Level 7 Banner: Horse Race

Yes, it's a bit early to be counting any chickens regarding this year's State Championship banner in Level 7. However, since NH-USAG posted the results of the 1st Sectional, local gymnastics fans can do a bit of number crunching and score comparing to get at least a first glimpse at how things are shaping up.

How does it look? In a word: Close. Of the teams competing at the 1st Section, Phantom and OTW were clearly the leaders. Atlantic did not participate in the 1st Sectional, as their Level 7 Team was in Danbury, CT, at the Vitamin Water Invitational. From the Atlantic team's scores, it's clear that they would have been right up there with Phantom and OTW's Level 7 teams. An event-by-event summary follows.

On Vault -- It was pretty close. Rotation scores: Atlantic, 27.80, Phantom, 27.675, OTW, 27.625. Each team has a star vaulter and several solid gymnasts to back her up.

On Bars -- OTW was not at its strongest. Rotations: Atlantic 27.675, Phantom, 27.225, OTW 26.825. Still less than a point separating them, so still so close that every toe point and legs-together matters.

On Beam -- OTW was strongest on Beam. Rotations: OTW 27.55, Atlantic 26.25, Phantom 26.175. The OTW 7s were having a great day on Beam.

On Floor -- Atlantic and Phantom have some exceptional girls on Floor. Rotations: Atlantic 28.325, Phantom 28.10, OTW 27.325. Even with Phantom girls scoring 9.6s and Atlantic girls scoring 9.45s, our OTW 7s are not far behind. They're only a point back from the leader. Still close enough for every step-out to matter.

Bottom line? Atlantic would have had a team score of 110.05. OTW, a 109.375. Phantom, a 109.175. All less than a point apart! If this pace keeps up, gymnastics fans will have one heck of a horse race to watch for that banner.

Go Get 'Em OTW 7s! You can take 'em.