In CIF-SS Division 1 Semi-Finals on Tuesday, results are: Mira Costa 15, Huntington Beach 7; and Westlake 17, Yucaipa 16 (in sudden death).
Huntington Beach was the defending champ. Mira Costa has advanced to the finals only once on this level, finishing second in 2018. This is Westlake’s first trip to the finals. Previously, they have only gotten as far as the Sweet 16 round at this level.
Interestingly, Mater Dei gave Oaks a run for their money last week. It appears these 3 teams are not as far apart as some may think. Too bad these games aren’t able to be viewed by a wider audience when there are obviously stellar players yet to be recruited. This unpredictable game of recruiting musical chairs may leave some really great players out in the cold this year. If only these coaches could direct their focus on domestic talent to fill these last spots…
Turning point of the JSerra vs Newport game? With JSerra up by one midway through the 4th quarter. Taylor Bell had inside water and was hacked from behind (see photo). With the emphasis on rewarding penalty shots, this should have been a no brainer! Instead there was no call. Congrats to JSerra for a great game plan and execution.
Several missed 5s last night. Another elite matchup with non-elite reffing…part of the game I guess.
Not a single 5-meter penalty called last night. I’m all for letting them play but yes, the officiating was off.
Once again, shame on CIF for not opening up all of the seating at Mt. SAC.
With no skin in the game, that looks like all ball to me and nice defense. Offense should have felt the defense and kept the ball in front instead of relying on refs. The defender also isn’t hanging on the offense. His hips are up. That’s some exciting, talented defense and I’m glad it’s a no call because it allows the game to be way more exciting rather than giving the shooter a halo.
For better reference point, if I’m not mistaken, Bell did not make a move with the ball to get inside water! A pass was made from 5 side and it was little behind Bell, it was a clean pick by Newport with good no call. Having said that, we have seen refs making 5m calls on similar positions. It’s a hard game to ref in general, especially with 2 power houses clashing for the 3rd time in the finals. I thought refs did a great job letting the kids fight it out.
It was JSerra’s best game of the season, they were well prepped and executed at every level during the 1st half! Newport made the adjustments and kept JSerra to 2 goals in the entire second half, (Newport won the second half 6-2) that was the difference in the game.
I disagree with your assertion that he is cleanly swiping away the ball only. He has inside water and his arm and the ball are being hit with the defenders arm. Inside water and his arm is moving forward on the shot and his arm is hit.
He did not have to make a move to the inside with the ball as he already has inside water and is his arm is hit from behind as he is shooting the ball. A clean pick would clearly show the defenders fingers and hand only making a clean play on only the ball. This is not happening. I agree that officiating is a difficult job. Newport had a great second half but this happened at a critical point of the 4th quarter and could have made a difference in the outcome.
Let me guess, USAPolo does have some skin in the game?
High School or College, game gets a little more physical in the Semi’s and Finals. Calls get missed, calls are made with a ? in the head, but most are spot on. Same with any sport. Can’t let the Ref’s decide the game for you.
When the pool is filled w highly trained USAWP kids who’ve competed internationally and are trained by two of the top coaches in the world year around, expectations are you find a way to score in front of the cage no matter what.
I feel like a 12u classic parent could complain about the no call in holiday cup, but not anyone from programs that have been in this game the last three years.
What great experiences for your kids! Three years in the finals. In addition to club, usawp and academy team success.
I keep careful records of the CIF-SS Boys playoffs. I have updated the stats to include the 2024 season. You’ll find PDFs of the seven divisions on my website. You can download the PDFs – and, if you do, be sure to check out the statistical analysis towards the end of each document. Until next August! Please visit the Documents page here: https://waterpolohistory.com/
2024 BOYS WATER POLO All CIF link:
Congratulations to allof the All-CIF selections.
Assuming that it is his choice, Sinclair really likes having Co-Players of the Year.
Anyone have a link to the list of Southern Section All CIF 2nd and 3rd/Honorable Mention teams for the different divisions?
I noticed some teams posting on socials that they had players on All CIF 2ND amd 3rd team but the CIF website only posted the All CIF 1st teams for Open through D6.
TIA!
PoloPop32, I believe that you will need to contact your coach for those lists. I do not think that CIF publishes them.
Circling back, does anyone have the 2nd and 3rd All-CIF teams? Somebody always seems to have it…..
Has the CIFSS Teams come out yet ?
