Boys water polo / Scouting the MSL title game
Boys water polo / Scouting the MSL title game
When: 6 p.m. Thursday at Barrington
Who: Wheeling (14-12) vs. Barrington (22-1)
Background: Wheeling had several close calls against its Mid-Suburban East foes but managed to get through with a 10-0 record against them. Barrington also went unbeaten in the MSL West, winning the vast majority of its matchups by a wide margin. The Broncos are appearing in their first MSL championship game in water polo, while Wheeling returns for the first time since 2011.
Players to watch: Wheeling junior Nate Reiff and Barrington senior Chase Lesniak both play at an advanced level. Wheeling will count on Reiff to score - which could happen from just about anywhere in the pool - but he's equally important in running the Wildcats' offense efficiently. Lesniak, the programs all-time leading scorere, will function primarily as an offensive enabler but has a great all-around game, too.
Wheeling juniors Kyle and Jake Noel have helped elevate the Wildcats since they were able to contribute full-time to polo after their extended swimming seasons concluded. Coach Rudy Means has nice collection of players with an above-average swimming quotient, which could lead to counter-attack possibilities - but only if the Wildcats can force turnovers. Barrington's tough senior-led crew features Marshall Mathias causing havoc near the goal along with interchangeably effective scorers Matt Gouskos, Charlie Hoffman and Pat Hogan nearby. The Broncos' ability manage possessions tends to limits their vulnerability on counters, and goalie Andrew Fischer has been as steady as they come for coaches Scott Krasinski and Rob Emary. The Broncos also feature two strong sophomores, Mitch Gavars and Colin O'Leary.
Numbers game: In the most recent state rankings from illpolo.com, Barrington is No. 13 and Wheeling is 39.
- Aaron Gabriel