2014 Season Preview
After capturing its third consecutive State championship in 2013, the Bellevue High boys water polo team is looking to continue its winning ways in 2014. Led by an experienced and deep senior class, the Wolverines are primed for another playoff run this fall, but will be challenged by local rivals Mercer Island HS and Roosevelt HS as well as a young but talented squad from Curtis HS.
Leading the title defense are senior co-captains Marco Stanchi and Liam Naughton. Stanchi, the 2013 Washington State Offensive MVP, spent his offseason representing the United States as one of thirteen members of the USA Youth National Team. Stanchi guided Team USA to a Gold Medal in July’s Pan-Am Youth Games and 11th place in August’s FINA Youth World Championships. Naughton, a 2012 Second-Team All-State selection, is a three-year starter and the Wolverines’ primary center-defender. Classmate Josh Rehder joins Stanchi and Naughton in the starting lineup as a dangerous post-up threat. Quinlan Hughes anchors the defense, making the switch from center-defender to goalie for his senior season. Lefty Daniel Sandler provides speed and physicality from the 4-5 side. Garrett Williams and Sevren Trulson, both varsity letter-winners in 2013, provide depth at driver. Noah Lauter will contribute as a super-utility player in his first season of varsity action.
Junior Zack Rossman looks to build off an impressive sophomore campaign in which he earned First-Team All-State honors. Primarily a driver in 2013, Rossman will contribute as a post-up player and backup center in 2014.
Sophomore left-hander Cameron Hayes is expected to carry a heavy offensive load in his second season as a varsity starter. A 2013 Second-Team All-State selection, Hayes became the first Wolverine in nearly a decade to start every game as a freshman. Classmates Jesse Hainze and Sam Geffe, both of whom logged limited minutes on varsity last season, are being counted upon to provide depth as sophomores. Rounding out the sophomore class is Marco Acevedo, who hopes to earn a prominent role at center-defender in his first season on varsity.
Freshman AJ Rossman looks to follow in Hayes’ footsteps and become a varsity starter in his first season of high school water polo. A talented defender, Rossman has made an immediate impact in practice and will play a major role early in the season.
The Wolverines’ season begins on September 15th against Inglemoor High School. In late September, the Wolverines travel to San Diego to compete in the AFC Tournament, which features 32 of the top teams in Southern California. The Wolverines return to California in late October for the San Diego Invitational, looking to improve on last year’s 3rd place finish (out of 40). The State Tournament is November 13-15.
