PREP PREVIEW ’92 / WATER POLO : CAPISTRANO VALLEY

Coach: Don Cholodenko (seventh year).

1991: 25-5, 5-0 in league; reached 4-A final, losing to San Clemente; won South Coast League title.

Key returners: Jeremy Braxton-Brown, Sr., South Coast League most valuable player and member of U.S. youth team; Jeff Moloughney, Sr., member of U.S. youth team; Jake Yokota, Jr.; Steve Thornton, Sr., goalkeeper.

Key newcomers: Dan Batten, Jr.; Brian Myer, Jr.; David Oliver, Sr.; Cameron Sharp, Jr.; Lance Wahlert, Jr.

Outlook: The Cougars’ first three--Braxton-Brown, Moloughney and Yokota, all U.S. Water Polo prep All-Americans--form what is arguably the best nucleus in the county, but Cholodenko says he has had trouble finding three more starters. Batten, MVP of the freshman-sophomore team, will almost certainly take one of the spots. Thornton, who split time in goal with Trevor Meyer during the first part of last season, is solid. Braxton-Brown, 6 feet 4, 210 pounds, is the county’s most dominating two-meter man.