VC water polo poised to make waves again




The Jag water polo team is poised for another standout season.

The Jag water polo team is poised for another standout season.

Last season the Valley Center High boys water polo team impressively churned its way into the Division II semifinals before suffering a hotly-contested defeat to eventual CIF champion San Marcos. That Jaguar squad was a gifted and talented one that really came together and proved it was among the elite in the entire North County.

Fast forward to 2016, and once again the Jags have plenty of skill and dynamism. Despite losing a pair of stalwarts in goalie Tony Oreb and all-around performer Brock Daugherty, VC returns plenty of players with real credentials and as a team, it’s ceiling is quite high. Another strong run at a title is hardly out of reach.

“Absolutely, we can,” says VC’s outstanding coach Kyle Kline, when asked if his current squad can either match or even surpass the exploits of its predecessor. “It’s not at all unrealistic. But as I’ve emphasized to the guys, it won’t be easy and nothing is a given. We’ve got to put in the work and earn what we get but yeah, this is a good team that has the potential to do well.”

And as if to lend credence to their coach’s words, the Jags have already gotten off to a rapid start, winning four of their first five matches. In fact, VC could very well be undefeated. In their lone setback, the Jags jumped out to a 4-1 lead versus Santana and looked for all the world as if they might to breeze to victory because in the early going, Kline’s team was hitting on all cylinders. But the Jags went somewhat flat in quarters two and four and eventually succumbed to the Sultans, 11-9. However, that’s been the only blemish thus far on what has been a most positive beginning to the new campaign.

Earlier in this piece, reference was made to the strength and depth of VC’s roster. It’s now time to take a closer look at those players expected to make a big splash for the Jags in the weeks ahead.

A great place to start is with 2-meter, center-forward Jared Schaner. A team captain and true leader, Jared was the Jags’ leading scorer last season. A huge offensive threat as well as a stout defender, the senior Schaner is an all-around talent who clearly sets the tone for VC.

Though he’s been out with a wrist injury thus far, expect Jacob Banner to be a force once he returns to action. Sec- ond on the team in scoring during the ’15 season, Banner knows how to find the net and his potent shooting, particularly from the outside, makes him a constant threat.

Another captain and mainstay is senior Jared Trok. Though he has played sparingly up to now because of injury, Trok is just about ready for full-time duty. A very physical player,

The core of the VC’s squad is comprised of these eight standouts. From left to right, Jared Schaner, Mason Calbert, Joe Schaner, Jeremy Paiz, Jacob Banner, Johno Henderson, Jared Trok and Bryce VanCamp.The core of the VC’s squad is comprised of these eight standouts. From left to right, Jared Schaner, Mason Calbert, Joe Schaner, Jeremy Paiz, Jacob Banner, Joh-no Henderson, Jared Trok and Bryce VanCamp.

The core of the VC’s squad is comprised of these eight standouts. From left to right, Jared Schaner, Mason Calbert, Joe Schaner, Jeremy Paiz, Jacob Banner, Johno Henderson, Jared Trok and Bryce VanCamp.The core of the VC’s squad is comprised of these eight standouts. From left to right, Jared Schaner, Mason Calbert, Joe Schaner, Jeremy Paiz, Jacob Banner, Joh-no Henderson, Jared Trok and Bryce VanCamp.

this utility man is a tremendous defender and is generally assigned the opposition’s top offensive threat. Blessed with strong legs and a willingness to mix it up, Trok is more than equipped to win those manoa mano battles.

Joe Schaner, the cousin of Jared, is a tough defender who Kline has great belief in because of his ability to slow down the opposition. Growing confident in his shot and becoming increasingly more potent on offense, the junior Schaner has the potential to be the whole package someday soon.

Because he is the team’s fastest swimmer, Jeremy Paiz is usually assigned to the sprinter’s role but there’s much more to him than simply that. Having turned a big corner in his development, Paiz has become an assured shooter and ball handler.

Senior Bryce VanCamp has thus far been a revelation with his standout early season play. Asked to handle the taxing guard position in Trok’s absence, VanCamp stepped up and did everything that was required of him, including avoiding foul trouble while helping to keep high-profile foes in check.

Utility/2-meter practitioner Jacky Xu has shown great versatility and has given the Jags plenty of assistance, regardless of the role.

Though not all that big, Isaiah Savedra is a returning player who has made significant strides and is a solid two-way performer. Becoming ever more comfortable and confident, look for him to be a real contributor.

Another key stalwart is senior John-o Henderson, who shines at the utility position. A nifty and quick swimmer who has smarts, Henderson is a dangerous shooter armed with a lightning fast release. Moreover, he’s a well-versed athlete who can play lockdown defense.

And then there’s Will Sheehy, an emerging junior who is starting to make his presence felt.

Finally, we come to sophomore goalie Mason Calbert, who has some mighty big shoes to fill now that the accomplished Oreb has moved on. Tall and with a sizeable wingspan, Calbert is a hard worker who’s hungry to learn and not fearful of taking on the challenge of being that clutch guy in the net. With the benefit of now getting plenty of reps in both practice and games, Mason is on a track to definitely elevate his game. Plus, his calm demeanor and knack for not losing focus has genuinely impressed Kline. Sure, he’s still a work-inprogress but to date, Calbert has shown plenty of potential and his upside is undeniable.

Yes, these Jags will be tested in trying to keep the program’s momentum going but everything seems in place to accomplish that very goal; splendid coaching, a number of experienced players and a winning attitude that permeates throughout the entire team.

Last year, the Jags generated some rather sizeable waves with their notable postseason run. It’s quite possible, if things coalesce as hoped, that the sets could be even bigger in 2016.


Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *