La Cañada boys’ water polo picks up five league honors
A return to prominence for the La Cañada High boys’ water polo team included some notable mentions and snubs on the All-Rio Hondo League list.
The Spartans rebounded from a 2015 campaign in which they tied for third in league and missed the postseason for the first time this century with vengeance.
This season, La Cañada reclaimed the Rio Hondo League title with a 9-1 run through league, while the squad finished with a 20-9 record, which marked the most wins in three years.
The Spartans also advanced to the semifinals of the CIF Southern Section Division V semifinals, the program’s deepest advancement since 2012.
Yet, despite winning nine straight games to close out league play, the Spartans received neither the league’s most valuable player award or most valuable goalkeeper honor. Those accolades went to San Marino senior Alessio Brunochelli and Temple City’s Chris Yoon, respectively.
“Our overall team goal was to play at the highest level possible and change the culture at La Cañada,” Spartans first-year Coach Josh Rodriguez said. “I certainly think that by re-winning the Rio Hondo League championship and having a great run to the semis, we really completed this year’s team goals.
“No league MVP or things like can’t take away or replace the fantastic things we’ve done this season as a group.”
The Spartans did secure three first-team selections as junior goalie Reed Fundter, freshman two-meter attacker George Avakian and senior attacker Luke Stefan were all selected.
Rodriguez confirmed that season stats were not available, though postseason tallies were taken.
It’s quite possible that the Spartans wouldn’t have won league or advanced as far in the postseason as they did without the services of Fundter, who shared the first-team honors with San Marino’s Aaron Wilson.
Fundter finished with 46 saves in four postseason contests as the Spartans held opponents to 28 goals or seven goals a game. Even in the Spartans’ 9-7 loss to Burroughs at Pasadena City College in the semifinals, Fundter finished with 17 saves.
“It means a lot to get the award, but I can’t really do it without my team,” Fundter said. “I lead my team defensively, but there’s a good defense in front of me and I’m happy they helped me get this award.”
Stefan provided senior leadership to the Spartans and twice led his team in the postseason in goals, including when he netted six in a second-round road victory at Carpinteria.
“It was quite an honor to win this award and to be a part of this team,” Stefan said. “Last year, we didn’t have a strong season, so to come back this year and do this with guys you’ve been playing with for the last couple of years, it was fun.”
Avakian paced the Spartans with three goals in the Burroughs’ game and was the focal point of the team’s offense.
“George is a big, friendly giant,” Rodriguez said. “He’s an unstoppable force inside the water, but outside the water he is the kindest, politest young man I’ve ever seen. He knows how to play and use his size and stature.”
La Cañada senior Toby Chung was selected to the league’s second team, while senior Wyatt Lowe was named an honorable mention.
