The Ripon (CA) varsity water polo team is hosting a home playoff game against Los Altos (CA) today at 11:30 AM. This matchup is part of the “2024 CIF NorCal Boys Water Polo Championships – Division III” tournament.

Los Altos vs Ripon Water Polo Game Info:

What: California High School Water Polo
Who: Los Altos vs Ripon
When: Saturday, November 23, 2024
Time: 11:30 AM
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Game preview: Los Altos vs Ripon

As the high school water polo season heats up, Ripon High School and Los Altos High School stand out as two powerhouse teams, both boasting impressive records for the 2024-2025 season. The stage is set for an exciting matchup as these teams bring their unique strengths and strategies to the pool.

Season Overview and Records

Ripon High School has been dominant this season with an overall record of 28-6. Their league record is a perfect 11-0, making them a formidable opponent in the section, where they are ranked 4th overall and 3rd in their division. Ripon’s strong offense has been key to their success, scoring 528 goals this season while allowing 315. With an impressive win percentage of .824 and an undefeated home record (9-0), they have proven themselves a top contender.

Los Altos High School, meanwhile, has put together a solid season with a 24-8 record and a league record of 9-3. Ranked 5th in their section, they have also been competitive nationally, standing at 57th overall. With a win percentage of .750, Los Altos has shown resilience in tight matches, outscoring opponents 416 to 287.

Scoring Averages

Ripon’s offensive dominance is reflected in their scoring averages, particularly in the early quarters. They average 4.7 goals in the first quarter and 3.9 in the second, allowing them to build early leads. Los Altos, on the other hand, shows consistent scoring throughout the game, peaking in the third quarter with an average of 3.3 goals. This balanced approach could keep them competitive against Ripon’s high-powered offense.

Common Opponents

Both teams have faced common opponents this season, with Ripon holding a slight edge (5-1) over Los Altos (4-1) in those matchups. Notable games include:

• Soquel: Los Altos secured a 12-9 win, while Ripon edged Soquel 12-8.
• Granite Bay: Ripon dominated with a 17-11 victory, whereas Los Altos won a closer 11-10 contest.
• Valley Christian: Both teams beat Valley Christian by narrow margins, with Ripon winning 11-10 and Los Altos earning a 10-8 victory.
• Merced: Ripon claimed two wins against Merced (14-12, 13-10), while Los Altos managed one victory (8-6).

These shared results highlight the competitive nature of the upcoming matchup, with both teams demonstrating the ability to rise to the occasion in close games.

Playoff Experience

Both teams bring playoff experience to the table, with Los Altos posting a 5-0 record in postseason play and Ripon going 5-1. Ripon’s depth and consistency across all venues (home, away, and neutral) suggest they are well-equipped for high-pressure situations. Los Altos’ resilience in playoffs, however, cannot be underestimated.

Key Factors to Watch

• Ripon’s Early Momentum: Ripon’s ability to start strong in games has been a hallmark of their season. If they can establish a lead early, they could control the tempo against Los Altos.
• Los Altos’ Balanced Attack: With consistent scoring across quarters, Los Altos has the potential to keep the game close and capitalize on late-game opportunities.
• Defensive Performance: Both teams have respectable defenses, but Ripon’s higher goal allowance (315) compared to Los Altos (287) could play a role in determining the outcome.

As these two talented teams face off, fans can expect a thrilling, closely contested match. Ripon’s explosive offense and Los Altos’ balanced approach make this game a must-watch showdown in the high school water polo season.