The Redwood High School varsity water polo team from Larkspur, CA, is hosting a playoff game against Harker School from San Jose, CA, today at 5 PM. This match is part of the “2024 CIF NorCal Boys Water Polo Championships – Division II” tournament.

Harker vs Redwood Water Polo Game Info:

What: California High School Water Polo
Who: Harker vs Redwood
When: Tuesday, November 19, 2024
Time: 5 p.m.
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Game preview: Harker vs Redwood

As the high school boys’ water polo season progresses, Redwood High School and Harker School prepare to face off in an away playoff game in Larkspur, CA, at 5 p.m. This matchup has drawn significant attention due to both teams’ impressive performances this season and their prior meeting just last month.

Team Performance and Rankings

Redwood enters the game with a stellar record of 27-3, earning them the No. 1 spot in their section and placing them as the fifth-ranked team in California. Harker, with a commendable 18-9 record, stands eighth in the section and 71st in the state rankings.

In terms of scoring averages, Redwood has consistently dominated games, averaging 13.5 goals per game, while Harker follows with 12.4 goals per game. The two teams last met on October 12, with Redwood securing an 11-8 victory in a neutral tournament game.

Key Players and Contributions

For Harker, standout player Ossie Joplin (#7) has been the cornerstone of their offense, leading the team with 99 goals and 134 shots this season. On the defensive end, Sawyer Goldberg (#10) has been a pivotal figure with 39 steals and a goals-against average of 4.0, well below the national average of 13.8.

Redwood’s depth and balance have been their strengths, with Maddox McClellan (#3) leading in assists with 62 and multiple players contributing to their impressive offensive output of 404 goals this season. The team’s overall defensive strategy has held opponents to just 249 goals, emphasizing their dominance in all phases of the game.

Season Highlights and Head-to-Head Comparison

Harker has had a strong league performance, boasting a 10-2 record, but their struggles in non-league games (1-3) highlight areas for improvement. Redwood, on the other hand, remains undefeated at home (10-0) and has a near-perfect record in neutral games (11-2), showcasing their versatility in different settings.

The teams’ records against common opponents further underscore Redwood’s superiority. While Harker suffered a 12-8 loss to Menlo School, Redwood triumphed twice over the same opponent, with a close 11-10 win in September and a commanding 19-15 victory in October.

What to Expect in Today’s Game

Redwood’s solid track record and home advantage make them the favorites, but Harker’s resilience and star power cannot be underestimated. The key to victory for Harker will lie in slowing down Redwood’s high-powered offense and capitalizing on transition opportunities. Meanwhile, Redwood will aim to maintain their composure and continue their efficient scoring to secure a spot in the next playoff round.

The stakes are high as both teams aim to advance. Fans can expect a thrilling contest between two highly skilled squads vying for postseason glory.