Scouting Fox water polo

Coaches look to their veterans for leadership purposes.

They also often look to their veterans to provide talent and much-needed experience.

St. Charles North boys water polo coach Chris Cloy is pleased to be heading into the 2022 season with a player who checks all the aforementioned boxes.

Senior Aidan Allamian returns to bolster a North Stars team that won its first four matches a year ago on the way to one of its most successful regular seasons in school history.

"Aidan helped lead us to the highest winning percentage in school history last year," said Cloy, whose team compiled an 11-3 mark in head-to-head matches (not counting triangular meets and invitationals). "He was recognized by Illinois Water Polo (illpolo.com) as a 4th Team All-State player. He's the second boy in school history to receive All-State recognition."

Allamian is a complete all-around performer who was the North Stars' second leading scorer in 2021 while doubling as their primary defender.

Seniors Jacob Shimon (goalie) and AJ Zoretic (attack) also are back as veteran players for the North Stars.

"Jacob will be taking over full-time goalie duties this year," said Cloy. "The last three years, he has gotten opportunities at the varsity level but this year, it is his spot. He is a fantastic athlete in the goal who we expect to help lead the defense."

Zoretic, meanwhile, will be looked upon at the opposite side of the pool.

"He's a four-year player that has increased responsibilities each year," said Cloy. "This year, we look for him to lend experience to the younger kids as well as use his strength and skills to help Aidan (Allamian) on the offensive end."

Cloy expects juniors Robby Kemp, Joe Shimon, and Joey Brucato to be impactful players. Kemp swam a leg on the North Stars' 6th-place state 200-meter free relay team this past season.

They'll be joined by senior Logan Coakley, juniors Ben Bransky, Jonathan Directo, Kai Fraehsdorf, sophomore Adrian Szczepanik, and freshman James Shimon.

"James has a wealth of age-group experience," said Cloy.

After beating Waubonsie Valley 15-4 earlier in the season, the 3rd-seeded North Stars finished last year with a 5-0 sectional quarterfinal loss to the 6th-seeded Warriors.

"The season did not end on a high note," said Cloy, whose team will face Waubonsie Valley Thursday. "The returning varsity boys are excited about the opportunities they have this season. Our goal is always to compete as one of the top teams in the state."

St. Charles East welcomes back seniors Ben Cabel, Caven Menendez, Sal Sandecki, and Tyler Wojdylo, flanked by juniors Luke Doughty, Jake Ortiz, Andrew Seltz, sophomores Ashwin Jain, Seth Kacmar, Conner Lougheed, James Souk, Daniel Vargas, and freshmen Jacob Behenna, Joshua Kennedy, Joaquin Negro, and Clancy Windle.

"The seniors all have provided strong leadership," said Saints coach Brett Unruh. "While some of the other players played last season, they are new to me because I was out for the year. I'm still learning their strengths, but I'm so excited because the one thing this team doesn't lack is the drive to compete. That makes coaching a lot of fun."

The Saints begin their home campaign against Lincoln-Way Central on March 22.

"All I'm looking for is building a strong foundation," said Unruh. "If we continue to work hard and work together, I think we will have a very successful season.

"There are so many good teams in our area - St. Charles North, the Napervilles, Waubonsie Valley and Metea Valley. They don't rebuild - they keep reloading."

Girls preview:

The Saints' girls team, which began its season Thursday against Maine East, features senior Valerie Landers (driver), juniors Olivia Kennedy (utility), Ella Schuldt (point/set), and sophomore Norah Rooney (driver).

"We are expecting a great season," said Saints coach Stephanie Ter Bush. "We have a small team (8 currently on varsity), but we have a lot of heart."

Senior Allyson Kichka and juniors Lauren Anthoney, Abigail Oeltgen, and Colleen Zisk complete the roster.

On the other side of town, St. Charles North looks to improve upon last season's sectional quarterfinal win over Neuqua Valley (the North Stars lost to Naperville Central in sectional semifinals).

"Practices have been going well," said North Stars coach George Mitchell.

"Our expectations are to be performing at a top level come sectionals (mid-May). We have a very tough schedule with some high-level tournaments and competitions throughout the season."

Mitchell expects big things from senior returnees Krista Domaracki (attack), a 2nd-Team All-Sectional performer in 2021, Celia D'Agostino (center), Emily Fairgrieve (attack), and Lilly Weisner (center defender).

The list of newcomers includes juniors Skye Lentz (attack) and Emily Watanapongse (attack), supported by senior Zoe Rutishauser, juniors Analiese Buono, Nicole Burton, Ella Roth, Mandolyn Winters, sophomore Olivia Miller, and freshman Trinity Lentz.

The North Stars visit Waubonsie Valley Thursday before playing host to their own invite on March 19.

"We aren't concerned about overall wins or losses," said Mitchell. "We're concerned about growth and performing well at sectionals."