The De La Salle (Concord, CA) varsity water polo team will host Buchanan (Clovis, CA) in a home playoff game today at 5 PM. This match is part of the 2024 CIF NorCal Boys Water Polo Championships – Division I tournament.
Buchanan vs De La Salle Water Polo Game Info:
What: California High School Water Polo
Who: Buchanan vs De La Salle
When: Tuesday, November 19, 2024
Time: 5 p.m.
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Game preview: Buchanan vs De La Salle
The upcoming match between Buchanan and De La Salle promises to be a thrilling high school boys’ water polo showdown. Both teams are coming off strong seasons, with impressive records and standout performances that make this encounter one to watch.
Team Overview: Buchanan (24-25)
Buchanan’s water polo team has had a solid 2024-2025 season with an overall record of 20-9. The team has performed admirably in league play, posting an 8-2 record, and holds a 7-3 record at home. On the road, they are 6-2, demonstrating their ability to compete no matter where they play. The team’s offensive and defensive stats also reflect their competitive edge, with 359 goals scored and 262 goals allowed, yielding a scoring average of 12.4 goals per game.
Buchanan’s scoring averages show consistency across the game:
- 1st Quarter: 2.9 goals
- 2nd Quarter: 3.0 goals
- 3rd Quarter: 3.5 goals
- 4th Quarter: 3.0 goals
However, the team has struggled in overtime, scoring just 0.5 goals in the only overtime period they played, which might be a point of focus going into the De La Salle match.
Team Overview: De La Salle (24-25)
De La Salle, with a 20-6 record, has been dominant this season, especially in league play, where they are unbeaten with a 9-0 record. Their overall performance has been exceptional, with a 6-2 record at home and 6-1 on the road. On neutral grounds, they are 8-3, and they’ve managed to secure playoff victories as well, going 4-0 in postseason play. Their offense has been potent, scoring 402 goals while allowing just 241. This results in a solid scoring average of 15.5 goals per game.
De La Salle’s scoring breakdown shows their explosive second half:
- 1st Quarter: 1.5 goals
- 2nd Quarter: 0.7 goals
- 3rd Quarter: 1.3 goals
- 4th Quarter: 6.7 goals
They also show a strong overtime performance, with an average of 3.3 goals in OT1, giving them an edge in tight situations.
Head-to-Head Record
While Buchanan and De La Salle haven’t faced off head-to-head in the 2024-2025 season yet, both teams have had interesting encounters with common opponents, which give a glimpse into their potential matchup.
- Buchanan vs. San Ramon Valley: Buchanan lost 12-8 at home but defeated California 17-12.
- De La Salle vs. San Ramon Valley: De La Salle triumphed 13-9 at home, and against California, they won big with a 28-11 victory.
Both teams have shown resilience, with De La Salle holding a perfect record against common opponents, whereas Buchanan is 1-1.
What to Expect in the Upcoming Match
The game between Buchanan and De La Salle will likely come down to several key factors:
- Offensive Execution: De La Salle’s high-scoring offense, particularly in the latter stages of the game, will be a challenge for Buchanan’s defense. Buchanan will need to be disciplined in the first half to prevent De La Salle’s explosive fourth-quarter performance from overwhelming them.
- Home Advantage for Buchanan: Buchanan has a strong home record and will look to capitalize on familiar waters, while De La Salle’s road performance has been equally impressive.
- Overtime Play: Buchanan’s struggle in overtime could be a weakness, as De La Salle has proven to be more effective in extra periods.
Final Thoughts
This match will be a thrilling battle between two of the state’s top high school water polo teams. De La Salle’s offensive firepower will be tested by Buchanan’s solid defense and home-court advantage. As both teams have had impressive seasons and are no strangers to high-pressure situations, fans can expect an exciting contest that will keep everyone on the edge of their seats.
