Bethesda-Chevy Chase High has boasted the state's best gymnastics team for the past three years. There is every reason to believe the Barons can capture both the county and state meets once again this spring.

For starters, B-CC returns a strong lineup of all-around competitors, led by senior Ebony Walters, a level-10 gymnast who has received a full scholarship from the University of Maryland. Walters won the county and state titles two years ago, but was unable to defend those crowns because her grips broke at the 2009 county meet and she had to sit out the bars.

Veteran seniors Stephanie Golob (level 9, Preston Gymnastics Academy), Lydia Marks (level 8, Silver Stars Gymnastics), Abby Klein (level 8, Silver Stars) and Allegra Barnes rejoin Walters. Junior Julie Siegel is a level-8 gymnast at Silver Stars, and Julia Konner is the team's top newcomer; she is a level-9 gymnast at Apollo Gymnastics, Walters' club.

"We had a very interesting season last year with injuries and gymnasts sick with mono," Gazette Coach of the Year Dana Creager said. "We hope that we'll be healthier this year. Abby Klein, Stephanie Golob and Ebony are recovering from injuries from this past winter, but they all hope to be 100 percent for the high school season."

Blair, Walter Johnson and Sherwood look to battle the Barons for county supremacy. The Blazers, historically one of the county's less successful programs, came out of nowhere to take second place at last year's county and state meets.

With loads of talent coming back and coming in, Blazers coach Hillary Wynn, a former high school and club gymnast in Nebraska, believes this year's squad could accomplish similar things.

"This year, we have four senior captains and they are already showing to be great leaders," Wynn said. "They have already set standards in their workouts, and the kind of mindset they want for the team. Team spirit and unity is a big deal on the team."

Sophie Siedell, Claire Hoffman and Taylor Smith will lead the Blazers as all-around gymnasts. Siedell was an All-Gazette performer a year ago, placing fifth in the all-around at counties.

Walter Johnson slipped back to fourth place at last year's county meet but the Wildcats could improve on that finish with a total of five all-around gymnasts. Reigning Gazette Gymnast of the Year Shannon Mitchell captured the county all-around crown last spring as a sophomore.

"I think we will have a great season this year," said Walter Johnson coach Ursula Bright, a former Gaithersburg High gymnast. "I feel as a team we will be strong. Our goal is to win counties this year."

Sherwood placed fifth at last year's county meet but the Warriors had one of their stronger performances in recent years and look to do even better with numerous veterans returning and the addition of a trio of talented performers.

"Our goal this year is to improve on our skills and place much higher in the county," longtime Sherwood coach Gary Peters said. "Our strength is that willingness to try to improve and work hard."

Gaithersburg hopes to make a move up the standings as well, going from a team three years ago that had just enough gymnasts to compete to a squad filled with 26 competitors, including captains Tara Carter and Sara Toppe.

Blake, once a county powerhouse, lost both its coach and some talented gymnasts, leading to what could be a tough season for the Bengals. But they still have Monika Looney, who placed third in the all-around at counties.

Hanna Brande, a 2009 All-Gazette selection, leads a depleted Springbrook squad that may not have enough girls to field a full team.

Gymnastics 2010

-Top athletes: Ebony Walters, B-CC; Stephanie Golob, B-CC; Lydia Marks, B-CC; Hanna Brande, Springbrook; Liz Bofil, Sherwood; Sophie Siedell, Blair; Claire Hoffman, Blair; Taylor Smith, Blair; Shannon Mitchell, Walter Johnson; Emily Newcomb, Walter Johnson; Monika Looney, Blake; Tara Carter, Gaithersburg

-Favorite: Bethesda-Chevy Chase

-Right behind: Blair, Walter Johnson

-Darkhorse: Sherwood