Watson headed to USC

Corona del Mar High senior Chase Watson has verbally committed to play water polo at USC, he said Saturday night.

Watson, the 2010 Dream Team Player of the Year, was convinced he would play for the Trojans during his recruiting trip that started Thursday and ended Saturday.

He led the Sea Kings to the CIF Southern Section Division II title in the fall. USC is no stranger to championships. The Trojans recently won their third straight NCAA title.

“I checked out UCLA and Cal,” Watson said. “But USC had always been my No. 1. I just loved it.”

Additionally, Watson said he grew up with USC and followed the college as his father, James, attended the university in Los Angeles.

“Him and his brothers went there,” Watson said. “We’re just kind of an ‘SC family.”

The Trojans will gladly welcome him. The 6-foot-7 center was dominant in his senior season. He took over games and created opportunities for his teammates. He finished with 85 goals on his way to first-team All-CIF Division II and Pacific Coast League Co-MVP honors.

Watson is expected to officially sign with the Trojans Feb. 2.