CdM possesses depth
It was easy for Corona del Mar High boys’ water polo Coach Barry O’Dea to smile at this summer’s USA Water Polo Junior Olympics in the Bay Area.
His incoming high school team played well against mainly all-star club teams, placing 16th in the 18-and-under platinum division. Beyond the play, O’Dea noticed something else on the pool deck.
“We had at least five Division 1 college coaches at each of our games,” O’Dea said. “We’ve got players who are being looked at, and it’s so cool to see those guys out there. I’m proud of this group because they’ve put themselves in that position.”
Seniors like goalie Matt Moran, Will Rodosky, Tamir Avital, T.J. Morton, Will Ueberroth and Nick Britt form a strong class. But there are also juniors like Henry Wilde, Ryan Schildwachter and Mitchell Cooper who are eager to impress. And, O’Dea said, freshman Tanner Pulice has a chance to do big things this year as well.
Yes, CdM has depth. O’Dea said this team has a chance to be special, coming off a season in which CdM advanced to the CIF Southern Section Division 1 quarterfinals.
“I think we’re going to be tough to beat in November with our depth,” O’Dea said. “We really have been looking forward to this group.”
Moran and Rodosky are the returning starters, although Avital also got much playing time at center last year along with Newport-Mesa Dream Team Player of the Year Brendan Hack, who’s now at USC. Moran has made huge strides in the goal, O’Dea said.
“I’ve never seen him better, and he’s improving every week,” O’Dea said. “He’s a game-changer.”
Pulice could be one too, with his speed. O’Dea said he’s never had a freshman earn significant time on varsity, but Pulice will more than likely be the first.
CdM has a big test right out of the gates, playing at Huntington Beach in its season opener Sept. 10. The Oilers have reached the Division 1 semifinals back-to-back seasons.
Corona del Mar Boys’ Water Polo
League: Pacific Coast
CIF Division: 1
Head Coach: Barry O’Dea (12th year)
Coaching Staff: Kareem Captan (assistant coach), Michael Ashe (assistant coach), Ryan Bailey (assistant coach), Lucas Reynolds (JV coach), Justin Papa (frosh/soph coach).
2015 overall record: 20-9
2015 league record: 10-0 (champion)
2015 CIF results: Reached quarterfinals
Returning starters: Two
Returning with honors: Will Rodosky (first-team all-league, Sr. utility); Tamir Avital (second-team all-league, Sr. center).
Coach’s Take: “This is a really solid team. We had a great off-season, and we’re solid in all of our positions across the board. The progress from December to now has been one of the best off-seasons we’ve had in quite a while.”
One to Watch: “I think [senior goalie Matt] Moran is the one to watch,” O’Dea said. “His improvement from last year to this year is marked.”
Schedule
September
10 - at Huntington Beach, 12 p.m.
20 - at Long Beach Wilson, 4:15 p.m.
22-24 - at South Coast Tournament, TBD
29 - Woodbridge*
October
1 - Newport Harbor
4 - at Beckman*
6 - University*
7-8 - at S&R Cup tournament, TBD
11 - at Northwood*
13 - at Irvine*
18 - at Woodbridge*
20 - Beckman*
21-22 - at Finis Memorial Cup tournament, TBD
25 - at University*
27 - Northwood*
November
1 - Irvine*
4 - Mater Dei, 5 p.m.
*denotes league game
All league games at 4 p.m.
