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Moore League boys’ water polo got underway with three games at Cabrillo on Tuesday as part of the annual showcase that features all six teams. The unique event got started with a Long Beach Poly win over Jordan before Millikan beat Lakewood and Wilson beat Cabrillo.
POLY 20, JORDAN 2
The Jackrabbits jumped out to an early lead and cruised to a big win while Jeremiah Estrada-Ramos and Emerson LaPorta each scored six goals.
Asked if they knew they had scored more than half of their team’s goals, Estada-Ramos said, “No, it was just focusing on the game, playing as a team, passing the ball more and letting the other team set up (before attacking).”
“We started (this season) out a little shaky, but throughout the season we’ve been working on the mistakes that (losses) have highlighted,” Poly coach Ish Pluton said. “It finally started to click and come together this past weekend at a tournament in Coronado. We finally started to make the changes that the coaching staff had been asking for, so we feel like we’ve finally started to step into our stride, which is good timing as league starts.”
Pluton said that a big and experienced senior class has been key to that quick improvement.
“They are a really funny and fun group to coach and they bring a ton of energy to the team, which translates into really fun and creative game play,” Pluton said.
“Our goal this year is to have fun as a senior class,” LaPorta added. “We’re best friends out of the pool and our team chemistry is what really brings us home.”
Jordan got both of its goals from John Delgadillo.
“I couldn’t be more proud of my group, not just for this game but for the entire season,” Jordan coach Brenden Gruneisen said. “We have a lot of adversity that we’ve been fighting through. Our pool situation, taking the bus to practice, figuring out places to practice. I was down two starters today with only one sub the entire game but the boys played their hearts out. This group doesn’t quit and they respond to adversity and play together super well. Whatever the scoreboard says, I’m proud of them.”
Jordan returns to face Cabrillo on Tuesday while Poly visits Millikan.
MILLIKAN 16, LAKEWOOD 6
The Rams were in full control of this one while senior Zain Dahdul scored a game-high five goals.
“We just want to show that we need business,” Dahdul said of league play. “The importance of having that mindset for every game, and that’s important for the future of this program too.”
This is the third year under coach Randy Wright, and Millikan is 11-7 with some quality wins under its belt.
“This (group) knows the system and now we can build and modify within the system depending on our personnel,” Wright said. “The last two years were learning different styles of play and identifying when to use them. I think that this group has a good grasp on it. That allows us to dial into fine-tuning rhythm and expectations.”
Nathan Huber, Scout Knight-Pheng and Aidan Cortes each scored twice for Millikan while nine different Rams had a goal.
“I think we are better and different just because we have seen huge developments (under coach Wright) so just growing the chemistry, that’s really brought us together,” Dahdul said.
Lakewood was led by a hat trick from Daniel Marquez and two goals from Javante Fearence. The Lancers visit Wilson on Tuesday.
WILSON 17, CABRILLO 4
The Bruins closed the day with a convincing win while playing almost all of their large Varsity squad. That gave some younger players a chance to shine, and sophomore Nico Tramontano took full advantage of the opportunity with four goals in his first league game.
“He’s quick and very vocal, so he’s going to be a lethal weapon for us this year and into the future,” Wilson coach Zac Polmanteer said of Tramontano.
“We need to really take these (league) games seriously, come together as a team and just bond as a group,” Tramontano said. “It’s about our team defense and playing together. The tighter bond we have as a team, the more success we’re going to have.”
Wilson has been playing elite teams, and now enters league play with top division playoffs looming next month.
“We’re feeling good because we’ve played some really strong teams this year to see where we’re at with intense levels (of play) and I like the way we’ve responded,” Polmanteer said. “The energy has been good and guys are stepping into leadership roles despite their age.”
Wilson had goals from 10 different players while Gavin Simon, Enzo Brigagliano, Vaughn Baker and Fernando Rejon each scored twice.
Cabrillo coach Lawrence Durand made sure his inexperienced squad got as much out of the Wilson game as it could by trying different schemes and calling timeouts to set up or review practice-type moments.
Cabrillo got a great game from goalkeeper Beto Salazar, who had a handful of impressive saves, and Nahun Salazar, who scored twice. Kris Mendoza also scored for the host Jaguars.
“The Moore League Showcase has been an excellent example of community, camaraderie, and competition,” Durand said. “It’s Long Beach’s Cheer’s bar where everyone knows your name and you know theirs. There’s nothing like it and Cabrillo is like Moore League’s home pool. Hosting it for the past eight years has been a highlight every season.”
