Leesville's 254 points edged Cap-8 Conference foes Enloe (246) and Millbrook (194). Panther Creek had to fend off multiple members from its own conference as well, as the Catamounts' 288 points bested Green Hope (261.5), defending state champion Apex (260), Cary (213) and Athens Drive (190).

The day had one major revelation, as Green Hope had four relay teams - all three boys teams and one girls - disqualified before competition began. The relays were disqualified because the times entered before the meet had the individual splits instead of the relay time.

The disqualified teams will not participate in Saturday's state championship, which is a damaging blow to two squads which figured to place in the top three (Green Hope boys and girls won Tri-Nine Conference titles, boys were second last year in 4A, girls were sixth) and contend for the title. Relays are worth up to 40 points each.

The 4A state championships will begin at 5 p.m. Saturday at the Triangle Aquatic Center in Cary.

The TAC is also hosting the 1A/2A state championships Friday at 5 p.m. and the 3A state championships Thursday at 5 p.m.

The diving championships are held the day before the swimming championships at the Pullen Aquatic Center in Raleigh. Those finals begin at 1:45 each day.