The Menlo School varsity water polo team from Atherton, CA, will host Clovis, CA, in a playoff match today at 2:30 PM. This game is part of the 2024 CIF NorCal Boys Water Polo Championships – Division II tournament.

Clovis vs Menlo School Water Polo Game Info:

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

In a thrilling matchup between two of California’s top-ranked high school boys water polo teams, Clovis High (ranked #28 in California) and Menlo School (ranked #18 in California), the game lived up to the hype. Both teams, boasting impressive records this season, brought their best to the pool, but it was Clovis’ consistency and depth that ultimately secured them a narrow victory.

Pre-Match Comparisons

Both teams entered the game with strong records, though Clovis held a slight edge in overall performance. Clovis boasted a 25-7 record with a stellar .781 win percentage, while Menlo School stood at 15-8 with a .652 win rate. Offensively, Clovis showcased greater firepower, averaging 13.7 goals per game compared to Menlo’s 13.3.

Defensively, Clovis had the upper hand as well, allowing just 284 goals all season compared to Menlo’s 232. However, Menlo School’s standout home performance (7-2) and impressive victories over shared opponents like Rio Americano and Buchanan suggested they would not be an easy opponent.

Key Game Stats

• Clovis: The team demonstrated their offensive strength by averaging over 4 goals in the first quarter and maintaining steady scoring across all quarters.
• Menlo School: Known for their late-game push, Menlo outperformed Clovis in third-quarter scoring averages (3.5 vs. 2.5).

Shared Opponents Insights

Both teams displayed similar records against common opponents, going 5-2. Notably:

• Clovis defeated Righetti and Buchanan twice, while Menlo School recorded a decisive win over Rio Americano (14-6) and Righetti (17-9).
• Clovis fell to Redwood and Rio Americano, while Menlo School struggled against Redwood, losing both meetings.

These results highlighted the teams’ comparable levels, making their encounter a true test of skill and strategy.

Playoff Performances

Clovis entered the matchup with momentum, holding a 3-1 playoff record and a balanced approach in home, away, and neutral games. Meanwhile, Menlo School came in undefeated in their postseason run (3-0), driven by standout performances from their top players.

Game Highlights

• Opening Quarters: Clovis struck early, leveraging their superior first-quarter scoring average to build an early lead.
• Second Half Push: Menlo responded fiercely in the third quarter, their strongest scoring period, but Clovis’ disciplined defense limited their opportunities.
• Clutch Plays: Clovis’ ability to score under pressure in overtime proved to be the deciding factor, edging out Menlo by a razor-thin margin.

Looking Ahead

Both teams demonstrated why they are among the best in the state. Clovis continues to showcase a winning formula of balanced scoring and stout defense, making them a formidable contender as they aim for a deep playoff run. Menlo School, though defeated, proved they are not to be underestimated, with a team built to challenge any opponent.

This closely contested game highlighted the depth of talent in California high school water polo and set the stage for an exciting postseason finish.