His effort of 1:25, just missed the state qualifying cut off of one minute flat.

He also won the 100 breaststroke.

“Mark dropped over a second in one of his events and with the bad weather and pool limitations, that was great,” added his coach.

Jesse Crews, who had already qualified for the state in the 100 butterfly, won the event in 57.87. That beat his state time, and earned him a better seed for the state meet.

Alexander’s boys also had a strong effort in winning the 200 freestyle relays and are close to qualifying for the state. Overall AHS placed fourth in its division with 48 points.

Douglas County placed second in the same event. Sean Moran of DCHS won the 50 freestyle.

The upcoming county meet will also be senior night, which includes the senior walk. The meet is scheduled to begin at 6 p.m.