WEDNESDAY’S BOYS WATER POLO SEMIFINALS
DIVISION 1
HARVARD-WESTLAKE (23-2) vs. HUNTINGTON BEACH (23-6)
Site, time: William Woollett Jr. Aquatics Center, 5 p.m.
Outlook: The two-time defending champion Wolverines are 3-0 against the Oilers by scores of 11-7, 18-5, and, 12-6. The last encounter was the semifinals of the North-South Challenge on Oct. 24. The Oilers have reached the semifinals for the second consecutive season so they should look comfortable even against the reigning champs. Harvard’s only losses came against top-seeded Mater Dei. Harvard standout center Ben Hallock (thumb) hasn’t played in five games so keep an eye on the Stanford commit. If he’s not playing or less than 100 percent, the Oilers could make this a tight game. Huntington Beach attacker James Vlachonassios, who picked up a game exclusion in a 10-9 overtime victory against Orange Lutheran on Saturday, is clear to play.
Albano’s prediction: Harvard-Westlake
Related: Inside O.C. Water Polo Podcast: semifinal preview
