7s States Outlook?

by OTW's Chief Forecaster, Jim Nast

OTW's Level 7 Team had a good run at the second Sectional of the season. Their team total came in a 110.05, up from their first Sectional score of 109.55. At this meet, the 7s were strong on Vault and respectable on Bars. Beam had improved some since the first Sectional, but remains the team's weaker event. On Floor they were always strong, but managed to push things up just a little more. If they follow their current improvement curve, they could score in the high 110s. That's good, but will it be enough?

Atlantic, -- They have a strong Level 7 team this year. At this second Sectional, they put together a team score of 110.5. They made a lot of progress since the first Sectional, where they scored a 108.50. Their stars were clearly performing well, especially on Floor. Their Vault rotation score was good, as was their Bars score. Beam was their weaker event too, but a 27.35 for a rotation score is still respectable. Having a meet on your own home equipment does give a little edge, but how much? If they stay hot for States, the Atlantic 7s could score in the 111s. They don't have a lock on the banner, but they can't make any mistakes either. The competition is too close behind them.

TriStar -- The Dover gym has a sizable Level 7 team this year and they've been improving steadily. At this second Sectional, they scored a 109.14. This is up from the 106-something at the first Sectional, so the TriStar 7s is clearly heating up. If they keep that improvement, they too could be scoring in the 110s at States.

Several other gyms have smaller teams, which makes it much harder for them to get into the 110s. On a team of three, for example, each girl would have to score an average of 9.175 on every event. Do-able, sure, but no one could have a single "off" event.

So, what's the forecast? It looks like it will be a very close contest between OTW and Atlantic this season. Both have some seriously talented girls and enough depth to handle the occasional "off" routine. They both also have some issues on Beam, so it might come down to which team can tame that pesky Beam in time. But, don't count out Tristar. They've been coming up fast. This year's State Meet may be so close, it could come down to a toe-point, or a bent arm or a wobble. With a meet this close, who needs caffeine?!