The Sacred Heart Prep varsity water polo team from Atherton, CA, will host a playoff game against Granite Bay, CA, today at 5 PM. This matchup is part of the “2024 CIF NorCal Girls Water Polo Championships – Division I” tournament.
Granite Bay vs Sacred Heart Prep Water Polo Game Info:
What: California High School Water Polo
Who: Granite Bay vs Sacred Heart Prep
When: Tuesday, November 19, 2024
Time: 5 p.m.
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Game preview: Granite Bay vs Sacred Heart Prep
As the high school water polo season reaches its peak, all eyes are on the highly anticipated matchup between two powerhouse teams: Granite Bay and Sacred Heart Prep. Both teams have had stellar seasons, showcasing dominance in their respective leagues and regions. Here’s an in-depth look at how these top-ranked teams stack up.
Season Records and Rankings
Granite Bay
- Overall Record: 29-3
- League Record: 11-1
- Home Record: 13-1
- Away Record: 6-2
- Neutral Record: 10-0
- National Rank: #8
- California Rank: #6
Sacred Heart Prep
- Overall Record: 24-2
- League Record: 5-0
- Home Record: 11-1
- Away Record: 4-0
- Neutral Record: 9-1
- National Rank: #1
- California Rank: #1
Both teams boast impressive win percentages, with Granite Bay at 90.6% and Sacred Heart Prep slightly ahead at 92.3%.
Statistical Highlights
Granite Bay’s offense is a scoring machine, tallying 452 goals this season compared to Sacred Heart Prep’s 316 goals. Sacred Heart Prep, however, edges out in defensive efficiency, conceding only 139 goals to Granite Bay’s 179 goals.
In terms of team scoring averages, Granite Bay shines in consistency, averaging 14.1 points per game, with their strongest quarter being the first (4.2 goals per game). Sacred Heart Prep averages 12.2 points per game, excelling in overtime where they average 2 goals per period, showing resilience under pressure.
Key Players to Watch
Granite Bay:
- Lucy Nihart (#17): The leading scorer with a remarkable 149 goals this season.
- Brooke Boyer (#1): A playmaker with 53 assists.
- Audrey Quilala (#8): Defensive anchor with 60 steals.
Sacred Heart Prep:
While individual stats for Sacred Heart Prep are unavailable, their depth and teamwork are evident in their undefeated league record and stellar performance against common opponents.
Performance Against Common Opponents
Sacred Heart Prep holds a commanding 11-0 record against common opponents, including dominant wins over teams like Davis Sr. (16-7) and Soquel (12-2). Granite Bay has a respectable 6-3 record, with close games such as a narrow victory over Soquel (8-7) but tougher losses to teams like Carondelet (17-7).
Playoff Momentum
Both teams are entering the playoffs with momentum. Granite Bay is undefeated in neutral-site games (10-0), which could play a crucial role in postseason tournaments. Sacred Heart Prep has a slightly lower neutral-site record at 9-1 but remains unbeaten in league play.
The Verdict
This matchup promises to be a thrilling clash of offensive firepower and defensive prowess. Granite Bay’s depth and scoring ability, led by Lucy Nihart, will test the discipline and efficiency of Sacred Heart Prep, the top-ranked team in the nation. Sacred Heart Prep’s unbeaten record against common opponents and their defensive resilience might give them the edge in tight situations.
Fans can expect a battle of strategy, skill, and determination as these two teams vie for water polo supremacy. Whether it’s Granite Bay’s relentless attack or Sacred Heart Prep’s defensive fortitude, this game is set to be a highlight of the high school water polo season.
