2015 Water Polo

[thedutchman]

Now with high school swimming over, what are the thoughts for next year's Water Polo? SC looks quite formidable given what they have back. While it's true they will need to replace their all state goalie most of their attack returns. Last year their first 2 lines played about equal. They also had a strong JV. Does anyone see a challenge to a 3peat for them? Any chance they'll travel east and play the Pennsylvania schools? Will they play the top teams in Michigan? If so, how will they do? Who else will be strong this fall with the capability of challenging SC? Seems like Mason who was a strong number 2 last year lost most of their top players. How does X look. They seem to be the one team that can match SC's numbers. And if last year is any indication they will continue to build their schedule to take on the top out of state teams from Michigan and Pennsylvania. How about St. Francis and Thomas? Looks like UA has most of their team back. They did lose their top player, can they challenge for the title? Are there others who are up a coming?

 

[aquacard]

SC has to be considered the odds on favorite this year. Their number 2 goalie last year was very good. Would not be surprised to see him considered for all tournament honors this year. dutchman is correct that they do have most of their attack back. Ward & Sugar their strongest offensive players return. That said, they still have to prove it in the water. Would not be surprised to see them start slow. That's not uncommon with Gear's teams. Generally, he spends most of the regular season experimenting with lineups. Typically SC plays its best polo in the tournament.

How do things look from a growth standpoint? Are there any new teams expected this year? Hopefully, all the teams competing last year will return.

 

[mukisa]

How do things look from a growth standpoint? Are there any new teams expected this year? Hopefully, all the teams competing last year will return.

Not aware of any new teams, but there are some seeds being planted. Moose will be expanding to M.E. Lyons YMCA this summer, and building a 14&U program - along with a few other sites as well. The Y though is an interesting spot, as it has Turpin, Anderson, and even Mariemont as very close schools...all with a pool and strong swimming. Long term it could lead to something, but we expect this to become a year round opportunity out there.

Also not aware of any teams that are not competing. There are some number issues at some teams, but hopefully that can be worked out.

 

[mukisa]

This weekend is National Team Selection Camp (NTSC) for girls. We did not have any Ohio boys make it, but we did get 2 Ohio girls that made the camp. Arija Walsh - JR Milford and Camille Nguyen - SO Mason were selected as top 48 in the nation for their age group.

Camp ends Monday afternoon, and if they make the cut they will be on the national team for their age group. Pretty exciting stuff all around!

 

[mukisa]

A new event is coming to our zone this year...

Wednesday July 8th there is a recruiting combine being hosted in Pittsburgh for rising Jr's and Sr's. There are currently over 20 colleges from around the nation that will be in attendance, and they are working on adding more to that list. Pretty awesome for our zone putting something like this together!