The trio of local Channel League boys water polo programs experienced another successful year in the pool in 2024, as all three teams reached the CIF-SS playoffs.
San Marcos, Dos Pueblos and Santa Barbara High rostered plenty of standout student-athletes that led to this success, and many were honored on the All-Channel League teams.
San Marcos
The Royals’ senior Sam Rich headlined the local honorees, as he was named the Channel League co-MVP with Buena’s Jack Pointner after leading his team to a 23-10 overall record and a 6-1 record in league play.
Rich was the top goalkeeper in the Channel League, recording over 300 saves on the season for the Royals.
Meanwhile, the duo of Mateo Obando and Will Stuart played crucial roles in San Marcos’ season and represented the team on the All-League First Team.
Jacob Magid, Hudson Macleod and Jack Kramer each helped the Royals reach the CIF-SS Open Division playoffs as well and were rewarded as members of the All-League Second Team.
Dos Pueblos
The Chargers finished the regular season with a 3-3 record in league play, but the majority of their success came during the postseason as they reached the CIF-SS Div. 2 semifinals for the second straight year.
Ben Fuhrer was in the middle of the action all year long and was the team’s lone representative on the All-League First Team.
The sophomore pairing of Lucas Neushul and Grant Nelson showed that the future is bright for Dos Pueblos and garnered spots on the All-League Second Team.
Santa Barbara High
The Dons had a solid year of their own that included a playoff victory over Corona in the CIF-SS Div. 3 postseason bracket.
Shane Davis carried a large load on both ends of the pool in his senior season and picked up a spot on the All-League First Team.
Meanwhile, Lorenzo Russell and Oliver Kelly rounded out the local honorees on the All-League Second Team.