Wilson, Poly win Moore openers at Varsity Showcase
LONG BEACH ❯❯ It was clear early in the Moore League Showcase why the Wilson boys water polo program has captured the past 15 Moore League championships.
Wilson scored on its first six shot attempts and the Bruins defense did not allow a shot until the second quarter en route to an 18-0 win over Lakewood as part of a two-match Moore League season opener at Cabrillo High School Wednesday.
“The strength of this team, I think, is our fitness, and defensive counter-attack is always going to be our focus,” Wilson coach Zac Polmanteer said. “I think we try to outlast our opponent more than anything.”
Wilson (8-6, 1-0) had 12 players tally at least one goal, with Enzo Brigagliano scoring a team-high five.
Wilson's Hank Sander chipped in two goals, including one before the end of the first quarter to give his team a 7-0 advantage.
“A bunch of different (scorers) means more options,” Brigagliano said. “With different angles to shoot at … it makes (the offense) more diverse.”
Lakewood (4-4, 0-1) trailed by double digits before Justin Munoz produced the Lancers' first shot attempt at the 4:48 mark in the second.
“Everything is possession by possession and trying to take those little victories — whether it's getting open, whether it's a good release, whether it's a good defensive possession, whether it's moving the ball,” Lakewood coach Dylan Thompson said. “So all those little things that are going to help our team build and continue to grow and compete.”
It was a light workload for Bruins goalkeeper Ace Dumont, who made two saves in the first half, including one in the final minute, before sitting out the second half.
Lakewood goalkeeper Adam Florek had two saves.
Wilson's pressure defense limited opportunities by making it tough for Lakewood to connect entry passes in the middle of the pool and around the goal throughout the contest.
“It's our everything,” Polmanteer said of the defensive effort. “You've got to live and die by stopping the other team from scoring, and I think having a lot of respect for yourself means getting stops. Our purpose is always secure the ball, know where the ball is and be the first one to the ball.”
Leading by 16 at the half, the Bruins tacked on goals by Evan Morisky and Antonio Loria-Apuzzo while mostly milking the clock over the final 14 minutes.
Poly outlasts Millikan
Poly got four goals and two assists from Markus Cruz in an 11-7 win over Millikan on Wednesday.
Poly (10-6, 1-0) maintained a four-goal advantage for most of the second half.
Poly coach Ishmael Pluton said there were a number of “missed opportunities” to put the game out of reach sooner.
“A couple unlucky bounces or catch-andshoots that we chose the wrong spot on goal to shoot at,” Pluton said. “I think, overall, I'm pleased with my team's defense.
“When we're smart and playing our press defense, that kind of made it difficult for Millikan to move the ball. … When we denied that easy ball movement, that's when we went back into our swing and our momentum carried through that.”
Millikan (4-14, 0-1) pulled within two goals on a pair of occasions in the third, including with Scout KnightPheng's goal at the 3:51 mark, but got no closer.
Rams goalkeeper Mazen Mendoza made nine saves, including four in the second quarter, to keep Millikan within striking distance.
Nathan Huber had three goals to pace the Rams attack.
Millikan coach Randy Wright chalked the result up to struggles with turnovers in transition.
“You get back within two and you give one up, you're right back in that threehole again,” Wright said. “I thought we were a little tentative, goal play was tentative in the first quarter.”
The Jackrabbits pushed the lead to five on Cruz's final goal inside the final minute of the fourth.
Cruz said the Jackrabbits, himself included, were “trying to do a little too much” early on.
“We were just playing very sloppy and (had) tunnel vision,” Cruz said. “I think we were able to press them out (defensively), hold the ball at one side and not let it swing.”