Khan's wrath soaks Libertyville; Stevenson star scores 6 goals

Stevenson boys water polo coach Sean Wimer has enjoyed watching senior Ali Khan play throughout his varsity career.

"On any given day, he can go for 6 or 7 goals," Wimer said.

Thursday was one of those days.

Khan scored 6 goals to lead Stevenson to a 15-6 victory over visiting Libertyville in the opening round of the Lake County Tournament. The Patriots and Libertyville each play two games Friday. The tourney's final round is Saturday at Barrington.

Khan scored his team's first goal and strung together the final three goals of the first half to give the Patriots a 10-2 lead. With the victory, Stevenson improved to 2-3.

"He can make teams pay," Wimer said. "He's that much of an offensive threat."

Khan's first goal in the second quarter came on a backhand shot.

"I had position with my right shoulder," said Khan, who also had 4 steals. "A shot like that fires everybody up because you don't see it too often."

Libertyville senior Zach Leboza had 5 goals of his own and gave the Wildcats a needed jolt of experience in their first game of the season.

"I expected nothing less from him," Libertyville coach Kevin Zakrzewski said. "He's shown that type of leadership in practice."

The Wildcats won't be at full strength until next week when three of their top players join the team after competing at swimming's Junior Nationals.

"No one likes losing, but we had an OK day," Zakrzewski said. "We have a lot to build on."

Added Khan: "When we see Libertyville later, they'll have their starters back. We'll expect a different team."

Stevenson's Alex Rembialkowski continued his breakout junior season. He contributed 4 goals and 5 assists.

"I played over the summer and that helped me a lot," he said. "I'm more comfortable with the game."

This is Rembialkowski's second year playing water polo and his first on varsity.

"He put in the work in the offseason and has become a huge part of this team," Wimer said.

Senior Ty Kuper, who missed the first week of the season with a strained back, anchored Stevenson's defense.

"He basically allows us to run our defense," Wimer said. "We're a completely different team with him in the water."