Brandon’s boys swimming team is off to a strong start this season.
The Blackhawks defeated Auburn Hills Avondale in a Dec. 13 home meet 100-85 to improve their season mark to 3-0. Brandon had previously defeated Clio and Flint Southwestern Academy.
Brandon jumped off to an early 8-6 lead in the 200 yard medley relay, as the team of Tyler Walls, Tyson DeLandsheer, Brad MacIntyre and Josh Collier won that event in 2:00.
However, the Yellow Jackets pulled ahead with wins in the 200 yard freestyle and the 200 yard IM. That would be the last time Avondale led in the meet.
In the 50 yard freestyle, the Blackhawks finished in the top three spots to take command of the meet for good. Tyler Cole (26.26), Collier (26.41) and MacIntyre (26.82) led the pack in that event.
That pattern continued in the diving competition, where Zach Cotton (154.65), Dylan Richards (103.7) and David Donnay (93.65) finished in the top three spots.
Although Avondale won the next four events ? the 100 yard freestyle, 500 yard freestyle, 200 yard freestyle relay and 100 yard backstroke ? it was not enough to overtake the Blackhawks.
Brandon’s other event victory came in the 100 yard breaststroke, where DeLandsheer (1:12.31) and Kyle Larner (1:21.19) took the first two places.
The Blackhawks were scheduled to take on White Lake Lakeland Friday, Dec. 16 in a home meet. After that, they are off for Christmas break, returning to action at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 3 when they host Swartz Creek.