The South Pasadena High School varsity water polo team is hosting a home playoff game against Cleveland High School (Reseda, CA) today at 4:00 PM. This matchup is part of the 2024 CIF SoCal Boys Water Polo Championships – Division III tournament.

Cleveland vs South Pasadena Water Polo Game Info:

What: California High School Water Polo
Who: Cleveland vs South Pasadena
When: Saturday, November 23, 2024
Time: 4:00 PM
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Game preview: Cleveland vs South Pasadena

In a season filled with intensity and standout performances, Cleveland High and South Pasadena High’s boys’ water polo teams have emerged as formidable competitors. With both teams boasting impressive records and playoff success, their matchup is set to be a thrilling spectacle that could define their seasons.

Team Performance at a Glance

Cleveland enters with a 19-9 overall record and an unblemished 6-0 league standing, demonstrating their dominance in league play. South Pasadena counters with a slightly better 20-11 overall record but a more modest 5-5 league showing. Both teams have displayed an impressive ability to score, with Cleveland racking up 331 goals this season to South Pasadena’s 361.

Scoring Trends

Cleveland and South Pasadena approach their games with different scoring dynamics. Cleveland tends to start slow but builds momentum, peaking in the fourth quarter with an average of 5.0 goals. South Pasadena, on the other hand, shines early, averaging 5.0 goals in both the first and second quarters but slows significantly in the latter half, averaging just 2.0 goals per quarter.

These trends suggest that South Pasadena will need to capitalize on their early-game energy, while Cleveland’s late-game resilience could prove decisive.

Key Players

For Cleveland, #7 Kenta Fernandes has been a standout, leading the team with 48 goals and 52 shots, making him a critical component of their offensive strategy. South Pasadena, while lacking a single dominant scorer, has shown depth and balanced team contributions.

Against Common Opponents

The two teams have faced several common opponents this season, with Cleveland going 6-1 and South Pasadena an undefeated 5-0. Notably, both teams earned decisive wins against strong competitors like Brentwood School, Birmingham, and Granada Hills Charter. However, Cleveland suffered a loss to Crespi early in the season, a team South Pasadena defeated.

Playoff Success

Playoffs have been a stronghold for both teams. Cleveland is 4-0 in postseason play, showing their ability to perform under pressure. South Pasadena has an even more remarkable 7-0 playoff record, underscoring their clutch performances in high-stakes games.

Statistical Highlights

In a side-by-side comparison:

• Cleveland’s edge: Defensive consistency. They’ve allowed fewer goals (270) compared to South Pasadena’s 294, suggesting a tighter defensive unit.
• South Pasadena’s edge: Offensive firepower. Their 361 goals and balanced scoring make them a tough team to contain.

Final Thoughts

This matchup is set to be a test of endurance and strategy. South Pasadena must leverage their explosive starts to build an early lead, while Cleveland’s ability to dominate late in games will be crucial. With both teams bringing strong playoff resumes and competitive spirits, fans can expect a game that delivers on intensity and drama.

Who will prevail? Cleveland’s steady climb or South Pasadena’s explosive beginnings? Either way, it’s bound to be a thrilling chapter in the 2024-2025 high school boys’ water polo season.