Heading into this week's regular-season-closing games at Cathedral Catholic Thurs., Oct. 30, and at home versus Vista the next day, it is apparent that La Jolla's boys water polo team has more firepower than they had last season.
The defense is stout, but also, the Vikings can mount a considerable offensive attack behind a maturing Dexter Black, who was already good enough to be named First Team All-CIF a year ago, and Henry Glenister. Nate Thomson, the senior, also provides a valuable third member of the attack.
Coach Tom Atwell's Vikings (5-1 in the Western League, 21-3 overall), having downed Bishop's 15-14 at home Sept. 24, then 20-14 at Bishop's Oct. 15, have shown their proficiency both home and away through the course of this season.
In their season opener, the black-and-red traveled to JSerra Catholic in San Juan Capistrano and stayed with the Corsairs, dropping a close 16-14 decision. They showed that they might be able to stay with the best. At that time, JSerra was probably ranked higher--since dropped to ninth in California, according to MaxPreps.
La Jolla is ranked sixth in the state.
The seasiders traveled to the Bay Area and competed in the Menlo Tournament with some big boys. Menlo, the tourney host, is now seeded 11th. Miramonte, another elite program from Orinda, stands at fourth.
Honestly, the AFC Tournament, played at Coggan Aquatic Complex and at Coronado High, didn't provide any kind of indication how Atwell's charges would be in league this year. The Vikings were never tested, winning all their games by wide margins.
The continued development of the scorers, as well as the pressure defense continuing its life from past years, has meant you don't see La Jolla flailing--without weapons--as the game progresses. Especially against the better teams.
Before, you kind of had the feeling the Vikings wouldn't be able to come back from a deficit--last year included.
Center Tor Martin has played a key role in some games, with additional scoring when you don't always expect it.
Cathedral Catholic will be a test. Ranked second in the state behind South Coast Tourney winner Newport Harbor (25-1-0), Tommy Corcoran's Dons (4-0) will attempt to run the table in the Western League, if they assert their dominance over La Jolla Thursday. It's an early game, starting at 3 p.m.
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