The Menlo School varsity water polo team (Atherton, CA) will host Righetti High School (Santa Maria, CA) in a playoff game today at 5:00 PM. This matchup is part of the 2024 CIF NorCal Boys Water Polo Championships – Division II tournament.

Righetti vs Menlo School Water Polo Game Info:

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

The 2024-2025 high school boys’ water polo season has seen impressive performances from Righetti and Menlo School. Both teams have established themselves as formidable competitors, with strong records and key performances setting the stage for a potentially thrilling face-off. Let’s break down the season so far and see how the teams stack up.

Team Performance Overview

Righetti (21-8 Overall, 11-1 League):
Righetti boasts a stellar season, dominating their league with a .917 win percentage and an impressive 21-8 overall record. The Warriors are particularly strong at home, holding a 9-2 record, and they’ve proven to be a tough competitor in neutral matches as well (6-4). Their offense is sharp, scoring a total of 365 goals this season, while their defense has allowed 278 goals, showcasing their balanced gameplay.

Menlo School (13-8 Overall, 3-4 League):
Menlo has had a solid but slightly less dominant season, with a 13-8 overall record and a .619 win percentage. Their league performance has been inconsistent (3-4), but they’ve excelled in non-league games with a 5-2 record. Menlo’s scoring efficiency is strong, with 279 goals scored and 213 goals conceded—a reflection of their disciplined defensive strategies.

Scoring Trends

A closer look at scoring averages reveals fascinating insights into the teams’ strengths:

• Righetti averages 12.6 goals per game, with a balanced scoring effort across all four quarters. Their strongest quarters are the first (3.0 average) and third (3.3 average).
• Menlo School edges out Righetti with a 13.3 average score per game, thanks to consistent high performance in all quarters, particularly the third (3.5 average) and fourth (3.3 average). Menlo has also demonstrated their resilience in overtime situations, averaging 1.5 goals across OT1 and OT2.

Head-to-Head Potential

While the teams have not faced each other directly this season, they share a common opponent in Buchanan. Menlo School defeated Buchanan 12-11 in a close match on September 6, 2024, showcasing their ability to thrive under pressure. Righetti, on the other hand, fell short against Buchanan, losing 13-10 on November 13, 2024. This difference might give Menlo a psychological edge if the two teams meet.

Playoff Readiness

Righetti has displayed superior consistency throughout the season, with strong performances both in-state and during playoffs (1-1 record). Menlo School’s playoff journey has started well (1-0), and their track record in high-stakes matches could prove crucial.

The Verdict

Both Righetti and Menlo School have carved unique paths to success this season. Righetti’s dominance in league play and their well-rounded offense make them a tough contender, while Menlo’s scoring efficiency and strong performances in close games highlight their potential for upsets.

As the postseason unfolds, a matchup between these two teams would be a true test of strategy, stamina, and skill. Fans of high school water polo are in for an exciting finish to the 2024-2025 season!