The De La Salle varsity water polo team from Concord, CA, is set to host a home playoff game against Sacred Heart Prep from Atherton, CA, today at 5:30 PM. This matchup is part of the 2024 CIF NorCal Boys Water Polo Championships – Division I tournament.

Sacred Heart Prep vs De La Salle Water Polo Game Info:

What: California High School Water Polo
Who: Sacred Heart Prep vs De La Salle
When: Saturday, November 23, 2024
Time: 5:30 PM
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Game preview: Sacred Heart Prep vs De La Salle

The high school boys’ water polo scene is heating up as Sacred Heart Prep (Atherton, CA) prepares to face De La Salle (Concord, CA) in a highly anticipated playoff game. With both teams showcasing impressive records and rankings, the matchup promises to deliver thrilling action for fans and players alike. Here’s a deep dive into their season stats, head-to-head history, and the potential outcomes of their clash.

Season Overview: Sacred Heart Prep

• Record: 18-10 overall, 7-0 in league play
• Strengths: Sacred Heart Prep has been dominant in league matches, boasting a perfect 1.000 league win percentage. Their strong defensive unit has kept opponents to a manageable 277 goals while scoring 312 of their own.
• Key Performances: Notable victories include a narrow 12-11 win over powerhouse Miramonte and a 12-7 triumph against Mater Dei, showcasing their ability to compete against elite teams.
• Challenges: Sacred Heart Prep has struggled in neutral matches (3-4) and has a slightly lower win percentage (.643) compared to their opponent.

Season Overview: De La Salle

• Record: 22-6 overall, 9-0 in league play
• Strengths: De La Salle has a stellar .786 win percentage, with a remarkable scoring tally of 432 goals while conceding just 258. Their strength lies in their ability to dominate in high-pressure situations, especially in overtime, where they average 3.3 goals in the first extra frame.
• Key Performances: De La Salle’s convincing 16-8 victory over Mater Dei and a clutch 14-13 win against Miramonte underscore their consistency and resilience.
• Challenges: De La Salle’s lone loss to Saint Francis (12-11) shows they can be vulnerable against determined opponents.

Head-to-Head: A Recent History

In their last meeting on October 24, De La Salle edged out Sacred Heart Prep 11-8 in an intense non-conference game. De La Salle’s balanced scoring and tight defense proved decisive, as Sacred Heart Prep struggled to match their offensive efficiency. This victory gives De La Salle a psychological edge going into the playoff rematch.

Key Metrics: Breaking Down the Teams

• Scoring Averages: De La Salle holds a significant advantage, averaging 15.4 goals per game compared to Sacred Heart Prep’s 11.1. They excel in fourth quarters and overtime, often sealing games with late surges.
• Common Opponents: Sacred Heart Prep has a better record against shared opponents (10-8 vs. 8-5), but De La Salle’s wins have often been more decisive, highlighting their ability to capitalize on key moments.

What to Watch For

• Sacred Heart Prep’s Defense: To challenge De La Salle, Sacred Heart Prep must tighten its defensive structure, especially in the later quarters where De La Salle thrives.
• De La Salle’s Depth: De La Salle’s depth and balanced scoring could overwhelm Sacred Heart Prep if they fail to match the intensity across all four quarters.

The Playoff Stakes

This game is crucial for both teams as they chase playoff glory. Sacred Heart Prep aims to avenge their previous loss, while De La Salle looks to maintain their dominance and progress further in the postseason. The match, scheduled for 5:30 PM at De La Salle, is expected to draw a passionate crowd eager to witness high-level water polo.

Prediction

While both teams have shown they can rise to the occasion, De La Salle’s superior scoring power and recent head-to-head win make them the slight favorites. However, Sacred Heart Prep’s defensive resilience and ability to bounce back against top-tier teams could lead to a thrilling upset. Fans should brace for a closely contested game with postseason dreams on the line.