Metea Valley beats Naperville North
Naperville North is counting on a stellar record against top-notch competition to help land the top seed for the upcoming boys water polo sectionals.
Tuesday’s match against Metea Valley, however, will not play a role in the Huskies’ record or in next week’s seedings after the match was switched to a junior varsity contest to keep Naperville North from exceeding its varsity 30-match limit.
What the meet did mean at Naperville on Tuesday was that the Huskies were able to get some extra game action for some players who don’t see much time in varsity battles, and it also allowed the Mustangs to showcase some of the swimming and passing skills that have that program on the rise.
The Huskies scored first, but then Metea Valley dominated in a 19-2 triumph with Trever Sandberg notching 8 goals and Alex Gidlow adding 5 scores.
The win didn’t change the Mustangs’ 9-9 varsity mark this spring, but it did show off some of the talent that has helped the school improve on a 4-17 mark last year in its inaugural season.
“We’ve had some good wins and the kids have really improved a lot,” Metea Valley assistant coach Andrew Peterman said. “We have basically the same group that we had last year, and we’ve made huge strides.”
Naperville North has also made great strides under third-year varsity coach John Blumthal, a former Huskies player. Blumthal has guided the program to a 16-1 mark, including an 8-7 victory over state power Sandburg. The Huskies, who have knocked off Naperville Central twice this season, have lost only to Lyons Twp.
“We’re pretty young but we’re looking to make that next step,” said Blumthal, whose team lost in last year’s sectional finals to the Redhawks.
Senior Aaron Katz has been the heart and soul of the team this season, according to Blumthal, and his 39 goals so far are second on the team to junior Eric Curia’s 76. The deep roster also features sophomore goalie Michael Chapman, sophomore assists leader Gian Marco Duin and Nolan Roberts, the team’s top defender.
The Huskies will host the Best of the West tourney along with Naperville Central on Friday and Saturday. The nine-team event includes both Naperville powers along with a solid Hinsdale Central team.
Metea Valley, meanwhile, may not be quite ready for sectional contention this spring, but the Mustangs and leader Cameron Weber should give teams fits in the postseason.
“They’ve gotten a lot better and Cameron makes them tough,” Blumthal said.