The Valley Christian varsity water polo team (San Jose, CA) will host Garces Memorial (Bakersfield, CA) in a home playoff game today at 3:30 PM. This matchup is part of the 2024 CIF NorCal Boys Water Polo Championships – Division III tournament.
Garces Memorial vs Valley Christian Water Polo Game Info:
What: California High School Water Polo
Who: Garces Memorial vs Valley Christian
When: Tuesday, November 19, 2024
Time: 3:30 p.m.
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Game preview: Garces Memorial vs Valley Christian
The Garces Memorial and Valley Christian boys’ water polo teams have concluded their 2024-25 seasons with contrasting results. Garces Memorial showcased consistency and dominance, while Valley Christian faced challenges throughout the year. Here’s a breakdown of their seasons and a comparative look at their performances.
Season Overview
Garces Memorial Rams
- Overall Record: 17-12
- League Record: 8-0 (undefeated in league play)
- Home Record: 6-0
- Away Record: 8-6
- Goals For (GF): 401
- Goals Against (GA): 236
- Win Percentage: 58.6%
The Rams demonstrated impressive offensive and defensive balance, with standout performances at home and in league play. Their scoring prowess is evident in their season average of 13.8 goals per game. Despite their strength, they struggled against tougher opponents, going 0-4 against common rivals like Saint Francis and Buchanan.
Valley Christian Warriors
- Overall Record: 11-16
- League Record: 1-6
- Home Record: 4-8
- Away Record: 1-3
- Goals For (GF): 275
- Goals Against (GA): 336
- Win Percentage: 40.7%
The Warriors faced a challenging season, especially in league play. Their defense often faltered, reflected in their average of 10.2 goals allowed per game. Despite their struggles, they found moments of success, including a notable 14-11 victory against Vista, a common opponent both teams faced.
Team Comparison
| Category | Garces Memorial | Valley Christian |
|---|---|---|
| Goals Scored | 402 | 275 |
| Assists | 265 | – |
| Shots | 648 | – |
| Steals | 334 | – |
| Playoff Record | 4-0 | 3-1 |
| League Win Percentage | 100% | 14.3% |
Garces Memorial’s edge is clear, with significantly higher scoring and defensive stats. They’ve also shown a knack for stepping up in playoff games, maintaining a flawless postseason record.
Individual Standouts
Garces Memorial:
- #7 Jett Kalmikovs: A powerhouse with 93 goals and 143 shots, Kalmikovs was the team’s offensive leader.
- #4 Nick Garcia: A defensive stalwart with 107 steals and a playmaker with 66 assists.
Valley Christian:
While the Warriors lacked statistical standouts comparable to Garces Memorial, their resilience shone through moments like their victory over Vista.
Performance Against Common Opponents
Both teams faced similar challenges against common opponents, but their records diverged:
- Garces Memorial: 0-4
- Valley Christian: 1-3
Valley Christian’s sole win against Vista (14-11) highlights their potential when playing to their strengths.
Scoring Trends
| Quarter | Garces Memorial | Valley Christian |
|---|---|---|
| Q1 | 4.9 | 2.8 |
| Q2 | 5.2 | 3.3 |
| Q3 | 3.0 | 2.3 |
| Q4 | 3.2 | 1.3 |
Garces Memorial consistently outscored Valley Christian, particularly in the first two quarters, which often set the tone for their victories.
Conclusion
The 2024-25 season highlighted Garces Memorial’s strength as a cohesive unit with exceptional individual performances. On the other hand, Valley Christian faced an uphill battle but found ways to persevere and improve. With key players like Kalmikovs and Garcia leading Garces Memorial, the Rams have set the stage for continued success. Meanwhile, Valley Christian will look to build on their flashes of brilliance for future seasons.
