We want you, our readers, to help us pick the teams to beat across the state.
OCEAN COUNTY -- Which Ocean County cheer squad's got the highest kicks, coolest stunts and loudest cheers? We're relying on NJ.com readers to help us decide.
Andrea Owings, a cheerleading coach from Mount Ephraim in her 24th season, said a lot goes into making a team great.
"Coaches have to keep a lot of things in mind -- stunt and tumbling ability, routine organization, how it's all put together, clean choreography," she said. "It's got to be not sloppy, and there has to be a good energy."
While it may seem to be all smiles and flips, cheerleading season is months of hard work. Owings said her team practices three times a week for 21/2 hours each day.
So, how does your squad stack up?
Show us your school spirit by dropping a note in our comments section to let us know who's got the best team and why. Tell us what makes that team stand out -- like the best dance routine, the most energetic cheers or the most creativity -- and we'll combine your votes with competition scores to choose the best squad in the county.
Nominations can be made starting now until Wednesday, May 31.
We'll then post the results for each county in a story about the best high school cheerleading teams from across the state.
For now, throw in your two cents. Which team is better than the rest?
Marisa Iati may be reached at miati@njadvancemedia.com. Follower her on Twitter @Marisa_Iati or on Facebook here. Find NJ.com on Facebook.
Caitlyn Stulpin may be reached at cstulpin@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @caitstulpin. Find NJ.com on Facebook.