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- The Jr. Billikens of St. Louis University High lived up to preseason expectations by winning Missouri’s high school water polo championship on Saturday at the St. Peters Rec-plex. Though considered one of the most competitive seasons in recent memory, many coaches and observers slightly favored SLUH to regain the top spot, which they did with a goal in the final seconds of a tightly-contested 11-10 final match against historical rival MICDS. The Rams surprised many by steadily improving throughout the season, arriving at the championship tournament with sufficient momentum to defeat defending champions Parkway West in the semis. Against SLUH, Coach Don Casey’s deliberate attempt to slow down the match nearly worked for MICDS, which took advantage of some calculated mismatches to earn a 10-9 lead with just over two minutes left. In response, with only seconds remaining SLUH earned a foul outside five-meters and Victor Castro alertly put it in the net to end the tense battle and pocket a 16th title for the Jr. Billikens.
- Meanwhile in Illinois, the upcoming state high school championship tournament bracket is complete after 16 district championship matches were decided on Saturday. The most anticipated game pitted defending state champions Lyons against the boys of Fenwick in the Fenwick District final. The Friars, who were seeded first in the district but second in the state behind the Lions, welcomed back star Matt Farmer, who had missed several weeks recovering from hand surgery. Farmer scored six times to lead the Friars to a convincing 11-8 win, putting them in the state tournament for the first time in two years. The number one ranked girls of Mother McAuley won their section and earned a match against number three Fenwick in the opening round on Friday.
- Four girls’ teams emerged from Saturday’s high school wild card tournament in Washington state. Puyallup, Bainbridge Island, Auburn Riverside, and Stadium earned spots in this week’s state championship tournament, which culminates on Saturday at Curtis High School. First round matches begin on Wednesday.
