The Bridgewater-Raritan High School boys’ swimming team entered the new winter season with a chip on its shoulder.

With one last chance to try and win the Panthers’ first state championship under the direction of fourth-year head coach Evan Seavey, its graduating Class of 2026 seniors can certainly attest to this.

Speed may win races, but depth ultimately wins meets.

When you match up elite high school swimming programs that possess both of these traits, along with excellent coaching, such as crosstown rivals Bridgewater-Raritan High School and Pingry School, overall talent may naturally set one team apart from the other.