BonnerSprings.com

The Bonner Springs boys swimming team turned in a third-place finish out of five teams on the strength of numerous season-best performances Wednesday at the Bonner Springs Invitational at the District P.E. Center.

The Braves posted second- and third-place finishes in two relays, and they also had two top-three individual finishes.

“They are very close to where I hoped they would be,” BSHS coach Lynn LaNoue said of his team’s early-season performances. “I had hoped a couple of individuals would be a bit further along than they are, but the team is working hard and improving their times. I think a lot of this is a result of the leadership and maturity of the team.”

The meet was highlighted by the Braves’ 200-yard freestyle and 200 medley relays. The lineup of Nate Mitchell, Ryan Cook, Blaine Edmondson and Ethan Hook blazed to a second-place finish in the 200 freestyle relay with their fastest time of the year. They also teamed up for a third-place finish in the 200 medley relay with another season-best time.

Top individual performances came from Cook who placed second in the 100 breaststroke and Edmondson placed third in the 100 butterfly.

Hook finished fourth in the 100 breaststroke, and Edmondson placed fifth in the 200 individual medley.

Mitchell, a newcomer to the team this year, has made an immediate impact on the relay teams, but he also posted a personal best time in the 50 freestyle and placed fifth in the 100 backstroke.

“Nate’s success is a result of his work ethic and desire to be a part of this team,” LaNoue said of Mitchell, who also is a track and soccer standout.

Another big all-around performance came from Jacob Sopher who clocked a 13-second personal record in the 100 freestyle and a 16-second personal record in the 50 freestyle.

Sopher also teamed with Cody Crider, Tony Smith and Thomas Hook to finish fifth in the 400 freestyle relay.

The Braves next compete Wednesday at Osawatomie.

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