The JSerra Catholic varsity water polo team (San Juan Capistrano, CA) will host Bishop’s (La Jolla, CA) today at 5 p.m. for a playoff game in the 2024 CIF SoCal Boys Water Polo Championships – Division I tournament.

Bishop’s vs JSerra Catholic Water Polo Game Info:

What: California High School Water Polo
Who: Bishop’s vs JSerra Catholic
When: Tuesday, November 19, 2024
Time: 5 p.m.
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Game preview: Bishop’s vs JSerra Catholic

As the high school boys water polo season heats up, one of the most anticipated playoff matchups is between Bishop’s School and JSerra Catholic. The two teams, with contrasting records, are set to face off today in what promises to be an intense and thrilling game.

Team Records & Rankings

Bishop’s, from La Jolla, California, has had a solid season, finishing with a 15-11 overall record and a 4-2 league record. They are ranked 17th nationally and 14th in California, with a strong showing in their section and division rankings as well. The team has been performing well both at home (7-5) and away (3-1), and despite a few tough losses, they have managed to stay competitive with a .577 win percentage.

On the other hand, JSerra Catholic, from San Juan Capistrano, California, boasts an impressive 26-4 overall record and a perfect 5-0 league record. Ranked 2nd nationally and in California, they have dominated their section and division with a flawless 1.000 league win percentage. The team has been exceptional both at home (9-0) and away (8-1), with a strong 13.5 goals-per-game average in their wins.

Head-to-Head Results

The two teams have already met once this season, with JSerra Catholic coming out on top in a neutral tournament game on October 3rd. The final score was 14-11 in favor of JSerra Catholic. Despite Bishop’s strong efforts, the game showed the sheer strength and offensive power of the JSerra team.

Team Scoring Averages

Bishop’s scoring tends to be strong in the first quarter (9.0 goals per game), but they struggle to maintain that momentum through the latter parts of the game, as evidenced by their averages of just 2.0 goals in the third quarter and 3.0 in the fourth. In contrast, JSerra Catholic’s offense has been steady, scoring 8.0 in the first quarter and consistently contributing in each subsequent quarter, though their second, third, and fourth-quarter averages are lower (1.5 goals per quarter).

Common Opponents

Both teams have faced several of the same opponents this season, and their performances have varied. For example, both teams lost to Newport Harbor, though JSerra Catholic did better in the head-to-head matchups, winning some close contests. Another significant common opponent was Sacred Heart Prep, with Bishop’s losing the first matchup but securing a victory in the second. JSerra Catholic has maintained a perfect record against common opponents, showcasing their dominance in the league.

Bishop’s Path to Playoffs

Bishop’s has been resilient throughout the season, with standout performances including victories over teams like Bellarmine College Prep (19-8) and La Jolla (15-7). Their strong showing in league play with a 4-2 record shows their ability to compete at a high level. Their offensive capabilities, particularly in the first half of games, will be key to challenging JSerra Catholic in this playoff matchup.

JSerra Catholic’s Dominance

JSerra Catholic, with their remarkable 26-4 record, has been dominant in every aspect of the game. Their defense, while sometimes tested, has generally held up well, allowing just 259 goals across 30 games, compared to Bishop’s 273 goals allowed in 26 games. Their offense, led by consistent scoring from multiple players, has proven to be too much for most opponents. Their performance in league play, where they have gone 5-0, is a testament to their strength.

What to Expect in the Playoff Game

With both teams bringing impressive records and histories to the table, the upcoming playoff game is expected to be tightly contested. Bishop’s will need to capitalize on their strong first-half performances and find ways to outlast JSerra Catholic in the later stages of the game. Meanwhile, JSerra Catholic will aim to continue their dominance, especially leveraging their depth and consistency throughout the match.

This game will not only be a showdown between two highly ranked teams but also an opportunity for Bishop’s to prove that they can rise to the occasion and challenge one of the top teams in the nation. Expect a thrilling contest that could go down to the wire as both teams strive for victory in this crucial playoff clash.