The Sacred Heart Prep (Atherton, CA) varsity water polo team is hosting a home playoff game against Rio Americano (Sacramento, CA) today at 6:30 p.m. This matchup is part of the 2024 CIF NorCal Boys Water Polo Championships – Division I tournament.

Rio Americano vs Sacred Heart Prep Water Polo Game Info:

What: California High School Water Polo
Who: Rio Americano vs Sacred Heart Prep
When: Tuesday, November 19, 2024
Time: 6:30 p.m.
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Game preview: Rio Americano vs Sacred Heart Prep

As the 2024-2025 boys water polo season progresses, two powerhouse teams in California are making waves with impressive performances: Rio Americano and Sacred Heart Prep. Both teams have dominated their leagues, but as they prepare for future matchups, a detailed comparison highlights their strengths and weaknesses.

Team Records and Rankings

• Rio Americano (24-25)
  • National Rank: 19
  • California Rank: 16
  • Section Rank: 1
  • Division: 1
  • Overall Record: 27-4
  • League Record: 5-0 (undefeated)
  • Home Record: 7-0
  • Away Record: 4-0
  • Neutral Record: 16-4
  • Win Percentage: .871
  • League Win Percentage: 1.000
  • Goals Scored: 433
  • Goals Allowed: 217
• Sacred Heart Prep (24-25)
  • National Rank: 11
  • California Rank: 9
  • Section Rank: 1
  • Overall Record: 16-10
  • League Record: 7-0 (undefeated)
  • Home Record: 11-5
  • Away Record: 2-1
  • Neutral Record: 3-4
  • Win Percentage: .615
  • League Win Percentage: 1.000
  • Goals Scored: 287
  • Goals Allowed: 261

While Rio Americano holds the edge in overall wins and goal differential, Sacred Heart Prep is no slouch, particularly with a strong league record and their ability to compete against high-caliber opponents.

Team Scoring Averages

• Rio Americano
  • Quarter-by-quarter breakdown:
    • Q1: 5.1 goals
    • Q2: 3.7 goals
    • Q3: 4.0 goals
    • Q4: 3.6 goals
  • Total: 14.0 goals per game
• Sacred Heart Prep
  • Average Score: 11.0 goals per game

Though Sacred Heart Prep has a slightly lower overall scoring average, Rio Americano’s consistent offensive output through all four quarters has been a key factor in their success this season.

Team Stats Comparison

• Rio Americano:
  • Goals: 434
  • Assists: 296
  • Shots: 933
  • Steals: 418
  • Goals Against Average: 7.0
• Sacred Heart Prep:
  • Goals: 287
  • Assists: 0 (not listed)
  • Shots: 0 (not listed)
  • Steals: 0 (not listed)
  • Goals Against Average: 13.8 (not listed in direct comparison)

Rio Americano’s dominance is evident in their offensive stats, with more goals scored and a stronger defensive showing with a 7.0 goals-against average. Sacred Heart Prep’s defensive record, with a goals-against average of 13.8, suggests a more competitive challenge in keeping the scores lower.

Individual Player Highlights

• Rio Americano:
  • Lucas Ruano: 148 goals, 228 shots, 62 steals
  • Harper Gardner: 48 assists
  • Jack Lomba: Goals Against Average 0.0 (goalkeeper)
• Sacred Heart Prep:
  • Player statistics are not listed in detail, but Rio Americano’s standout performances from players like Ruano, who is a major goal-scorer and defensive presence, provide a significant edge in key matchups.

Common Opponents

Both teams have faced Menlo School this season, providing a direct comparison of their performances:

• Rio Americano vs. Menlo School: Lost 14-6
• Sacred Heart Prep vs. Menlo School: Won 14-11, 13-9

Sacred Heart Prep’s victories over Menlo School demonstrate their ability to perform under pressure, which could be a valuable factor when they face top-tier teams like Rio Americano in future contests.

Conclusion: Road to Victory

As the season moves forward, Rio Americano and Sacred Heart Prep remain two of the top teams in California. Rio Americano’s overall record and high-scoring offense have them as a favorite, but Sacred Heart Prep’s resilience and unbeaten league record suggest they will be formidable opponents in upcoming games. Fans of high school water polo can look forward to an exciting season as these teams battle for supremacy in the state and beyond.

Both teams are expected to make deep runs in the postseason, with key matchups such as their head-to-head contest likely determining which squad will emerge as the California state champion.