K-M GYMNASTICS: AT A GLANCE
• COACH: Rachel Hopkins, 6th year
• LAST YEAR: 8th in the SPSL North
• TOP RETURNERS: Juliana Adams, so., bars/beam; Jenna Crain, sr., vault.
• TOP NEWCOMERS: Mealyn Ngu, fr., all-around; Alizhae Hilsman, fr., floor, vault.
• GRADUATED: Nora Keith, four-time state medalist, is now attending Western Washington University.
• TEAM STRENGTH: Great numbers, including several youngsters who will make an immediate impact.
• TEAM WEAKNESS: Inexperience. In addition, Kent-Meridian practices at the Kent Phoenix Academy due to the high school’s gym renovation. The Phoenix Academy has little space — “It’s about half the size of an auxiliary gym,” Hopkins said — and, as such, limits what the Royals are able to accomplish during practice on a daily basis.
• OUTLOOK: Though K-M lost Keith to graduation, this is a team that’s unquestionably on the rise. Adams, a state participant last year, injured her right ankle in May competing with the track team and will be limited. However, the combination of Adams and Crain gives the Royals a strong one-two punch. Add in Ngu and Hilsman and the fact that 26 kids turned out, and there’s reason for optimism.
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