Scouting Lake County boys water polo

Boys water polo season preview

Players to watch

Mitch Boynton, jr., Libertyville; Will Davidson, jr., Mundelein; David Dickinson, sr., Mundelein; Pat Falconer, sr., Mundelein; Josh Hodges, sr., Stevenson; Brandon Horsch, sr., Mundelein; Pat Hughes, jr., Libertyville; Kevin Lenz, jr., Vernon Hills; Frank Lukacs, jr., Mundelein; Mark Madore, jr., Vernon Hills; Doug Malfar, sr., Stevenson; Nick Mandas, jr., Mundelein; Robbie O'Brien, fr., Stevenson; Mike Opthof, sr., Libertyville; Alex Rembialkowski, sr., Stevenson; Ben Snader, jr., Libertyville; Grant Stevens, sr., Stevenson; Dan Stiles, sr., Vernon Hills.

Scouting report

Libertyville is a junior-dominated team that should improve steadily as the season progresses. "We don't have that one outstanding player, but we have a bunch of guys that work really well together," Wildcats coach Kevin Zakrzewski said. "I think we'll surprise some people." Watch for junior Mitch Boynton to make an impact. "Whenever we do classroom (work), he's the one taking the most detailed notes," Zakrzewski said. "He works harder than just about anyone I've seen." Junior Pat Hughes also has made great strides. "He picks things up really well and is always trying to learn new things," Zakrzewski said. Ivan Munoz, who used to officiate in the area, is on board as an assistant coach. Zakrzewski said Munoz had made an instant impact. - Mundelein is loaded with star power. The key for the Mustangs is how well the complementary players can fill their roles. "Our success will be determined by our six-to-ten field players," Mustangs coach Rahul Sethna said. "We (need them) to improve enough to ease some of the load from our five returning starters." Mundelein went 4-0 to place first at the season-opening tournament at Stagg High School. "The big thing was we got better as the games went on," Sethna said. Senior goalie David Dickinson's improved passing helps power the Mustangs' attack. Senior Brandon Horsch will be more of a scoring threat this season. - Stevenson is shooting for its fourth consecutive trip to the IHSA state tournament. "Even though it's a new year the kids have embraced that," Patriots coach Sean Wimer said. "That's the expectation that comes along with being a successful program." Senior Josh Hodges is showing better instincts for the game. "Last season he was just a fast swimmer," Wimer said. "This year, he's a fast water polo player." As a team, Stevenson also is faster. "We have more team speed than last year and that adds another element to our game," Wimer said. "We can slow it down or push the tempo." Although the Patriots lost two of their first three games, freshman goalie Robbie O'Brien has shown that he belongs. "He's a big, talented kid," Wimer said. "I'm excited to have him for the next four years." - Although it hasn't shown up on the scoreboard, Vernon Hills has increased depth this season. "With a deeper bench, it's easier to have the team work together and mesh," Cougars coach Patrick Costello said. Senior Dan Stiles has more trust in his teammates to make plays this season. "He (knows) he doesn't have to do everything himself," Costello said. "He's very motivated." Speed is the first thing you notice about junior Kevin Lenz. "He's got the speed everybody likes to see," Costello said. "He has great game awareness. His long arms help him to maintain control of the ball."