Prichard Is Dominating for Buena

Ian Prichard of Buena High blazed through the 500-yard freestyle in 4:24.78 in the Southern Section Division I boys’ swimming preliminaries Thursday at Belmont Plaza Pool in Long Beach.

Prichard’s effort was almost nine seconds faster than second-place qualifier Juan Veloz of Mission Viejo. Prichard was almost as impressive in the 200 freestyle, where he also clocked the fastest time in 1:38.86. Taylor Horne of Dana Hills was second in 1:42.53.

With most events dominated by Orange County swimmers, Prichard’s times were among the top three in the nation this year and All-American standards.

Westlake swimmer Elliot Myhre qualified for the 50 free finals, placing seventh in 22.40.

Westlake’s 400 free relay team also qualified in 3:19.83.

In the Division I girls’ preliminaries, Jana Richardson of Ventura qualified with the second-fastest times in the 100 (52.05) and 200 free (1:51.72).

Freshman Sarah Bultema of Westlake placed fourth in the 100 butterfly in 58.66.

Grace Peterson of Ventura clocked 5:04.07 to qualify seventh in the 500 free and Calley Prezzano of Westlake clocked 1:01.00 to qualify in the 100 backstroke.

Division I finals start at 6:30 tonight.