The CIF Southern Section boys’ water polo playoff brackets were released on Saturday morning, with four Long Beach teams learning their playoff fate. The first round of the playoffs will be Tuesday and Wednesday, depending on Division.
Division 2
12-time defending Moore League champion Wilson will start the playoffs at home at the Belmont on Wednesday at 5 p.m. against the winner of a wild card game between Beckman and Corona del Mar. The Bruins (12-15) feature young talent and senior leadership that could let them make a run in the playoffs.
Presuming a win on Tuesday, Wilson would face the winner of Murrieta Valley and Dos Pueblos on Saturday in the quarterfinals.
Division 4
Millikan (15-11) has had a strong season but will open the first round of the playoffs on Tuesday with a tough opponent in Rancho Cucamonga (20-6) in a meeting between the Moore League’s second seed and the Baseline League’s third seed.
A win for the Rams would put them in the second round on Thursday against Temescal Canyon or La Habra.
Division 5
Long Beach Poly (9-20) is the Moore League’s third seed, and the Jackrabbits are looking to advance to the second round of the playoffs for the first time since 1980. Their best hope is a strong defense that could match up well with any Division 5 competition, including Roosevelt, who Poly will play on the road on Tuesday. A win would put Poly in the second round against Diamond Bar.
Division 7
It’s strange to say, but the city’s best chance at a deep playoff run might not be perennial power Wilson, but rather Cabrillo, which has only had a water polo program for a few years. The Jaguars are ranked No. 5 in the division and Cabrillo (13-7) will open the playoffs on the road against La Quinta (8-7) on Wednesday evening at Garden Grove HS at 6:30 p.m.
If the Jaguars win they’ll face the winner of Sierra Vista and Tahquitz on Saturday.
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Schedule
Division 2
Wilson vs. Beckman/CDM Wednesday, 5 p.m.
Division 4
Millikan vs. Rancho Cucamonga Tuesday, 5 p.m.
Division 5
Long Beach Poly @ Roosevelt Tuesday, 5 p.m.
Division 7
Cabrillo @ La Quinta at Garden Grove HS Wednesday, 6:30 p.m.
