Pool of Champions: Walnut Hills' Boeres kicks off state meet with 1-meter diving title

Greater Cincinnati is typically well-represented among the top-tier swimmers and divers in Ohio. Follow along as The Enquirer tracks which athletes capture state championships at the OHSAA state swimming and diving tournament at Canton's C.T. Branin Natatorium Feb. 21-Feb. 25. 

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More:Ohio DI district swimming: McMullan leads St. Xavier to title, St. Ursula girls take 1st

Elleka Boeres, Walnut Hills

Walnut Hills has a 1-meter diving champion for the second consecutive season. Last February, Elizabeth Noble capped her prep career with a state diving title. On Wednesday, senior Elleka Boeres followed suit, claiming the top spot on the podium with a 441.60-point showing.

Boeres was a sectional runner-up (428.75 points) before capturing a district diving title (459.95). The senior was the No. 3 seed going into Canton behind Solon's Bethany Mercer and Marysville's Sophia Stamm. Boeres completed a big turnaround from last season, when she finished 10th at state in the 1-meter dive.

Cincinnati had a strong showing at the podium in the girls Division I diving. Mason's Langely Peterson, who edged Boeres for a sectional crown and was runner-up at the district meet, finished fourth (424.80). Ursuline's Savanna Bos finished sixth with 406.80 points.

Northern Kentucky Pool of Champions

The 2023 Kentucky High School Athletic Association state swimming and diving championships were held last weekend. From the Northern Kentucky side, Notre Dame senior Lainey Kruger ended her prep career with five state championships after claiming first-place in the 200 free and 100 breaststroke.

More:Pool of champions: Here are Northern Kentucky's swimming and diving champions