Mundelein plans to attack quickly
The Mundelein boys water polo team is coming off another successful season (23-9).
For this season to be even better, and to advance to state for the first time in three years, the Mustangs must be the ones imposing their will on the opposition.
"We want to drive, counter-attack and play fast," coach Rahul Sethna said. "A lot of times last year teams slowed us down and we stayed that way. It took us too long to form our identity and define roles. In big games, we played the other team's style. This year, we want to play to our strengths no matter what."
So far so good.
Mundelein takes a 5-1 record into the Lake County Tournament which begins today. The Mustangs have scored at least 14 goals in five of their first six matches.
"I think our guys are better shooters than last year," Sethna said. "Hopefully, we'll be better equipped to take advantage of our own opportunities."
On offense, the Mustangs have the luxury of relying on junior Pat Falconer, one of the state's best swimmers in the 100- and 200-yard freestyles.
Sophomore Will Davidson advanced to the state meet in the 50- and 100-yard freestyle.
"We always knew what we were getting with Will in water polo," Sethna said. "His (improved) swimming makes him even more dangerous."
Libertyville: Libertyville has improved in each of the last few years. First-year coach Kevin Zakrzewski believes the Wildcats can continue that progression.
"I think a lot of other coaches have noticed Libertyville water polo is starting to become a force," Zakrzewski said. "We'd like to make a statement that Libertyville belongs at the same level as Stevenson and Mundelein."
The Wildcats will receive a boost early next week when John Blankenhorn, Stevie Wimmer and Ben Glick join the team after competing in swimming's Junior Nationals.
Leboza is a skilled defender who plays with a lot of energy. Senior Will Mullane has made great strides since last season.
"I've come to expect really good things from him," Zakrzewski said about Mullane. "He'll turn some heads this season."
Stevenson: Senior Ali Kahn's play in the middle will key Stevenson's attack.
"He's our top offensive threat," coach Sean Wimer said. "He's very experienced and he's in the best swimming shape he's been in."
The Patriots clicked in the playoffs last year and defeated Mundelein in a tense match for the sectional title. Stevenson lost the majority of its starting lineup to graduation, but there is no reason the Patriots won't be challenging for another trip to state by the end of the season.
Junior Alex Rembialkowski is one of the area's most improved players. Although this is just his second full season of water polo, he has become one of the Patriots' go-to performers.
Vernon Hills: On balance, the Cougars are young, but they do have the luxury of relying heavily on seniors Cliff Nelson, Mike Schock and Alex Madore.
"Cliff is an aggressive and very smart player," coach Pat Costello said. "Mike and Alex have good game awareness. They're able to pass and get something to happen."
Junior Dan Stiles is an emerging, scrappy player.
"He fights for the ball and has done an outstanding job," Costello said.
Boys water polo players to watch
Mike Begrowicz, sr., Mundelein; John Blankenhorn, sr., Libertyville; Will Davidson, soph., Mundelein; Pat Falconer, jr., Mundelein; Brad Feng, sr., Stevenson; Ben Glick, sr., Libertyville; Brandon Horsch, jr., Mundelein; Ali Kahn, sr., Stevenson; Ty Kuper, sr., Stevenson; Zach Leboza, sr., Libertyville; Frank Lukacs, soph., Mundelein; Alex Madore, sr., Vernon Hills; Will Mullane, sr., Libertyville; Cliff Nelson, sr., Vernon Hills; Alex Rembialkowski, jr., Stevenson; Mike Schock, sr., Vernon Hills; Dan Stiles, jr., Vernon Hills; Sean Trinka, sr., Mundelein; Stevie Wimer, sr., Libertyville.