The Mira Costa (Manhattan Beach, CA) varsity water polo team will play a neutral playoff game against Westlake (Westlake Village, CA) today at 5 p.m. This matchup is part of the “CIF Southern Section 2024 Boys Water Polo Championships – Division I” tournament.
Westlake vs Mira Costa Water Polo Game Info:
What: California High School Water Polo
Who: Westlake vs Mira Costa
When: Saturday, November 16, 2024
Time: 5:00 p.m.
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Game preview: Westlake vs Mira Costa
As the 2024-2025 high school water polo season heats up, two powerhouses in California’s competitive league prepare for an intense playoff battle: the Westlake Warriors and the Mira Costa Mustangs. Both teams are no strangers to success, but with the stakes high in this neutral playoff game, fans are eagerly anticipating a thrilling match.
Team Records and Rankings
- Westlake Warriors (24-25)
- National Rank: 22
- California Rank: 18
- Section Rank: 8
- Division Rank: 1
- Record: 24-6
- League Record: 6-2
- Home Record: 9-2
- Away Record: 10-3
- Neutral Record: 5-1
- Win Percentage: .800
- League Percentage: .750
- Goals For: 410
- Goals Against: 286
- Mira Costa Mustangs (24-25)
- National Rank: 26
- California Rank: 21
- Section Rank: 10
- Division Rank: 8
- Record: 19-11
- League Record: 6-0
- Home Record: 10-2
- Away Record: 3-3
- Neutral Record: 6-6
- Win Percentage: .633
- League Percentage: 1.000
- Goals For: 343
- Goals Against: 269
Team Scoring Averages
Both teams have shown strong offensive performances, but Westlake has a slight edge in total scoring:
- Westlake Scoring Averages (per quarter):
- Q1: 4.0
- Q2: 3.3
- Q3: 2.3
- Q4: 1.7
- Final Average: 13.7 points per game
- Mira Costa Scoring Averages (per quarter):
- Q1: 2.3
- Q2: 3.7
- Q3: 2.0
- Q4: 3.7
- Final Average: 11.4 points per game
Though Westlake consistently scores more points per game, Mira Costa’s balanced attack in the second half of games shows their resilience and potential for a comeback.
Head-to-Head Record
The Warriors and Mustangs have a history of tight matchups, with the most recent contest ending in a 13-11 victory for Westlake on October 4th, 2024. This was a non-conference game, but it demonstrated Westlake’s ability to close out close matches.
Common Opponents
Both teams have faced several similar opponents throughout the season, with Westlake boasting a 9-4 record against them, while Mira Costa is 8-5. Some notable games against common opponents include:
- Woodrow Wilson: Westlake lost 14-8, while Mira Costa lost a close one, 12-11.
- Palos Verdes: Westlake won 14-3, while Mira Costa also triumphed 17-3.
- Crean Lutheran: Both teams won their respective matchups, with Westlake securing a narrow 12-11 win, and Mira Costa a 13-5 victory.
- Orange Lutheran: Both teams suffered losses, with Westlake falling 13-8 and Mira Costa winning 13-8 in their matchup.
These encounters highlight the competitive nature of the California high school water polo scene, as both teams navigate tough opponents throughout the season.
Playoff Picture
Heading into the playoffs, Westlake holds a strong 5-1 record in neutral games, while Mira Costa stands at 6-6. Both teams have shown they can excel under pressure, with Westlake’s superior overall record providing them with an advantage in terms of momentum. However, Mira Costa’s undefeated league record and their 1.000 league percentage showcase their ability to dominate within their division.
Conclusion
As the Westlake Warriors and Mira Costa Mustangs prepare for their crucial playoff showdown, one thing is certain: both teams are primed for an exciting battle. Westlake’s powerful offense and solid all-around play give them the edge, but Mira Costa’s resilience and balance make them a formidable opponent. Fans can expect a thrilling match when these two teams meet in the neutral-site playoff game. Whether it’s Westlake’s high-scoring offense or Mira Costa’s ability to capitalize on late-game opportunities, this game promises to be a spectacle for water polo enthusiasts and high school sports fans alike.
