Azevedo Leads Wilson to Water Polo Title

El Toro High’s boys’ water polo team knew it was in for a long night when Long Beach Wilson fans passed out stickers that read: Wilson Polo: CIF 4-Peat before the start of the Southern Section Division I championship game.

And while the Chargers had a brief moment of glory, scoring two goals in the first two minutes of the first quarter to take the early lead, Wilson (25-2) quickly settled down and went on to defend its title in a 14-9 victory Wednesday night in front of an announced crowd of 1,500 at Belmont Plaza Pool in Long Beach.

“This is incredible,” said Wilson’s Tony Azevedo, who scored four of his seven goals in the second half. “To win four straight [Division I] titles is something I and my teammates will always remember.”

Newport Harbor, which won titles in 1977, ‘78, ’79 and ‘80, is the only other team to win four consecutive Division I titles.

Albert Garcia had five goals, James Shin two for Wilson.

In other championship matches:

Corona del Mar 8, Anaheim Servite 6--Garrett Bowlus had four goals and three steals to lead the Sea Kings to the Division II championship at Belmont Plaza.

Santa Maria Righetti 9, Simi Valley Royal 6--Joel Degner, the Northern League’s most valuable player, made several brilliant saves and Jarod King made two huge steals to set up goals late in the game to give Righetti its second consecutive Division IV title.

Jeremy Ballew scored three goals for the Warriors.

Rowland Heights Rowland 12, La Verne Bonita 9--Tony Gauthier, Tony Elliott and Justin Aguiano scored in overtime of the Division VI final at Belmont Plaza, giving Rowland its fifth section championship in six years.

However, a disturbing post-match dispute between Bonita Coach Andy Rosenberg and Rowland Coach Sean Harren overshadowed the victory.

As the teams began shaking hands after the game ended, Harren shoved Rosenberg into the pool after a brief exchange of words.