Boys water polo / Scouting Lake County
North Suburban Conference
LibertyvilleCoach: Kara Bosman (third season)
Last season: 14-15-1, lost in sectional semifinals
Key losses: Jack Otto (Bucknell), Carl Michelotti, Max Kratcoski
Returning players: Richie Rush (Sr.), James Davies (Sr.)
Newcomers: Andrew Bacilek (Jr.) and Ben Kistler (Jr.)
Outlook: It'll be a season of growing pains as the Wildcats graduated 12 of their 14 varsity players. Richie Rush and James Davies return to lead the offense, while contributions are expected by newcomers Andrew Bacilek and Ben Kistler. "We're enthusiastic, daring and competitive," coach Kara Bosman said. "We're also very young, but our guys are athletes dedicated to the game, their teammates, and improving. It should be a fun season."
MundeleinCoach: Russ Gates (fourth season)
Last season: 15-16-1, third in NSC, lost in sectional semifinals
Key players lost: Shane Stanley, Eubin Kim
Returning players: Matt Allore (Sr.), Jake Garcia (Sr.), Hunter Magee (Sr.), Ryan Zentz (Sr.), Danny Oleinik (So.)
Newcomers: Jeff Boudreau (Sr.), Logan Bradshaw (Sr.), Ben Ford (Sr.), Jon Gustafson (Sr.), Parker Geary (Jr.), Jack Long (So.), Cale Sethna (So.)
Outlook: After an unexpected exit in the sectional semifinals a year ago, the fire and fuel are there for the senior-heavy Mustangs. "This group has used that as motivation to prepare for a state run in the 2019 season," coach Russ Gates said. Logan Bradshaw is ready to fill the big shoes left by graduated all-state goalie Shane Stanley. The Mustangs return their top three scorers (Danny Oleinik, Jake Garcia, Ryan Zentz), top three in assists (Matt Allore, Garcia, Oleinik), and top three in steals (Garcia, Oleinik, Allore). And with all-around player Hunter Magee returning, that leaves only one new spot in the starting rotation from last year. "With depth coming in from our newcomers, this will be one of the fastest teams Mundelein has ever fielded," Gates said.
StevensonCoach: Sean Wimer (12th season)
Last season: 29-5, lost in state quarterfinals
Key players lost: Collin Kapecki, Justin Ginsberg
Returning players: Drew Wangard (Jr.), Nate Pedigo (So.), Dima Kobets (So.), Mark Holzer (So.), Filip Mihajlovic (Sr.), Nik Ebeling (Sr.), Beno Maya (Sr.)
Outlook: The Patriots are looking to get back to the state championship game and having a chance to win it all after being in the finals four of the last six seasons, having won it all once. "We have a very young, but talented team," coach Sean Wimer said. "Honestly, it's the most talented team I've coached. They're just that young. But we have experience, size and speed. The question for us is how fast can we grow and develop." Mark Holzer, Nate Pedigo and Dima Kobets made quite a splash their freshman year.
WarrenCoach: Brian Esposito (third season), Richard Whelan (third season)
Last season: 2-19, lost to Deerfield in the sectional play-in game
Key players lost: Justin Elkinton, Austin Cortez
Returning players: Wes Gari (Sr.), Sam Aiello (Sr.), Jeremy Gunther (Sr.), Riley Nebel (Jr.), Joemil Duka (Jr.)
Outlook: The Blue Devils have several returning players in this the third year of the program. "We also have a strong group of first year players," coach Brian Esposito said, "and are looking to take another step forward and turn some of our close losses into victories." Warren looks to catch some teams off guard with progress made through hard work and dedication. Wes Gari, Sam Aiello, Jeremy Gunther and Riley Nebel are co-captains. "They provide the leadership necessary to have our team achieve the lofty goals we've set for this season," Esposito said.
Central Suburban League
Vernon HillsCoach: Adam Lueken (seventh season)
Last season: 0-9, lost in sectional play-in game to Lake Forest
Key losses: Jason Palmer, Declan Kelleher
Returning players: Steven Hart (Jr.), Ruslan Khamdulaev (Jr.), Preston Lis (Jr.), Remington Bose (Jr.)
Newcomers: Ben Ravenscraft (Fr.)
Outlook: Numbers continue to grow for the Cougars. "Our new recruits are going to be playing a huge role on our team," coach Adam Lueken said. Remington Bose brings a lot of experience and will lead the offense. Freshman Ben Ravenscraft brings speed and strength, and will play a central role defensively and in counter attacks. "We have basically our entire varsity team from last year along with a lot new players," Lueken said. "We doubled in size and we look forward to a great season."