A strong contingent of visitors from North Thurston and North Kitsap kept the hosts from a combined Port Angeles, Sequim and Crescent prep gymnastics squad from defending its home venue this week.

Sweeping the first five spots, North Thurston dominated a four-team meet in Port Angeles on Jan. 20, racking up 173.30 points for first place.

North Kitsap was second (161.00) followed by Port Angeles (154.75) and Kingston (86.30).

Haley Smith of North Thurston took top honors in all around scoring with 36.75 points, winning the vault (9.50), floor (9.45) and beam (9.00) and placing second in bars (8.80).

Emma Sharp of Sequim was the top local gymnast in all-around scoring, placing seventh with 32.40 points. She tied for fourth on vault (8.30)

Backing Sharp’s efforts were Aiesha Latourette of Port Angeles, who placed 12th (31.45) including tie for second on the beam (8.90), followed by four Sequim gymnasts: Kori Miller in 13th (30.20), Lesea Pfeffer in 15th (30.10), Gracie Sharp in 16th (29.50) and Lainy Vig in 17th (28.10).

The prep squads head into the postseason in early February, with a 2A/3A sub-regional championship meet set for Feb. 6 at Auburn Mountainview High School in Auburn. Qualifying athletes advance to the West Central District 2A/3A meet held Feb. 15 at Kentlake High School in Kent.

The state finals are scheduled for Feb. 21 at Sammamish High School in Bellevue.