Boys water polo: Naperville Central shuts out Naperville North
Tuesday night's 13-0 win by the Naperville Central boys water polo team over host Naperville North was the story of one squad that has found its groove early in the season and one that is finding that task more challenging.
The Redhawks moved to 10-0 on the season. The Huskies fell to 3-5-1.
Naperville Central went into the game after winning last weekend's Fenwick Tournament. The Redhawks beat Lyons Township, a 2017 state qualifier, in the title match. The path toward the championship match included the Redhawks' 8-4 victory over defending state championship Stevenson.
Naperville Central is a regular visitor to the state finals at Stevenson, and coach Bill Salentine was happy beating the north suburban school but considers it a big-picture situation.
"It was nice, but it still showed needed areas of improvement. We watched a video of it on Monday. It's more important to beat them in May when it counts," he said.
Salentine added that the Redhawks again are helped by solid preparation during the off-season and swimming season.
"The kids are in great swimming shape. And that helps team speed and endurance. They are not going to run out of gas. They play together in the summer," he said.
Nine Naperville Central players scored, with Cam Dougherty, Luke Klein-Collins, Dominic May and Bender Russo each scoring twice. Patrick Kimberley, Brad Sanford. Lucas Nervig, Christian Fleming and Jonah Klein-Collins scored once. Dougherty said team preparation was very evident.
"We have a lot of chemistry. Everyone knows where everyone is. We moved the ball well," he said.
The Redhawks led 6-0 after the first quarter and 10-0 after two quarters.
"Our defense was key. We were moving the ball well with a man up," May said. "Last year's team had its own strengths and this year's team has its strengths. We're more experienced and that makes us more confident."
Goalie Kent Emden made 5 saves in earning the shutout.
As for Naperville North, coach Martin Bell said his team, although young, is better than it showed against Naperville Central.
"We lacked intensity tonight. If we play up to our capability, we're not as far as off as you might think. We have the ability, but we're young and inexperienced. Today we started four sophomores, two juniors and one senior."