No. 1 Newport Harbor Slips Past El Toro

Newport Harbor continued its hold on the top spot in the county by beating third-ranked El Toro, 10-9, Tuesday in nonleague boys’ water polo.

Newport Harbor was led by Brandon Hansen on defense and Peter Belden, who kept the visiting Sailors on top with his shooting.

Hansen shut down El Toro’s top offensive player, 6-foot 4-inch Brett McCleave.

“We’ve been working really hard for this game,” Hansen said. “[McCleave’s] a big boy. He’s also a very good player. But I guess I was able to do my job.”

McCleave normally dominates hole set for the Chargers, but Hanson, helped by a swarming Sailor defense, didn’t allow him to take a decent shot.

Belden, who leads the Sailors in scoring, notched five goals, four of them in the first half.

Belden also made an impact on defense, making four steals.

It was the first time the two teams had met this season. Newport Harbor (18-1) has lost only to Long Beach Wilson.

“This is a very tough place to play and El Toro hates to lose here,” Newport Harbor Coach Brian Kreutzkamp said. “With the loud crowds and the sun shining in your face, it hard to come in here and win.”

Although Newport Harbor took a 3-1 first-quarter lead, El Toro came back with three goals in the second quarter to make it a 5-4 game.

Trevor McMunn scored four goals for El Toro (20-4), including the games’ last goal with 1:14 left in the game.

El Toro desperately tried to tie the score in the last minute, but two steals by Paul Kepner, who also had a goal, dashed any hopes the Chargers had.