Boys water polo: Defending champ Naperville North excited for new opportunity

Naperville North headlines the boys water polo season after winning the program’s first state championship last season.

All eyes will be on the Huskies’ quest to add title number two this spring, although the task will be tougher after several key graduation losses.

“We graduated a lot of kids, but we still have some solid talent and great leadership on the team,” Naperville North coach Kelly Reif said. “Last year’s championship was special, but every season brings a new opportunity. We graduated a tremendous group of leaders, and now it’s time for the next group to step up. I’m excited about the work ethic and energy we’re seeing from this team, and we’re looking to building new talent and continuing to build our team’s legacy.”

The Huskies’ top players include John Riordan, Caden Tsao and JD Sandford, Reif said.

“All three of these guys are returning players from our state winning team,” Reif said. “I’m looking forward to seeing their talents again and their leadership throughout the season.”

Meanwhile, York is primed for another quality season after placing third in the state last season, beating Stevenson in the quarterfinals until losing to New Trier in a close game in the semifinals.

Junior Ethan Allen, a first-team all-state selection in 2025, is a creative attacker capable of scoring in a number of ways. Junior Teddy Kamenica, a second-team all-state pick, is a utility player who can play every position in the pool, coach Brian Drumm said. Sophomore Ethan Larson-Behal and junior Ian Morgan are players slated for bigger roles this season. Allen had 106 goals last season, while Kamenica netted 46 steals, 41 assists and 45 goals.

“We have only two varsity seniors, but we do have a lot of experience,” Drumm said. “This is a fast and athletic group which has played together for a long time.”

Barrington (19-8) has its sights on another banner season after dropping a one-goal decision to Palatine in the sectional semifinals last season. Junior driver Matt Bucaro is one the top players, compiling 99 goals, 55 assists and 48 steals last season. Senior goalie Luke Keller set a school record for saves in a season in 2025.

“We still have a core group of veterans returning and are hoping that we can have three to four players really step up and make significant progress this season,’ Barrington coach Robert Emary said.

Buffalo Grove brings four starters back from last season’s 20-win team, which includes Ben Inglis, Tamazi Sanadiradze, Sonny Tugs and Joe Buttitta.

“The program has shown steady improvement each year, and with strong returning leadership and experience in the pool, the team is poised for another successful season,” Buffalo Grove coach Thomas Cooney said.

Elk Grove is filled with young players, leading to a possible improvement from last season’s six wins.

“It’s been exciting to watch their development,” Elk Grove coach Mike Nauert said. “They’ve been gaining confidence, building chemistry and showing real potential. I’m looking forward to seeing how they continue to grow throughout the year.”

Hersey finished last season with a tough defeat to Barrington in the sectional quarterfinals, but the prospect of a strong season hinges on the development of senior co-captains Sam Wojtowicz and Will Corley and sophomore Luca Fabian.

Hinsdale Central has nine returnees from last season’s team. Senior Jack Driscoll is within sight of becoming the program’s all-time goal leader and goalie Sohan Whittier is motivated to break his 19 blocks in a game record.

Glenbrook South is led by three seniors but otherwise a young team, said coach David Lieberman. Jaydah Oh and Victor Spuza are expected to be top scorers.

“We expect to compete for a conference and sectional title,” Lieberman said.

Libertyville (18-11) is motivated to continue its winning way even after losing nine seniors graduating from last season’s sectional finals squad. Sophomore Will Kopecky and senior CJ Pabalan are among the top players.

“Although we graduated some of our strength, we retain a powerful core of players this season and are adding a number of new players who show great promise,” Libertyville coach Matt Zambelli said.

Neuqua Valley (20-12) is a young team with plenty of speed, paced by Colin Mulligan and Mario Valente.

“Colin and Mario will be big leaders of the team this year,” coach Chad Ganden said.

Schaumburg is slated to be one of the top teams in the area after back-to-back 20-plus win seasons, including a 24-8 record last season — the most wins in a season since 2011. However, Schaumburg must replace six starters, but the Saxons expect senior center defender Sam Yeung and junior center Michael Folkins, who had 13 goals last season, to be key players.

Stevenson (23-11) is loaded with returning and talented players. The Patriots have 17 of last season’s 21 varsity players back in the fold. Junior goalie Anthony Cardone, senior Armeet Gill, who tallied 85 goals and 32 assists, are joined by Kenny Weisner (53 goals, 52 assists) and Ben Tosyali (35 goals in 13 games).

“The strength of our team is our quality and depth,” Stevenson coach Sean Wimer said. “The goal is to win our program’s third state championship. We have a quality team with depth, so we have a shot.”

Warren is full of experience, with seven players back in the pool from last season. Senior starters Dash Rutzen, a Michigan recruit, and David Wurl are two of the key returnees for the Blue Devils.

“We have outstanding leadership from our returners this year,” Warren coach Chris O’Neill said. “We’re a young team in the middle of a rebuild, but we’re seeing a lot of improvement and there is plenty of potential.”

Vernon Hills (11-14) made a strong push late last season to build optimism for this spring. Murray Heneghan, Ori Marz and goalie Alex Gong form the core of the team, and Teddy Heneghan, Yahli Marx and Nathan Gong will look to make their own mark on the program.