Boys water polo: Scouting the MSL title game

Posted May 03, 2017 1:00 am

By Aaron Gabriel

Buffalo Grove (21-8) at Barrington (22-2)When: 6 p.m. Thursday

Background: The Broncos are playing in the MSL title game for the second time in three years under head coach Rob Emary and assistant coach Scott Krasinski. Buffalo Grove is in the championship matchup for the first time since 2012 under coach Scott Kopecky. Both teams made it through their divisional foes with perfect 10-0 records.

Outlook: Buffalo Grove is still on balance a young group - but the Bison sure haven't been playing like one. Seniors Eid Shahatit and Nick Roberts figure promimently, but much of the scoring comes from juniors Kevin Carr and Dan Korol. Their positional flexibility and collective defensive commitment has made the Bison a team to be reckoned with all season. Barrington, on the other hand, is a senior-led group with plenty of deep-season experience. Mitch Gavars, John Fischer and Colin O'Leary were among the key players two seasons ago when the Broncos won their first MSL title along with a spot in the state tournament. Other key seniors include goalie Jack Krieps along with Scott Robinson, Kyle Mitchell and Colin Kerr. While this team hasn't struggled to score, they might be best defensively - with Gavars and Fischer, both two-way standouts, leading the way.

Recently: Buffalo Grove is the No. 6 seed in the Deerfield sectional and went 2-2 in Conant's tournament last weekend; Barrington is the No. 1 seed in the Hoffman Estates sectional and delivered an impressive 21-14 victory against visiting Mundelein on Tuesday.

- Aaron Gabriel

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