Breakers again have eyes on top prize

Ethan Damato looks at the No. 4 ranking in the CIF Southern Section Division III preseason poll and thinks it’s about right for the Laguna Beach boys’ water polo team.

At the end of the season, though? The Breakers hope that number is a bit higher, and they have reason to feel that way.

“I think, more than anything, we got a year older,” Damato said of his team, which advanced to the Division III semifinals last year before falling to eventual champion Montebello. “We’re a well-balanced, mature and experienced team.”

It’s emphasized by his three senior captains, David Brunner, Robert Chew and Robbie Quellmalz. Brunner, a returning first-team All-Orange Coast League player, is a three-year varsity starter who will play a utility role.

“He’s just blossoming,” Damato said. “I think he’ll do some great things this year.”

Chew, another first-team all-league pick, is another three-year varsity player who Damato said has improved a lot and will play two-meter defense, while Quellmalz will play set. Another senior, Zach Riegler, took last year off but is back and a threat from the perimeter.

“He’s a really good outside shooter, really smart player,” Damato said. “He’s a really nice presence to have, with his maturity in the water.”

Spencer Dodson, a junior attacker, can light it up on the fast break as one of the Breakers’ fastest players. He is also coming off winning a gold medal at Junior Olympics with El Toro-based SET.

“He comes from a long line of water polo players,” Damato said. “I think he’ll be one of the best players in the division.”

Another player with that ability is sophomore Nolan McConnell. A returning first-team all-Orange Coast League and Division III player, McConnell was the second-leading scorer on Laguna last season behind graduate Victor Alcone and has emerged as a go-to guy. He’s joined by another sophomore, Erik Henrikson, who also started last year as a freshman.

“He’s gotten bigger, stronger, more used to the game speed,” Damato said of his keeper.

“I think he’s going to be one of the top goalies in the division.”

Junior Jack Clark will be another key contributor for Laguna Beach, which will again be favored to win another Orange Coast League title. As far as division foes go, the top three ranked teams “” Montebello, Murrieta Valley and Damien “” are all on the Breakers’ schedule, starting with a game at Montebello on Sept. 22. Damato said they’ll also all be at the Riverside Poly Tournament, which begins Thursday.

“We lost to all of them by a goal or two last year,” Damato said. “We’re really excited to play those teams again. These guys are ready to show everyone what they’ve been working on.”