Unofficial Rankings for the Boys' 2024 High School Season

High School - Boys
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Congratulations to Newport Harbor for winning the Elite 8 Tournament, winning every game by at least 5 goals and outscoring their opponents by 46 goals. Games of note this week include Newport vs. Loyola, Newport vs. Cathedral Catholic, JSerra vs. Mater Dei, Sacred Heart vs. Bellarmine, De La Salle vs. Bellarmine, Miramonte vs. Oaks Christian, Miramonte vs. Mater Dei, Campolindo vs. Redwood, and Redwood vs. Archie Williams.

My unofficial rankings for the week ending October 5 follow below.

Top 20

  1. Newport Harbor (19-0). Last week, Newport beat Los Alamitos 21-4 and won the Elite 8 Tournament, beating Loyola 16-7, Cathedral Catholic 8-3, Harvard-Westlake 20-5, Oaks Christian 13-5 in the semifinals, and Harvard-Westlake 16-7 in the finals. Earlier in the season, Newport won the South Coast Tournament. Newport plays Loyola on Wednesday and Cathedral Catholic on Saturday.

  2. JSerra (15-2). Last week, JSerra beat Orange Lutheran 21-3 and finished 3rd in the Elite 8 Tournament, beating Bishop’s 14-11, beating Sacred Heart 12-5, beating Oaks Christian 13-12 in overtime, losing to Harvard-Westlake 11-10 in overtime in the semifinals, and beating Oaks Christian 13-9 in the 3rd place game. Earlier in the season, JSerra finished 2nd in the South Coast Tournament. JSerra plays Mater Dei on Wednesday.

  3. Harvard-Westlake (12-6). Last week, Harvard-Westlake finished 2nd in the Elite 8 Tournament, beating Cathedral Catholic 20-19 in overtime, beating Loyola 13-11 in overtime, losing to Newport Harbor 20-5, beating JSerra 11-10 in overtime in the semifinals, and losing to Newport 16-7 in the finals. Earlier in the season, Harvard-Westlake finished 4th in the South Coast Tournament. Harvard-Westlake doesn’t play this week.

  4. Oaks Christian (11-6). Last week, Oaks Christian beat Westlake 10-5 and finished 4th in the Elite 8 Tournament, beating Sacred Heart 10-9, beating Bishop’s 12-9, losing to JSerra 13-12 in overtime, losing to Newport 13-5 in the semifinals, and losing to JSerra 13-9 in the 3rd place game. Earlier in the season, Oaks Christian finished third in the South Coast Tournament. Oaks Christian plays Newbury Park and Miramonte on Thursday.

  5. Cathedral Catholic (12-4). Last week, Cathedral Catholic beat La Jolla 12-6 and finished 5th in the Elite 8 Tournament, losing to Harvard-Westlake 20-19 in overtime, losing to Newport Harbor 8-3, beating Loyola 17-9, beating Bishop’s 13-7, and beating Loyola 14-9 in the 5th place game. Earlier in the season, Cathedral Catholic finished 9th in the South Coast Tournament. Cathedral Catholic plays Coronado on Wednesday and Newport Harbor on Saturday.

  6. Corona del Mar (17-4). Last week, Corona del Mar beat Marina 1-0 (presumably a forfeited game) and Yucaipa 13-10. Earlier in the season, Corona del Mar won the Santa Barbara Invitational, finished 8th in the South Coast Tournament, and won the S&R Sport Tournament. Corona del Mar plays Fountain Valley on Wednesday.

  7. Mater Dei (13-5). Last week, Mater Dei beat Servite 11-9. Earlier in the season, Mater Dei finished 2nd in the Santa Barbara Invitational and 5th in the South Coast Tournament. Mater Dei plays JSerra on Wednesday and Miramonte on Saturday.

  8. De La Salle (7-3). De La Salle didn’t play last week. Earlier in the season, De La Sale finished 6th in the South Coast Tournament. De La Salle plays San Ramon Valley on Tuesday, Amador Valley on Thursday, and Bellarmine on Friday.

  9. Campolindo (11-2). Last week, Campolindo beat Miramonte 10-9 and Bellarmine 16-11. Earlier in the season, Campolindo finished 13th in the South Coast Tournament. Campolindo plays Redwood on Tuesday and Northgate on Wednesday.

  10. Miramonte (6-4). Last week, Miramonte lost to Campolindo 10-9. Earlier in the season, Miramonte finished 7th in the South Coast Tournament. Miramonte plays Acalanes on Wednesday, Oaks Christian on Thursday, Santa Margarita on Friday, and Mater Dei on Saturday.

  11. Loyola (8-9). Last week, Loyola beat Huntington Beach 11-6 and finished 6th in the Elite 8 Tournament, losing to Newport Harbor 16-7, losing to Harvard-Westlake 13-11 in overtime, losing to Cathedral Catholic 17-9, beating Sacred Heart 15-5, and losing to Cathedral Catholic 14-9 in the 5th place game. Earlier in the season, Loyola finished 12th in the South Coast Tournament. Loyola plays Newport Harbor on Wednesday.

  12. Sacred Heart Prep (8-7). Last week, Sacred Heart beat Serra 16-5 and finished 8th in the Elite 8 Tournament, losing to Oaks Christian 10-9, losing to JSerra 12-5, beating Bishop’s 14-12, losing to Loyola 15-5, and losing to Bishop’s 12-11 in the 7th place game. Earlier in the season, Sacred Heart finished 10th in the South Coast Tournament. Sacred Heart plays Bellarmine on Tuesday.

  13. Bishop’s (8-9). Last week, Bishop’s beat Coronado 19-4 and finished 7th in the Elite 8 Tournament, losing to JSerra 14-11, losing to Oaks Christian 12-9, losing to Sacred Heart 14-12, losing to Cathedral Catholic 13-7, and beating Sacred Heart 12-11 in the 7th place game. Earlier in the season, Bishop’s finished 11th in the South Coast Tournament. Bishop’s plays La Jolla on Wednesday.

  14. Foothill (13-6). Last week, Foothill beat Crean Lutheran 15-13 and Huntington Beach 11-8. Earlier in the season, Foothill finished 14th in the South Coast Tournament and 2nd in the S&R Sport Tournament. Foothill plays Brea Olinda on Tuesday, Mira Costa on Wednesday, and Palos Verdes on Saturday.

  15. Archie Williams (11-1). Last week, Archie Williams beat Terra Linda 15-10 and Davis 13-6. Earlier in the season, Archie Williams finished 5th in the Santa Barbara Invitational. Archie Williams plays San Domenico on Tuesday and Redwood on Thursday.

  16. Westlake (14-4). Last week, Westlake lost to Oaks Christian 10-5 and beat Mira Costa 13-11. Earlier in the season, Westlake finished 3rd in the Santa Barbara Invitational. Westlake plays Calabasas on Tuesday, Agoura on Thursday, and Polytechnic on Saturday.

  17. Bellarmine (8-7). Last week, Bellarmine beat Mitty 9-4 and lost to Campolindo 16-11. Earlier in the season, Bellarmine finished 4th in the Santa Barbara Invitational and 15th in the South Coast Tournament. Bellarmine plays Sacred Heart on Tuesday and De La Salle on Friday.

  18. Redwood (12-1). Last week, Redwood beat San Domenico 12-4. Earlier in the season, Redwood won the Roche Invitational and finished 3rd in the S&R Sport Tournament. Redwood plays San Marin on Monday, Campolindo on Tuesday, Archie Williams on Thursday, and is the No. 1 seed in the Battle of the Creek Tournament.

  19. La Jolla (16-4). Last week, La Jolla lost to Cathedral Catholic 12-6. Earlier in the season, La Jolla finished 4th in the Roche Invitational and won the America’s Finest City Tournament. La Jolla plays Valhalla on Tuesday and Bishop’s on Wednesday.

  20. San Marcos (13-6). Last week, San Marcos lost to Buena 10-8 and beat Ventura 13-7. Earlier in the season, San Marcos finished 8th in the Santa Barbara Invitational and 17th in the South Coast Tournament. San Marcos plays Dos Pueblos on Tuesday and Rio Mesa on Thursday.

SoCal Top 10

  1. Newport Harbor
  2. JSerra
  3. Harvard-Westlake
  4. Oaks Christian
  5. Cathedral Catholic
  6. Corona del Mar
  7. Mater Dei
  8. Loyola
  9. Bishop’s
  10. Foothill

NorCal Top 10

  1. De La Salle
  2. Campolindo
  3. Miramonte
  4. Sacred Heart
  5. Archie Williams
  6. Bellarmine
  7. Redwood
  8. St. Francis (12-3). Last week, St. Francis beat Menlo 15-14 in overtime and Los Altos 17-8. Earlier in the season, St. Francis finished 5th in the Santa Barbara Invitational and won the St. Francis Invitational. St. Francis plays Valley Christian on Wednesday and Los Gatos on Friday.
  9. Menlo (13-5). Last week, Menlo lost to St. Francis 15-14 in overtime and beat Terra Linda 15-10. Earlier in the season, Menlo finished 2nd in the Roche Invitational and 3rd in the America’s Finest City Tournament. Menlo plays St. Ignatius on Wednesday.
  10. Rio Americano (13-2). Last week, Rio Americano beat Inderkum 18-3. Earlier in the season, Rio Americano finished 3rd in the Roche Invitational and 2nd in the America’s Finest City Tournament. Rio Americano plays Woodcreek on Tuesday and Davis on Thursday.

Top 10 Private Schools

  1. JSerra
  2. Harvard-Westlake
  3. Oaks Christian
  4. Cathedral Catholic
  5. Mater Dei
  6. De La Salle
  7. Loyola
  8. Sacred Heart
  9. Bishop’s
  10. Bellarmine

Top 10 Public Schools

  1. Newport Harbor
  2. Corona del Mar
  3. Campolindo
  4. Miramonte
  5. Foothill
  6. Archie Williams
  7. Westlake
  8. Redwood
  9. La Jolla
  10. San Marcos

Last week, I offered one point to the first person who told us which coach of a school shown in my top 20 list was a CIF Southern Section Division 1 player or co-player of the year. I offered a bonus point to the first person who told us where this coach played water polo in college. One point to nic for correctly telling us that De La Salle coach Robby Arroyo was a Southern Section Division 1 player or co-player of the year. Arroyo shared the award with Tony Azevedo in 1997. One point to nic for correctly telling us that Arroyo played college water polo for Cal.

Just for the heck of it. Two points to the person who names the best all-time American team comprised of all left-handers. Each team must have a goalie, at least one center, and five other field players. Participants in this contest may select players who have been selected by other participants.

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Craig Wilson
Chris Humbert
Eric Lindroth
Kevin Robertson
Craig Klass
Peter Varellas

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nic is having technical difficulties, so he asked me to make the following correction to his all-time American left-handed team:

Craig Wilson
Chris Humbert
Eric Lindroth
Kevin Robertson
Craig Klass
Peter Varellas
Alex Rousseau

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Does anyone know if CIFSS will post any rankings? the Polocoach site has not been updated in 2 weeks so that is not helpful. CIF has posted tennis and volleyball rankings but nothing for water polo. As teams finish out their seasons with mostly league matches one would expect the rankings will not shift around too much in the next 2.5 weeks.

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I know it is difficult to get coaches to, let’s say “promptly,” input their scores into CIF Home, but doesn’t that ultimately fall on CIF to enforce some type of penalty, even if it’s like a 2 warning system? Is it too much to have a biweekly check on who has/hasn’t input scores and issue a warning? Third time you don’t go to CIF? Seems harsh, but shouldn’t there be some accountability on the coach/AD? It takes at most 60 seconds to login and input the score on my phone.

It is crazy we’re almost at the end of the season and we’ve had no rankings whatsoever to go off of from CIF. Always open to hear what you all have to say on the issue and possible solutions as well.

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Redwood looked very solid at the S & R Cup. Good junior goalie, big bodies, and some young up-and-coming talent.

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CIF-SDS has pulled down access to their “power rankings” for Water Polo since yesterday. Cifsds power rankings - CIF San Diego
Volleyball and Field Hockey remain accessible. :face_with_monocle:

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The boys’ high school water polo schedule for the week of October 13 includes the North vs. South Challenge (one of the three most prestigious in-season tournaments), the Memorial Cup, and the Steve Pal Memorial Tournament. Eleven of the teams ranked in my top 12 will participate in the North vs. South Challenge. Corona del Mar, the only team ranked in my top 12 that will not participate in the North vs. South Challenge, is the No. 1 seed in the Memorial Cup. Four other teams in my Top 20 will participate in the Memorial Cup. This week’s action also includes Thursday’s North vs. South Challenge showcase games: Harvard-Westlake vs. De La Salle, Cathedral Catholic vs. Campolindo, Sacred Heart vs. Mater Dei, Newport Harbor vs. Greenwich, JSerra vs. Miramonte, Loyola vs. Punahou, and Cathedral Catholic vs. Tamalpais. Other games of note include Westlake vs. San Marcos, Bellarmine vs. Menlo, and Menlo vs. Redwood.

My unofficial rankings for the week ending October 12 follow below.

Top 20

  1. Newport Harbor (21-0). Last week, Newport beat Loyola 14-3 and Cathedral Catholic 12-8. Earlier in the season, Newport won the South Coast Tournament and the Elite 8 Tournament. This week, Newport plays Huntington Beach on Wednesday, plays Greenwich in a North vs. South Challenge showcase game (Showcase Game) on Thursday, and is the No. 1 seeded Southern California team in the North vs. South Challenge.

  2. JSerra (16-2). Last week, JSerra beat Mater Dei 14-9. Earlier in the season, JSerra finished 2nd in the South Coast Tournament and 3rd in the Elite 8 Tournament. This week, JSerra plays Santa Margarita on Wednesday, plays Miramonte in a Showcase Game on Thursday, and is the No. 2 seeded Southern California team in the North vs. South Challenge.

  3. Harvard-Westlake (12-6). Harvard-Westlake didn’t play last week. Earlier in the season, Harvard-Westlake finished 4th in the South Coast Tournament and 2nd in the Elite 8 Tournament. This week, Harvard-Westlake plays De La Salle in a Showcase Game on Thursday, and is the No. 3 seeded Southern California team in the North vs. South Challenge.

  4. Oaks Christian (13-6). Last week, Oaks Christian beat Newbury Park 24-6 and Miramonte 12-9. Earlier in the season, Oaks Christian finished 3rd in the South Coast Tournament and 4th in the Elite 8 Tournament. This week, Oaks Christian plays Agoura on Tuesday and is the No. 4 seeded Southern California team in the North vs. South Challenge. Oaks Christian is not playing in a Showcase Game.

  5. Cathedral Catholic (13-5). Last week, Cathedral Catholic beat Coronado 15-6 and lost to Newport Harbor 12-8. Earlier in the season, Cathedral Catholic finished 9th in the South Coast Tournament and 5th in the Elite 8 Tournament. This week, Cathedral Catholic plays Campolindo and Tamalpais in Showcase Games on Thursday, and is the No. 5 seeded Southern California team in the North vs. South Challenge.

  6. Corona del Mar (18-4). Last week, Corona del Mar beat Fountain Valley 25-8. Earlier in the season, Corona del Mar won the Santa Barbara Invitational, finished 8th in the South Coast Tournament, and won the S&R Sport Tournament. This week, Corona del Mar plays Los Alamitos on Wednesday and is the No. 1 seed in the Memorial Cup.

  7. Mater Dei (14-6). Last week, Mater Dei lost to JSerra 14-9 and beat Miramonte 14-13. Earlier in the season, Mater Dei finished 2nd in the Santa Barbara Invitational and 5th in the South Coast Tournament. This week, Mater Dei plays St. John Bosco on Wednesday, plays Sacred Heart in a Showcase Game on Thursday, and is the No. 6 seeded Southern California team in the North vs. South Challenge.

  8. De La Salle (10-3). Last week, De La Salle beat San Ramon Valley 13-8, Amador Valley 17-10, and Bellarmine 16-12. Earlier in the season, De La Sale finished 6th in the South Coast Tournament. This week, De La Salle plays St. Ignatius on Monday, plays Foothill (Contra Costa County) on Tuesday, plays Harvard-Westlake in a Showcase Game on Thursday, and is the No. 3 seeded Northern California team in the North vs. South Challenge.

  9. Campolindo (12-3). Last week, Campolindo lost to Redwood 14-13 and beat Northgate 15-9. Earlier in the season, Campolindo finished 13th in the South Coast Tournament. This week, Campolindo plays College Park on Wednesday, plays Cathedral Catholic in a Showcase Game on Thursday, and is the No. 2 seeded Northern California team in the North vs. South Challenge.

  10. Miramonte (8-6). Last week, Miramonte beat Acalanes 20-4, lost to Oaks Christian 12-9, beat Santa Margarita 16-14 in overtime, and lost to Mater Dei 14-13. Earlier in the season, Miramonte finished 7th in the South Coast Tournament. Miramonte plays Tamalpais on Monday, plays Las Lomas on Wednesday, plays JSerra in a Showcase Game on Thursday, and is the No. 4 seeded Northern California team in the North vs. South Challenge.

  11. Sacred Heart Prep (9-7). Last week, Sacred Heart beat Bellarmine 9-5. Earlier in the season, Sacred Heart finished 10th in the South Coast Tournament and 8th in the Elite 8 Tournament. Sacred Heart plays St. Ignatius on Wednesday, plays Mater Dei in a Showcase Game on Thursday, and is the No. 1 seeded Northern California team in the North vs. South Challenge.

  12. Loyola (8-10). Last week, Loyola lost to Newport Harbor 14-3. Earlier in the season, Loyola finished 12th in the South Coast Tournament and 6th in the Elite 8 Tournament. This week, Loyola plays Mira Costa on Tuesday, plays Punahou in a Showcase Game on Thursday, and is the No. 7 seeded Southern California team in the North vs. South Challenge.

  13. Bishop’s (9-9). Last week, Bishop’s beat La Jolla 13-11. Earlier in the season, Bishop’s finished 11th in the South Coast Tournament and 7th in the Elite 8 Tournament. This week, Bishop’s is the No. 3 seed in the Memorial Cup.

  14. Foothill (16-6). Last week, Foothill beat Brea Olinda 13-8, Mira Costa 13-7, and Palos Verdes 14-7. Earlier in the season, Foothill finished 14th in the South Coast Tournament and 2nd in the S&R Sport Tournament. This week, Foothill is the No. 2 seed in the Memorial Cup.

  15. Archie Williams (13-1). Last week, Archie Williams beat San Domenico 14-3 and Redwood 12-9. Earlier in the season, Archie Williams finished 5th in the Santa Barbara Invitational. This week, Archie Williams plays Novato on Monday, plays San Ramon Valley on Tuesday, and is the No. 5 seed in the Memorial Cup.

  16. Redwood (18-2). Last week, Redwood beat San Marin 16-8, beat Campolindo 14-13, lost to Archie Williams 12-9, and won the Battle in the Creek Tournament, beating Mid-Pacific 15-6, Monte Vista 15-4 in the quarterfinals, Harker 11-8 in the semifinals, and College Park 9-7 in the finals. Earlier in the season, Redwood won the Roche Invitational and finished 3rd in the S&R Sport Tournament. Redwood plays Marin Catholic on Tuesday and Menlo on Friday.

  17. Westlake (16-4). Last week, Westlake beat Calabasas 24-4 and Agoura 16-11. Earlier in the season, Westlake finished 3rd in the Santa Barbara Invitational. This week, Westlake plays San Marcos on Wednesday, plays Newbury Park on Thursday, and is the No. 2 seed in the Steve Pal Memorial Tournament.

  18. Bellarmine (8-9). Last week, Bellarmine lost to Sacred Heart 9-5 and De La Salle 16-12. Earlier in the season, Bellarmine finished 4th in the Santa Barbara Invitational and 15th in the South Coast Tournament. This week, Bellarmine plays Menlo on Wednesday and is the No. 4 seed in the Memorial Cup.

  19. La Jolla (17-5). Last week, La Jolla beat Valhalla 14-6 and lost to Bishop’s 13-11. Earlier in the season, La Jolla finished 4th in the Roche Invitational and won the America’s Finest City Tournament. La Jolla plays Coronado on Wednesday.

  20. San Marcos (15-6). Last week, San Marcos beat Dos Pueblos 9-4 and Rio Mesa 19-13. Earlier in the season, San Marcos finished 8th in the Santa Barbara Invitational and 17th in the South Coast Tournament. This week, San Marcos plays Oxnard on Tuesday, plays Westlake on Wednesday, plays Santa Barbara on Thursday, and is the No. 3 seed in the Steve Pal Memorial Tournament.

SoCal Top 10

  1. Newport Harbor
  2. JSerra
  3. Harvard-Westlake
  4. Oaks Christian
  5. Cathedral Catholic
  6. Corona del Mar
  7. Mater Dei
  8. Loyola
  9. Bishop’s
  10. Foothill

NorCal Top 10

  1. De La Salle
  2. Campolindo
  3. Miramonte
  4. Sacred Heart Prep
  5. Archie Williams
  6. Redwood
  7. Bellarmine
  8. St. Francis (14-3). Last week, St. Francis beat Valley Christian 21-9 and Los Gatos 8-4. Earlier in the season, St. Francis finished 5th in the Santa Barbara Invitational and won the St. Francis Invitational. This week, St. Francis plays Mitty on Wednesday and is the No. 6 seed in the Memorial Cup.
  9. Menlo (15-5). Last week, Menlo beat St. Ignatius 11-7 and Santa Cruz 11-7. Earlier in the season, Menlo finished 2nd in the Roche Invitational and 3rd in the America’s Finest City Tournament. Menlo plays Bellarmine on Wednesday and Redwood on Friday.
  10. Too close to call

Top 10 Private Schools

  1. JSerra
  2. Harvard-Westlake
  3. Oaks Christian
  4. Cathedral Catholic
  5. Mater Dei
  6. De La Salle
  7. Sacred Heart Prep
  8. Loyola
  9. Bishop’s
  10. Bellarmine

Top 10 Public Schools

  1. Newport Harbor
  2. Corona del Mar
  3. Campolindo
  4. Miramonte
  5. Foothill
  6. Archie Williams
  7. Redwood
  8. Westlake
  9. La Jolla
  10. San Marcos

Last week, I offered two points to the person who named the best all-time American team comprised of left-handers who played during the period from the mid-1960s to the present. Each team was required to have a goalie, at least one center, and five other field players. Two points to nic for selecting this team:

Craig Wilson
Craig Klass
Chris Humbert
Eric Lindroth
Alex Rosseau
Kevin Robertson
Peter Varellas

Here is my all-time 13-man team comprised of American left-handers who played during the period from the mid-1960s to the present:

Craig Wilson – goalie (UCSB, 1x NCAA champion, 3x Olympian, Hall of Fame)
Chris Humbert – center (Cal, 3x NCAA champion, 2x NCAA POY, 3x Olympian, Hall of Fame)
Eric Lindroth – center (UCLA, 3x NCAA champion, 2x Olympian, Hall of Fame)
Craig Klass – center/center defender (Stanford, 2x NCAA champion, 2x Olympian, Hall of Fame)
Alex Rousseau – center/attacker (UCLA, 2x Olympian, Hall of Fame)
Kevin Robertson – attacker (Cal, 1x NCAA champion, 1x NCAA POY, 3x Olympian, Hall of Fame)
Peter Varellas – attacker (Stanford, 1x NCAA champion, 2x Olympian, Hall of Fame)

McGuin Baron – goalie (USC, 1x Cutino Award Winner, 1x Olympian)
Russ Hafferkamp – center/attacker/center defender (UCSB, Hall of Fame)
Bruce Bradley – attacker (UCLA, 3x unofficial NCAA champion (1965-67), 2x Olympian, Hall of Fame)
Jeremy Laster – attacker (Stanford, 2x NCAA champion, 1x Olympian)
Nikola Vavic – attacker (USC, 4x NCAA champion, 2x NCAA POY, should have been on the 2016 Olympic team)
Ryder Roberts – attacker (UCLA, 2x NCAA champion, should have been on multiple Olympic teams)

Just for the heck of it. One point to anyone who explains why there have been so many elite American left-handed centers compared to the number of elite American left-handed attackers. A bonus point to anyone who can name five American right-handed centers as good or better than the five American left-handed centers in my list.

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https://polocoach.com/cifss/ratingsreport.php

Updated as of 5pm 10/13. Still all quiet on the CIFSS front and expect it to be that way until brackets are released

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Yeah it would be nice to know at least what the bracket size will be for each division. They released a playoff bulletin with no mention of bracket size.

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113

The score of the Oaks Christian vs. Newbury Park game of Thurs., Oct. 10 has now been posted. It was Oaks Christian 24, Newbury Park 6.

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If I am reading this correctly that means 4 groups of 3 with the top two from each group being reseeded into a top 8?

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And I know this is a little off topic, but was there ever any explanation as to why CIF didn’t give us the original Massey ratings prior to the start of the season like they in years past? I know it wouldn’t have mattered as they would have changed, but the fact Water Polo went the entire season with nothing is hilarious.

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Right handed centers
Terry Schroeder
Jody Campbell
Ryan Bailey
John Mann
Ben Hallock

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Congratulations to Newport Harbor for winning the North vs. South Challenge, The Bishop’s School for winning the Memorial Cup, and Buena for winning the Steve Pal Memorial Tournament. This week’s action includes JSerra vs. Oaks Christian, Oaks Christian vs. Westlake, Harvard Westlake vs. Loyola, Cathedral Catholic vs. Bishop’s, De La Salle vs. Sacred Heart, De La Salle vs. St. Francis, Sacred Heart vs. St. Francis, and Miramonte vs. Archie Williams. Wednesday is the final day of regular-season competition for schools in the CIF’s Southern Section.

My unofficial rankings for the week ending October 19 follow below. I have four teams tied for 19th.

Top 20

  1. Newport Harbor (27-0). Last week, Newport beat Huntington Beach 17-4, beat Greenwich 17-5 in a North vs. South Challenge showcase game (Showcase Game), and won the North vs. South Challenge, beating Tamalpais 14-1, De La Salle 18-9 in the quarter finals, Oaks Christian 11-7 in the semifinals, and J Serra 16-7 in the finals. Earlier in the season, Newport won the South Coast Tournament and the Elite 8 Tournament. Newport doesn’t play again until the CIF Southern Section Tournament. Barring injuries to several of its top players, I don’t see anyone beating Newport this season.

  2. JSerra (21-3). Last week, JSerra beat Santa Margaria 13-9, beat Miramonte 17-6 in a Showcase Game, and finished 2nd in the North vs. South Challenge, beating Punahou 20-4, beating Loyola 15-7 in the quarterfinals, beating Harvard-Westlake 13-10 in the semifinals, and losing to Newport Harbor 16-7 in the finals. Earlier in the season, JSerra finished 2nd in the South Coast Tournament and 3rd in the Elite 8 Tournament. JSerra plays St. John Bosco on Tuesday and Oaks Christian on Wednesday.

  3. Oaks Christian (16-7). Last week, Oaks Christian beat Agoura 21-8 and finished 3rd in the North vs. South Challenge, beating Greenwich 15-9, beating Cathedral Catholic 13-10 in the quarterfinals, losing to Newport Harbor 11-7 in the semifinals, and beating Harvard-Westlake 9-8 in the 3rd place game. Earlier in the season, Oaks Christian finished 3rd in the South Coast Tournament and 4th in the Elite 8 Tournament. Oaks Christian plays Westlake on Tuesday and JSerra on Wednesday.

  4. Harvard-Westlake (14-9). Last week, Harvard-Westlake lost to De La Salle 12-9 in a Showcase Game, and finished 4th in the North vs. South Challenge, beating San Ramon Valley 16-7, beating Sacred Heart 12-10 in overtime in the quarterfinals, losing to JSerra 13-10 in the semifinals, and losing to Oaks Christian 9-8 in the 3rd place game. Earlier in the season, Harvard-Westlake finished 4th in the South Coast Tournament and 2nd in the Elite 8 Tournament. Harvard-Westlake plays Loyola on Wednesday.

  5. Cathedral Catholic (18-6). Last week, Cathedral Catholic beat Campolindo 10-8 and Tamalpais 13-10 in Showcase Games, and finished 5th in the North vs. South Challenge, beating Miramonte 7-6, losing to Oaks Christian 13-10 in the quarterfinals, beating De La Salle 18-17 in sudden-death overtime, and beating Sacred Heart 9-6 in the 5th place game. Earlier in the season, Cathedral Catholic finished 9th in the South Coast Tournament and 5th in the Elite 8 Tournament. Cathedral Catholic plays Bishop’s on Friday.

  6. De La Salle (15-5). Last week, De La Salle beat St. Ignatius 15-7, beat Foothill (Contra Costa County) 21-6, beat Harvard-Westlake 12-9 in a Showcase Game, and finished 7th in the North vs. South Challenge, beating Mater Dei 16-8, losing to Newport Harbor 18-9 in the quarterfinals, losing to Cathedral Catholic 18-17 in sudden-death overtime, and beating Loyola 11-10 in the 7th place game. Earlier in the season, De La Salle finished 6th in the South Coast Challenge. De La Salle plays Dublin on Tuesday, Sacred Heart on Thursday, and St. Francis on Friday.

  7. Corona del Mar (22-5). Last week, Corona del Mar beat Los Alamitos 15-8 and finished second in the Memorial Cup, beating Terra Linda 22-5, beating Wilson 11-7 in the quarterfinals, beating Archie Williams 15-8 in the semifinals, and losing to Bishop’s 15-14 in the finals. Earlier in the season, Corona del Mar won the Santa Barbara Invitational, finished 8th in the South Coast Tournament, and won the S&R Sport Tournament. Corona del Mar doesn’t play again until the Southern Section Tournament.

  8. Sacred Heart Prep (13-9). Last week, Sacred Heart beat St. Ignatius 15-8, beat Mater Dei 12-7 in a Showcase game, and finished 6th in the North vs. South Challenge, beating Santa Margarita 17-16 in overtime, losing to Harvard-Westlake 12-10 in overtime, beating Loyola 12-7, and losing to Cathedral Catholic 9-6 in the 5th place game. Earlier in the season, Sacred Heart finished 10th in the South Coast Tournament and 8th in the Elite 8 Tournament. Sacred Heart plays St. Francis on Wednesday and De La Salle on Thursday.

  9. Mater Dei (17-8). Last week, Mater Dei beat St. John Bosco 8-4, lost to Sacred Heart 12-7 in a Showcase Game, and finished tied for 9th in the North vs. South Challenge, losing to De La Salle 16-8, beating Tamalpais 8-6, and beating Miramonte 11-10 in overtime. The 9th place game between Mater Dei and Santa Margarita wasn’t played because Santa Margarita had to leave before the game could be played. Earlier in the season, Mater Dei finished 2nd in the Santa Barbara Invitational and 5th in the South Coast Tournament. Mater Dei plays Orange Lutheran on Tuesday.

  10. Miramonte (12-9). Last week, Miramonte beat Tamalpais 15-6, beat Las Lomas 16-4, lost to JSerra 17-6 in a Showcase Game, and finished 11th in the North vs. South Challenge, losing to Cathedral Catholic 7-6, beating Greenwich 11-8, losing to Mater Dei 11-10 in overtime, and beating Campolindo 25-9 in the 11th place game. Earlier in the season, Miramonte finished 7th in the South Coast Tournament. Miramonte plays Northgate on Wednesday and Archie Williams on Thursday.

  11. The Bishop’s School (13-9). Last week, Bishop’s won the Memorial Cup, beating Davis 19-3, St. Francis 13-12 in the quarterfinals, San Clemente 13-10 in the semifinals, and Corona del Mar 15-14 in the finals. Earlier in the season, Bishop’s finished 11th in the South Coast Tournament and 7th in the Elite 8 Tournament. Bishop’s plays Coronado on Wednesday, Cathedral Catholic on Friday, and Vista on Saturday.

  12. Archie Williams (18-2). Last week, Archie Williams beat Novato 15-10, beat San Ramon Valley 13-6, and finished 3rd in the Memorial Cup, beating Yucaipa 13-9, beating Bellarmine 10-9 in the quarterfinals, losing to Corona del Mar 15-8 in the semifinals, and beating San Clemente 10-8 in the 3rd place game. Archie Williams plays Marin Catholic on Tuesday, Marin Academy on Wednesday, and Miramonte on Thursday.

  13. Loyola (10-14). Last week, Loyola lost to Mira Costa 9-8, beat Punahou 14-5 in a Showcase Game, and finished 8th in the North vs. South Challenge, beating Campolindo 13-12, losing to JSerra 15-7, losing to Sacred Heart 12-7, and losing to De La Salle 11-10 in the 7th place game. Earlier in the season, Loyola finished 12th in the South Coast Tournament and 6th in the Elite 8 Tournament. Loyola plays Harvard-Westlake on Wednesday.

  14. Campolindo (14-7). Last week, Campolindo beat College Park 12-8, lost to Cathedral Catholic 10-8 in a Showcase Game, and finished 12th in the North vs. South Challenge, losing to Loyola 13-12, beating Punahou 14-8, losing to Santa Margarita 10-9, and losing to Miramonte 25-9 in the 11th place game. Earlier in the season, Campolindo finished 13th in the South Coast Tournament. Campolindo plays Monte Vista on Tuesday and Las Lamos on Wednesday.

  15. Foothill (18-8). Last week, Foothill finished 6th in the Memorial Cup, beating Valley Christian 16-10, losing to San Clemente 8-7 in the quarterfinals, beating St. Francis 13-9, and losing to Bellarmine 13-12 in overtime in the 5th place game. Earlier in the season, Foothill finished 14th in the South Coast Tournament and 2nd in the S&R Sport Tournament. Foothill plays Canyon on Tuesday.

  16. Redwood (20-2). Last week, Redwood beat Marin Catholic 16-2 and Menlo 19-15. Earlier in the season, Redwood won the Roche Invitational, finished 3rd in the S&R Sport Tournament, and won the Battle in the Creek Tournament. Redwood plays Terra Linda on Tuesday and San Rafael on Thursday.

  17. Bellarmine (12-10). Last week, Bellarmine beat Menlo 17-13 and finished 5th in the Memorial Cup, beating Orange Lutheran 13-9, losing to Archie Williams 10-9 in the quarterfinals, beating Long Beach Wilson 12-11, and beating Foothill 13-12 in overtime in the 5th place game. Earlier in the season, Bellarmine finished 4th in the Santa Barbara Invitational and 15th in the South Coast Tournament. Bellarmine plays St. Ignatius on Wednesday and Los Gatos on Friday.

  18. La Jolla (18-5). Last week, La Jolla beat Coronado 18-6. Earlier in the season, La Jolla finished 4th in the Roche Invitational and won the America’s Finest City Tournament. La Jolla plays Carlsbad on Friday.

  19. San Clemente (20-7). Last week, San Clemente beat Aliso Niguel 12-6, beat Capistrano Valley 12-7, and finished 4th in the Memorial Cup, beating Buchanan 12-8, beating Foothill 8-7 in the quarterfinals, losing to Bishop’s 13-10 in the semifinals, and losing to Archie Williams 10-8 in the 3rd place game. Earlier in the season, San Clemente finished 16th in the South Coast Tournament and won the Villa Park Classic. San Clemente doesn’t play again until the Southern Section Tournament.

19th. Westlake (21-5). Last week, Westlake beat San Marcos 11-10, beat Newbury Park 18-9, and finished 3rd in the Steve Pal Memorial Tournament, beating Vista 15-7, beating Garces 14-2, losing to San Marcos 11-8 in the semifinals, and beating Crean Lutheran 17-13 in the 3rd place game. Earlier in the season, Westlake finished 3rd in the Santa Barbara Invitational. Westlake plays Oaks Christian on Tuesday.

19th. San Marcos (20-8). Last week, San Marcos beat Oxnard 19-5, lost to Westlake 11-10, beat Santa Barbara 11-4, and finished 2nd in the Steve Pal Memorial Tournament, beating San Juan Hills 14-13, beating Damien 12-7, beating Westlake 11-8 in the semifinals, and losing to Buena 11-9 in the finals. Earlier in the season, San Marcos finished 8th in the Santa Barbara Invitational and 17th in the South Coast Tournament. This week, San Marcos plays in the Channel League Tournament.

19th. Buena (25-2). Last week, Buena beat Ventura 10-5, beat Dos Pueblos 9-8, and won the Steve Pal Memorial Tournament, beating Notre Dame 15-5, Camarillo 11-4, Crean Lutheran 12-8 in the semifinals, and San Marcos 11-9 in the finals. This week, Buena plays in the Channel League Tournament.

Note: At least four other schools can make a good case for inclusion in my top 20 list. In no particular order, St. Francis (17-5), Santa Margarita (15-8), Greenwich (11-5 against high school competition, 6-0 against club teams), and Mira Costa (18-10).

SoCal Top 10

  1. Newport Harbor
  2. JSerra
  3. Oaks Christian
  4. Harvard-Westlake
  5. Cathedral Catholic
  6. Corona del Mar
  7. Mater Dei
  8. Bishop’s
  9. Loyola
  10. Foothill

NorCal Top 10

  1. De La Salle
  2. Sacred Heart Prep
  3. Miramonte
  4. Archie Williams
  5. Campolindo
  6. Redwood
  7. Bellarmine
  8. St. Francis (17-5). Last week, St. Francis beat Mitty 13-8 and finished 7th in the Memorial Cup, beating Laguna Beach 14-10, losing to Bishop’s 13-12 in the quarterfinals, losing to Foothill 13-9, and beating Long Beach Wilson 9-6 in the 7th place game. Earlier in the season, St. Francis finished 5th in the Santa Barbara Invitational and won the St. Francis Invitational. St. Francis plays Sacred Heart on Wednesday and De La Salle on Friday.
  9. Menlo (15-7). Last week, Menlo lost to Bellarmine 17-13 and Redwood 19-15. Earlier in the season, Menlo finished 2nd in the Roche Invitational and 3rd in the America’s Finest City Tournament. Menlo plays Serra on Wednesday and Harker on Saturday.
  10. Too close to call

Top 10 Private Schools

  1. JSerra
  2. Oaks Christian
  3. Harvard-Westlake
  4. Cathedral Catholic
  5. De La Salle
  6. Sacred Heart
  7. Mater Dei
  8. Bishop’s
  9. Loyola
  10. Bellarmine

Top 10 Public Schools

  1. Newport Harbor
  2. Corona del Mar
  3. Miramonte
  4. Archie Williams
  5. Campolindo
  6. Foothill
  7. Redwood
  8. La Jolla
  9. San Clemente
    9th. San Marcos
    9th. Buena

Last week, I offered one point to anyone who explained why there have been more elite American left-handed centers compared to the number of elite American left-handed attackers. No one submitted a response. I offered a bonus point to anyone who named five American right-handed centers as good or better than the five American left-handed centers in my list (Chris Humbert, Eric Lindroth, Craig Klass, Alex Rosseau, and Russ Hafferkamp). One point to nic for nominating Ben Hallock, Terry Schroeder, Jody Campbell, Ryan Bailey, and John Mann. A tough call between Cal’s John Mann and U.C. Irvine’s Jeff Campbell.

Just for the heck of it. Two points to anyone who names their all-time water polo team comprised of players who were or have been head boys’ high school water polo coaches for at least five years during the period from the mid-1960s to the present. Each team must include a goalie, a center defender, a center, and 4 other field players. A bonus point to the first person who tells us which high school water polo game featured schools that were located the greatest distance from each other. A second bonus point to the first person who tells us which school won the game.

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On US left handed centers vs attackers -

Lefty would-be shooters get disproportionately pulled into baseball pitching and to a lesser extent volleyball right side attacking. Being a lefty big confers no advantage in the big sports (football, basketball). So you should see more/better lefty bigs than shooters.

This theory predicts that countries with less baseball and volleyball should have higher rates of lefty shooters than countries with more baseball and volleyball.

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Matt Swanson — GK (Archie Williams)
Chris Segesman — Attacker (MD)
Jeff Powers — C (St John Bosco)
Brett Ormsby — Attacker (CC and JSerra)
John Vargas — Attacker (CDM)
Robert Lynn — CD (Chadwick)
Jeff Nesmith —LH Attacker (LB Wilson)

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The week of October 27 features the final week of regular-season competition in some leagues, league championships in several CIF sections, and the first week of the Southern Section Tournament. Because so many schools deserve recognition, I have expanded my unofficial top 20 list to a top 25 list. Here it is:

Top 25

  1. Newport Harbor (27-0). Newport didn’t play last week. Earlier in the season, Newport won the South Coast Tournament, Elite 8 Tournament, and North vs. South Challenge. This week Newport is the No. 1 seed in the Southern Section Open Division Tournament.

  2. JSerra (23-3). Last week, JSerra beat St. John Bosco 16-11 and Oaks Christian 10-7. Earlier in the season, JSerra finished 2nd in the South Coast Tournament, 3rd in the Elite 8 Tournament, and 2nd in the North vs. South Challenge. This week, JSerra is the No. 2 seed in the Southern Section Open Division Tournament.

  3. Oaks Christian (17-8). Last week, Oaks Christian beat Westlake 18-15 and lost to JSerra 10-7. Earlier in the season, Oaks Christian finished 3rd in the South Coast Tournament, 4th in the Elite 8 Tournament, and 3rd in the North vs. South Challenge. This week, Oaks Christian is the No. 3 seed in the Southern Section Open Division Tournament.

  4. Harvard-Westlake (15-9). Last week, Harvard-Westlake beat Loyola 11-8. Earlier in the season, Harvard-Westlake finished 4th in the South Coast Tournament, 2nd in the Elite 8 Tournament, and 4th in the North vs. South Challenge. This week, Harvard-Westlake is the No. 4 seed in the Southern Section Open Division Tournament.

  5. Cathedral Catholic (20-6). Last week, Cathedral Catholic beat La Jolla 9-6 and Bishop’s 16-7. Earlier in the season, Cathedral Catholic finished 9th in the South Coast Tournament, 5th in the Elite 8 Tournament, and 5th in the North vs. South Challenge. Cathedral Catholic plays Coronado on Wednesday.

  6. De La Salle (17-6). Last week, De La Salle beat Dublin 22-0, beat Sacred Heart 11-8, and lost to St. Francis 12-11 in sudden-death overtime. Earlier in the season, De La Salle finished 6th in the South Coast Challenge and 7th in the North vs. South Challenge. De La Salle plays Livermore on Monday.

  7. Corona del Mar (22-5). Corona del Mar didn’t play last week. Earlier in the season, Corona del Mar won the Santa Barbara Invitational, finished 8th in the South Coast Tournament, won the S&R Sport Tournament, and finished 2nd in the Memorial Cup. This week, Corona del Mar is the No. 5 seed in the Southern Section Open Division Tournament.

  8. Sacred Heart Prep (14-10). Last week, Sacred Heart beat St. Francis 9-8 and lost to De La Salle 11-8 (Oliver Marcin didn’t play). Earlier in the season, Sacred Heart finished 10th in the South Coast Tournament, 8th in the Elite 8 Tournament, and 6th in the North vs. South Challenge. This week, Sacred Heart is the No. 1 seed in the West Catholic Athletic League (WCAL) Tournament.

  9. Mater Dei (18-8). Last week, Mater Dei beat Orange Lutheran 19-11. Earlier in the season, Mater Dei finished 2nd in the Santa Barbara Invitational, 5th in the South Coast Tournament, and 9th in the North vs. South Challenge. This week, Mater Dei is the No. 6 seed in the Southern Section Open Division Tournament.

  10. Miramonte (14-9). Last week, Miramonte beat Northgate 22-6 and Archie Williams 17-11. Earlier in the season, Miramonte finished 7th in the South Coast Tournament and 11th in the North vs. South Challenge. Miramonte plays College Park on Wednesday.

  11. The Bishop’s School (15-10). Last week, Bishop’s beat Coronado 25-10, lost to Cathedral Catholic 16-7, and beat Vista 19-5. Earlier in the season, Bishop’s finished 11th in the South Coast Tournament, finished 7th in the Elite 8 Tournament, and won the Memorial Cup. Bishop’s plays La Jolla on Wednesday.

  12. Archie Williams (20-3). Last week, Archie Williams beat Marin Catholic 16-10, beat Marin Academy 15-5, and lost to Miramonte 17-11. Earlier in the season, Archie Williams finished 5th in the Santa Barbara Invitational and 3rd in the Memorial Cup. This week, Archie Williams is the No. 1 seed in the Marin County Athletic League (MCAL) Tournament.

  13. Loyola (10-15). Last week, Loyola lost to Harvard-Westlake 11-9. Earlier in the season, Loyola finished 12th in the South Coast Tournament, 6th in the Elite 8 Tournament, and 8th in the North vs. South Challenge. This week, Loyola is the No. 7 seed in the Southern Section Open Division Tournament.

  14. Campolindo (16-7). Last week, Campolindo beat Monte Vista 18-10 and Las Lomas 15-6. Earlier in the season, Campolindo finished 13th in the South Coast Tournament and 12th in the North vs. South Challenge. Campolindo plays Acalanes on Wednesday.

  15. Foothill (19-8). Last week, Foothill beat Canyon 18-4. Earlier in the season, Foothill finished 14th in the South Coast Tournament, 2nd in the S&R Sport Tournament, and 6th in the Memorial Cup. This week, Foothill is the No. 11 seed in the Southern Section Open Division Tournament.

  16. Redwood (22-2). Last week, Redwood beat Terra Linda 12-8 and San Rafael 17-7. Earlier in the season, Redwood won the Roche Invitational, finished 3rd in the S&R Sport Tournament, and won the Battle in the Creek Tournament. This week, Redwood is the No. 2 seed in the MCAL Tournament.

  17. Bellarmine (14-10). Last week, Bellarmine beat St. Ignatius 19-16 and Los Gatos 12-6. Earlier in the season, Bellarmine finished 4th in the Santa Barbara Invitational, 15th in the South Coast Tournament, and 5th in the Memorial Cup. This week, Bellarmine is the No. 2 seed in the WCAL Tournament.

  18. La Jolla (20-5). Last week, La Jolla lost to Cathedral Catholic 9-6 and beat Carlsbad 9-4. Earlier in the season, La Jolla finished 4th in the Roche Invitational and won the America’s Finest City Tournament. La Jolla plays Bishop’s on Wednesday.

  19. St. Francis (18-6). Last week, St. Francis lost to Sacred Heart 9-8 and beat De La Salle 12-11 in sudden-death overtime. Earlier in the season, St. Francis finished 5th in the Santa Barbara Invitational, won the St. Francis Invitational, and finished 7th in the Memorial Cup. This week, St. Francis is the No. 3 seed in the WCAL Tournament.

  20. San Marcos (23-8). Last week, San Marcos won the Channel League Tournament, beating Oxnard 18-2, Ventura 10-6 in the semifinals, and Buena 11-3 in the finals. Earlier in the season, San Marcos finished 8th in the Santa Barbara Invitational, 17th in the South Coast Tournament, and 2nd in the Steve Pal Memorial Tournament. This week, San Marcos is the No. 12 seed in the Southern Section Open Division Tournament.

  21. San Clemente (20-7). San Clemente didn’t play last week. Earlier in the season, San Clemente finished 16th in the South Coast Tournament, finished 4th in the Memorial Cup, and won the Villa Park Classic. This week, San Clemente is the No. 10 seed in the Southern Section Open Division Tournament.

  22. Westlake (21-6). Last week, Westlake lost to Oaks Christian 18-15. Earlier in the season, Westlake finished 3rd in the Santa Barbara Invitational and 3rd in the Steve Pal Memorial Tournament. This week, Westlake is the No. 1 seed in the Southern Section Open Division Tournament.

  23. Santa Margarita (16-8). Last week, Santa Margarita beat Servite 11-8. Earlier in the season, Santa Margarita finished 20th in the South Coast Tournament, 2nd in the Villa Park Classic, and 10th in the North vs. South Challenge. This week, Santa Margarita is the No. 8 seed in the Southern Section Open Division Tournament.

  24. Buena (26-3). Last week, Buena finished 2nd in the Channel League Tournament, beating Dos Pueblos 13-6 in the semifinals and losing to San Marcos 11-3 in the finals. Earlier in the season, Buena finished 3rd in the Villa Park Classic and won the Steve Pal Memorial Tournament. This week, Buena is the No. 9 seed in the Southern Section Open Division Tournament.

  25. Mira Costa (19-11). Too close to call between Mira Costa and Long Beach Wilson. Last week, Mira Costa beat El Segundo 7-5 and lost to Long Beach Wilson 12-11. Earlier in the season, Mira Costa finished 7th in the Santa Barbara Invitational, 18th in the South Coast Tournament, and 6th in the S&R Sport Tournament. This week, Mira Costa is the No. 3 seed in the Southern Section Division 1 Tournament.

(25.) Long Beach Wilson (17-10). Last week, Long Beach Wilson beat Long Beach Poly 11-6 and Mira Costa 12-11. Earlier in the season, Long Beach Wilson finished 19th in the South Coast Tournament and 8th in the Memorial Cup. This week, Long Beach Wilson is the No. 2 seed in the Southern Section Division 1 Tournament.

SoCal Top 10

  1. Newport Harbor
  2. JSerra
  3. Oaks Christian
  4. Harvard-Westlake
  5. Cathedral Catholic
  6. Corona del Mar
  7. Mater Dei
  8. Bishop’s
  9. Loyola
  10. Foothill

NorCal Top 10

  1. De La Salle
  2. Sacred Heart Prep
  3. Miramonte
  4. Archie Williams
  5. Campolindo
  6. Redwood
  7. Bellarmine
  8. St. Francis
  9. Menlo (17-7). Last week, Menlo beat Serra 17-7 and Harker 12-8. Earlier in the season, Menlo finished 2nd in the Roche Invitational and 3rd in the America’s Finest City Tournament. This week, Menlo is the No. 4 seed in the WCAL Tournament.
  10. Too close to call

Top 10 Private Schools

  1. JSerra
  2. Oaks Christian
  3. Harvard-Westlake
  4. Cathedral Catholic
  5. De La Salle
  6. Sacred Heart
  7. Mater Dei
  8. Bishop’s
  9. Loyola
  10. Bellarmine

Top 10 Public Schools

  1. Newport Harbor
  2. Corona del Mar
  3. Miramonte
  4. Archie Williams
  5. Campolindo
  6. Foothill
  7. Redwood
  8. La Jolla
  9. San Marcos
  10. San Clemente

Two weeks ago, I offered one point to anyone who told us why there has been a disproportionate number of elite American left-handed centers compared to the number of elite American left-handed attackers. One point to NLM for submitting this response:

“On US left-handed centers vs attackers -

“Lefty would-be shooters get disproportionately pulled into baseball pitching and to a lesser extent volleyball right-side attacking. Being a lefty big confers no advantage in the big sports (football, basketball). So you should see more/better lefty bigs than shooters.

“This theory predicts that countries with less baseball and volleyball should have higher rates of lefty shooters than countries with more baseball and volleyball.”

Last week, I offered two points to anyone who named their all-time water polo team comprised of players who were or have been head boys’ high school water polo coaches for at least five years during the period from the 1960s to the present. Two points to retiredguy for selecting this team:

Matt Swanson – goalie (Archie Williams, formerly known as Drake)
Chris Segesman – center defender (Mater Dei)
Jeff Powers – utility (St. John Bosco)
Robert Lynn – center defender/attacker (Chadwick)
Brett Ormsby – attacker (Cathedral Catholic and JSerra)
John Vargas – attacker (Corona del Mar)
Jeff Nesmith – LH attacker (Long Beach Wilson)

Here is my team:

Steve “Harpo” Hamann – goalie, coached at Buscher and Santa Clara High Schools (San Mateo Community College and San Jose State, 1x All-American, 1x Olympian, would have been a 2x Olympian if the United States had qualified for the 1976 Olympics, Hall of Fame, one of the best goalies in the world in the 1970s)

Chris Segesman – center defender, Mater Dei (LBSU, 3x All-American, 2x 1st team All-American, 1x Olympian)

Robert Lynn – center defender/attacker, Harvard-Westlake, Newport Harbor, and Chadwick (USC, 3x All-American, 1x 1st team All-American, 1x Olympian).

Tommy Corcoran – center, St. Ignatius and Cathedral Catholic (USC, 1x NCAA champion, 3x All-American, 1x 1st team All-American, senior national team)

Jeff Powers – attacker/center defender/center, St. John Bosco (U.C. Irvine, 2x All-American, 2x 1st team All-American, 3x Olympian, Hall of Fame)

Gary Figueroa – attacker, Salinas (I’m trying to confirm that Figueroa was the head coach at Salinas for at least 5 years), (U.C. Irvine, 3x All-American, 1x 1st team All-American, 2x Olympian, Hall of Fame)

Brett Ormsby – attacker, Cathedral Catholic and JSerra (UCLA, 1x NCAA champion, 4x All-American, 3x 1st team All-American, 1x NCAA player of the year, 2x Cutino Award finalist, 1x Olympian, would have been on several Olympic teams if he had stayed healthy)

Matt Swanson – goalie, Archie Williams/Drake (UCLA, 2x NCAA champion, 3x All-American, 2x 1st All-American, 2x NCAA player of the year)

Jack Bowen – goalie, Menlo (Stanford, 2x NCAA champion, 2x All-American, 1x 1st team All- American, senior national team)

Heather Moody - center, Rio Americano (San Diego State, 2x Olympian, Hall of Fame)

John Vargas – attacker, Corona del Mar (U.C. Irvine, 1x NCAA champion, 2x All-American, 1x Olympian as a player, 1x Olympian as a coach, inducted into the Hall of Fame as a coach)

Colin Mello – attacker, Bellarmine (U.C. Irvine, 2x All-American, 1x 1st team All-American, senior national team)

Jack Kocur – attacker, Oaks Christian (Pepperdine, 1x NCAA champion, 3x All-American, 1x 1st team All-American)

Jeff Nesmith – LH attacker, Long Beach Wilson (Stanford, 2x NCAA champion, 2x All-American)

Pete Cutino – coach, Oxnard (Cal, 8x NCAA champion, Hall of Fame)

Last week, I offered a bonus point to the first person who told us which American high school water polo game featured schools that were located the greatest distance from each other. I offered a second bonus point to the first person who told us which school won the game. No one submitted a response. The answer is the game between Punahou and Greenwich, which was played in this year’s North vs. South Challenge. The schools are about 4,970 miles from each other. Greenwich won the game 11-5.

Just for the heck of it. I asked this question once before on a different website but it’s worth repeating here because we are nearing the end of another recruiting season. A college coach was meeting with a prominent recruit and his mother. The recruit’s mother asked the coach, “if my son plays for you at (?), is he likely to receive much playing time?” The coach replied, “Mrs. (?), if Jesus Christ were on my bench and the starters were playing well, he wouldn’t get into the game.” One point to the first person who identifies the coach. A bonus point to the first person who identifies the player.

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Thank you for the great work all season long, Jeff. This is a great resource for the thinking fan – and makes following the season more fun, too! It will also prove invaluable for years to come for anyone wanting to document our sport’s history.

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