This past weekend I ventured down to LBCC and Belmont Shore to observe the LB Poly Tournament. It was well run and had a bevy of teams with several standout performers.
La Jolla: Seniors Jackson Lloyd, AJ Schoenberger, and had their moments, especially Liam Flanagan who showed an explosive shot. However, it’s the underclassmen that caught my attention. Junior Tor Martin (brother Soren is at LMU) had some impressive finishes from center and sophomores Dexter Black (LH utility), Henry Glenister (LH center), Quinn Daniels (savvy attacker), and Lev Kevorkian (lengthy athlete), all showed college potential.
LB Wilson: The Bruins have a nice senior 1-2 punch in center Enzo Brigagliano (strong center) and attacker Eli Vance (all-around player). Juniors Keegan Abing (explosive attacker who can post-up) and Samson Casem (all-around attacker) had some impressive moments. Sophomore Vaughn Baker is a D1 prospect with a strong shot. HC Zac Polmanteer has other sophs (Pakal Rejon and Nico Tramantano) that have good-looking futures.
San Marcos: Senior Samuel Rich was one of the better goalies in the event. LMU commit Mateo Obando had many bright moments due to his explosiveness and live-arm. Junior Will Stuart impacted the game with his counter-attack, defense, and overall physical play. Junior Jake Magid had some solid moments and freshman Christian Yonker looks to be the next stud out of the program as he has the frame, speed, and scoring mentality to be a good one. AJ Scarborough did a solid job at center. Like the savvy of freshman Indiana Roth as well.
Westlake: Junior dominated team led by Christian Couch (aggressive attacker who can post-up) and all-around talent Noah Loo. Utility Max Illiev loves to grind on the 2-meter line while attacker Benet Fujikake plays with a bevy of moxie. Goalie Alexy Malkov is an ever-improving goalie. Zac Miller had some moments as well
Buena (Ventura): Another junior-dominated team that is on the come. Jack Pointner is one of the best juniors in the country who is a post-up nightmare for opponents. Junior River Davis is a jack-of-all-trades attacker and goalie Mack Munger is one of the better junior goalies in the state. Juniors Wyatt Munger and Nate Johnson had some solid moments scoring and facilitating.
Poway: One of the better centers in the event was senior Kyle Fox. Big frame, good hands, solid legs, and swims well for a center. Junior Kalen Preston was impressive working the 1/2 side and Ryan Bareno-Egan has some stellar moments as well.
Crean Lutheran: Senior utility Mark DiPinto (productive inside-out) leads a young squad consisting of a number of talented juniors, sophs, and a freshman. Junior Julian Amakasu is quick attacker with good speed. Sophomore center Connor McTaggart is productive at center showing good hands and a solid shot. Ethan Lee and Dillon Chanove are solid glue-types who move well. Freshman Jackson Ertel has a bright future as a C/D and/or utility. Junior transfer Charles Bowman (30-day sit-out) will provide more scoring punch from center.
Long Beach Poly: Senior goalie Sean Kerry (one of the better available goalies) is the backbone of the defense. Senior Emerson LaPorta is their best all-around player who is very athletic. William Morris, Gael Cruz, and Kyle Oatey had some good moments. Really like the upside of freshman Aiden Greenwood.
Servite, Portola, Palos Verdes, Torrey Pines, Mt. Carmel and Beckman will be added soon.