The562’s coverage of Aquatic sports in Long Beach is sponsored by the Aquatic Capital of America Foundation.
The562’s coverage of Long Beach Wilson Athletics is sponsored by Joel Bitonio, Class of 2009.
The pursuit of perfection is real for Wilson boys’ water polo. The Bruins are trying to win a 17th consecutive Moore League championship, and they all but clinched a share of that crown with a 15-2 win over Millikan on Tuesday at Belmont Outdoor Pool.
However, Wilson is still pondering ways to improve with the CIF Southern Section playoffs just around the corner.
“I think we had a slow start because Millikan came out and played really hard for the first few minutes,” Wilson coach Zac Polmanteer said. “Kudos to them for taking it to us because it tired us out for the second quarter. But a win is a win.”
Wilson goalkeepers Christian Marov-Perez and Andrew Demboski each played a half and each allowed a goal. Marov-Perez made five saves in the first half. Demboski made three saves in the second half.
Marov-Perez and Demboski have been sharing time in the cage all season, and Polmanteer is taking advantage of having two capable keepers.
“One of our major keys to our team’s success this year has been having competition at the goalie position,” Polmanteer said. “And it’s two guys who are there for each other and cheering each other on. They hold each other accountable and they’re responsible student athletes. We’re really lucky to have those types of guys be the backbone of our defense.”
“He’s my best friend, so we’re always going to push each other,” Marov-Perez said of Demboski. “We do everything together. We push each other, and it’s nice to have a work out buddy.”
“If he’s going heavy (in training or weight lifting) I’m going to try and go heavier than him,” Demboski said. “We’re always trying to be better than each other, and that really pushes us both to be great goalies.”
Wilson got goals from eight different players in the first half while Keegan Abing scored twice and assisted on three other goals before halftime. The Bruins went up 8-0 and led 9-1 at the break.
“He is an athlete,” Polmanteer said of Abing. “He’s useful in every aspect of the game. He’s always finding a way to get open and that’s the story of his career. It’s like all of a sudden the ball is in his hands in front of goal and you’re like, ‘How did he get here?’ It’s like a magician.”
Polmanteer usually plays Abing on the right, but he’s smart and strong enough to create offense in the center despite being undersized. Abing thinks his unique skill set is built on speed and anticipation.
“I think it comes from experience and chemistry too, like just knowing my teammates,” Abing said. “If you try to play almost perfectly, and play how we want to play, that will set us in the right direction.”
Wilson sophomore Nico Tramontano scored three goals in the second half after senior Elijah Vince scored twice in the first half. Junior Samson Casem and senior Evan Morisky also scored two goals each.
Wilson has Jordan (Oct. 15) and Long Beach Poly (Oct. 22) left on the schedule.
Nathan Huber and Zain Dahdul both scored for Millikan while goalkeeper Mazen Mendoza made seven saves for the Rams.
Millikan has Cabrillo (Oct. 15), Jordan (Oct. 22) and Long Beach Poly (Oct. 23) left to face before the playoffs. The game against the Jackrabbits will likely decide second place in league.
