The562’s coverage of Aquatic sports in Long Beach is sponsored by the Aquatic Capital of America Foundation.
The562’s coverage of Long Beach Poly is sponsored by Bryson Financial.
Long Beach Poly’s aquatics programs have been in “growth” mode for the last few years, and the Jackrabbit boys’ water polo program is hoping to keep that trend up in 2024.
Poly is a few years removed from its CIF-SS Division 4 title and had a solid 17-11 campaign last year including a second-place finish in the Moore League. This year the Jackrabbits feature their biggest freshman class under coach Ish Pluton as well as a good core of returners.
“It’s really exciting, it’s still in a growth direction,” said Pluton, who enters his ninth year coaching his alma mater. “There’s a good culture and energy among all the kids and we’ve definitely solidified and honed in our family feel that we’re going for. Everything is trending in the right direction.”
Poly returns a trio of All-Moore League players led by Emerson LaPorta, who Pluton expects to be their top scoring threat, as well as goalie Sean Kerry.
“I think Sean is the best goalie in the league,” said Pluton.
Senior Kyle Oatey is also back as an all-league honoree, joined by fellow seniors Will Morris, Caden Kawamura, and Billy Cruz. Other varsity returners include Tony Song and Townsend Kato.
The Jackrabbits’ freshman class has Pluton excited for the feature, and includes ODP-experienced club stud Aiden Greenwood.
“He’s a stud, he’s coming in already with a really good set of skills, it’ll be a fun four years with him,” said Pluton. Other newcomers Jeremiah Estrada-Ramos and Mateo Menes.
Pluton took his squad to Croatia to play over the Summer and had a great time.
“You’re traveling overseas together in a completely different culture and you’re watching them make lifelong memories,” said Pluton. “I’m in this for that lifelong experience for them–the cool byproduct of that is an even better team.”
