The Mira Costa varsity water polo team from Manhattan Beach, CA, will host a playoff game against Carlsbad, CA, today at 2:30 PM. This matchup is part of the “2024 CIF SoCal Boys Water Polo Championships – Division II” tournament.

Carlsbad vs Mira Costa Water Polo Game Info:

What: California High School Water Polo
Who: Carlsbad vs Mira Costa
When: Saturday, November 23, 2024
Time: 2:30 PM
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Game preview: Carlsbad vs Mira Costa

The 2024-2025 high school boys’ water polo season has been a thrilling journey for Carlsbad and Mira Costa, two top-ranked teams in California, as they battle for supremacy in their divisions. With impressive records and stellar performances, both teams have established themselves as formidable contenders in their respective leagues.

Team Comparisons and Rankings

Carlsbad holds an impressive 24-8 overall record, boasting a perfect 5-0 league performance. They are currently ranked 36th nationally and 29th in California, with an even higher standing in their section and division (4th). Their dominance is reflected in their strong scoring statistics, with a total of 418 goals for and 292 goals against, giving them a .750 win percentage.

Mira Costa, on the other hand, showcases a strong 21-12 overall record, also achieving a flawless 6-0 league performance. They rank 20th nationally and 17th in California, with an impressive 8th place in their section and division rankings. Mira Costa’s offensive and defensive balance has resulted in 388 goals scored and 295 conceded, contributing to a .636 win percentage.

Scoring Trends

Analyzing scoring averages reveals contrasting strengths:

• Carlsbad thrives in the first and third quarters, with an average of 3.3 goals, maintaining momentum to finish strong with 3.7 goals in the fourth quarter, for an overall average of 13.1 goals per game.
• Mira Costa, by contrast, excels in the second and fourth quarters, with averages of 3.7 goals in each, culminating in an 11.8 goals per game average.

Performance Against Common Opponents

Against shared opponents, Mira Costa holds a superior record of 7-2, compared to Carlsbad’s 4-3. Notably:

• Both teams faced San Clemente, with losses for both squads.
• Carlsbad defeated Huntington Beach early in the season (15-9), but Mira Costa achieved back-to-back victories against the same opponent (12-8, 15-7).
• Mira Costa’s significant win over Laguna Beach (15-10) highlights their offensive strength, contrasting Carlsbad’s loss (16-10) to the same team.

Home and Away Records

Carlsbad holds a remarkable 9-0 home record, demonstrating dominance in familiar waters. Mira Costa also thrives at home, with an impressive 12-2 record. On the road, however, Carlsbad’s 12-8 record surpasses Mira Costa’s 3-3 away record, indicating a slight edge in adaptability.

Playoff Potential

Both teams have proven their mettle in postseason play:

• Carlsbad has a 3-1 playoff record, underscoring their ability to rise to the occasion.
• Mira Costa’s 5-1 playoff record reflects their resilience and tactical prowess under high-stakes conditions.

Outlook for the Season

As the season progresses, both teams will look to leverage their strengths and address their vulnerabilities. While Carlsbad’s consistency across all quarters gives them an edge in evenly contested games, Mira Costa’s ability to dominate key moments makes them a formidable challenge.

A potential matchup between these two powerhouses would undoubtedly be a thrilling spectacle for fans and a defining moment in their campaigns. For now, Carlsbad and Mira Costa remain two of California’s brightest teams, setting the standard for excellence in high school boys’ water polo.