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Royal boys’ water polo jumps all over Westlake
Mostly a counter-attacking offense a year ago, the Highlanders went to work on their front-court play prior to the start of the season with the hopes of generating a more well-rounded offensive approach in the pool. “We really don’t have a true two-meter man, or what is called the ‘set’ position,” head coach Steve Snyder said. “So we have to do more movement offense— creating driving, setting picks and creating movement to get people open.
The Highlanders are off to a 14-4 start, including a 3-0 mark in the Marmonte League, after easily getting by Westlake, 15-5, Wednesday afternoon at home. Considered a team on the upswing, Westlake found out that bringing down the defending league champion Highlanders remains as tough a task as ever. Royal has won 20 league titles under Snyder, including a streak of 17 in a row that was snapped six years ago. Adam Thomas had three goals and two assist in the victory. Tyler McClure added four goals and one assist for the Highlanders. McClure was a CIF champion in the 100-yard freestyle in 2004. “This team has a lot of speed,” Snyder said. “We’re continuing to improve as a counterattack team by utilizing that speed. . . .If you take a bad shot or an off-balance shot, we’re going to hurt you. We’re going to make you pay for it. It’s like the Lakers, like Showtime. If you make a mistake against us, we’re going to burn you.” The Highlanders got a boost in the offseason when junior Blake Hubbell transferred from Malibu, where he was secondteam All-CIF last season. “He’s had a huge impact,” senior Juan Camero said of the lefthanded Hubbell. “Not only does he give us another side to run our offense through, but also on sixon-five situations, we set up our plays mainly around him.” Camero and goalie Matt Lewis were also both named to the AllCIF second team a year ago. Senior Ben Cobb was thirdteam All-CIF in 2004. “He’s a bona fide shot blocker and a very good player,” Snyder said of Lewis. Robert Lubell, a junior, also brings a lot of speed to the pool, Snyder said. The coach glows when he speaks of his two sons, Scott and Barry Snyder, who are now both with the varsity team. Barry, a sophomore, is entering his second year at Royal. Scott Snyder participated on a 14-and-under national team for the past two years and has played in numerous international tournaments during his young career. Coach Snyder said sometimes it can be difficult job balancing the role of father and coach, but for the most part, it’s a pretty gratifying experience. “They’re involved in my passion and they’re excelling at it,” Snyder said. “We discuss game situations, tournaments that we’re in, team psychology; I listen to what their concerns are from a players’ perspective.” Jeremy Van Dressche, Ryan McGill, Mike Lee, Filip Dziwulski, Chase Holt and Chris Wheeler are also crucial parts of the well-oiled machine that’s Royal water polo. Devin Hurst and Mike Frazier are the assistant coaches. Frazier has been at Royal for 13 seasons and believes this year’s squad can make a run deep into the playoffs if they continue to work hard and improve. “Right now we have some work to do,” Frazier said. “But I think when the time comes and the playoffs get here, this team will be ready to compete for the (Div. IV) championship.” Royal plays on the road against the Newbury Park Panthers today. On Tuesday, the Highlanders will travel to Agoura for a highly anticipated matchup vs. the Chargers. Royal is ranked No. 4 in the current Southern Section poll. Agoura is No. 5. Both matches are scheduled to begin at 3:15 p.m. |
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