The rapid improvement of the Wilson boys’ water polo team has not been exaggerated.
The Bruins (14-3) have grown up fast and they flexed their muscles with a 16-2 win over Long Beach Poly in the Moore League Showcase on Wednesday at Cabrillo High.
“We came off a good weekend at the South Coast tournament and so we feel kind of tuned up and ready to go,” Wilson coach Jeff Nesmith said.
Gray Carson led Wilson with a game-high six goals while Ian Escoto provided four assists and a handful of steals on defense. Zac Crenshaw scored a hat trick for the Bruins, and Mischa Tracy (pictured) chipped in two goals and two assists.
“I think most of that improvement comes from playing more as a team,” Carson said. “Last year we were more like individuals and this year we’re really focusing working more as a team.”
Poly played a strong second quarter after falling behind 5-0 and got goals from Justin Greenwood and Reece Hammond. Goalkeepers Ethan Evans and Isaac Zabukovec combined to make 17 saves, and Zabukovec made nine saves in the fourth quarter. They each played a half, like they have all year.
This historic rivalry was the last of three games played as part of the annual Moore League Showcase, and most of the other league teams stayed to watch the first half of the final match. Carson said his team notices stuff like that, and takes pride in being the marquee matchup every year.
“We definitely do and we work our hardest to keep it that way and show Wilson pride,” Carson said.
“We’ve never played Poly at this pool on this night before,” Nesmith said. “It was a good environment. I like (playing Poly) here. It’s good to see other teams and that’s why we do it. Otherwise we’re just kind of playing on islands and never see each other. Seeing the other coaches and players and the comradery we have is a really good part about this night.”
