The Long Beach Poly boys’ water polo team is in rebuilding mode, and Jordan is trying to build some momentum, so their matchup at the Moore League Showcase on Wednesday at Cabrillo High was about more than the final score that saw the Jackrabbits win 20-6.
Poly built a big lead with its counter attack, but Jordan hung with the Jackrabbits and only trailed 8-4 in the middle of the second quarter. However, Poly scored the next six goals to effectively put the game away.
Jack Shwarz led Poly with seven goals and three assists. Will Morales finished with four goals and two assists while Nick Cruz added two goals and two assists. Poly goalkeepers Ethan Evans and Isacc Zabukovec combined for 13 saves in the game.
“I’m pretty stoked on how my younger guys played,” Poly coach Ish Pluton said. “And my junior goalies are solid. It bodes well for the future.”
Jordan had balanced scoring as Adrian Ortiz, Arturo Zuniga and Paul Cruz all scored twice. Cruz, Peoukinik Than, Bryan Atilano and Sothirith Pou provided the Panthers assists. Jordan goalkeeper David Vasquez finished with an impressive 10 saves. Jordan coach Curt Knowles said he still expects more from his senior-heavy squad.
“It’s worth something, but it should be a lot better,” Knowles said of the final score. “It should’ve been a much closer game because my guys are worth a lot more than what they displayed today. This team is a little bit more hungry to learn the skills of the game, and not just doing their own thing. The big thing now is getting them to not be afraid of the other teams.”
