Support our high school sports coverage by becoming a digital subscriber. Subscribe now
NEWPORT BEACH — Corona del Mar’s tradition-rich boys water polo program has developed into a consistent CIF-SS Open Division qualifier under coach Lucas Reynolds. The alumnus of the school is known for devoting hours to scouting, advocating for his players and pushing an aggressive but clean style.
“He’s taken this program and reshaped it,” said assistant coach Brian Schiefer, who played with Reynolds at Corona del Mar.
On Wednesday, the Sea Kings won one for their second-year head coach.
With Reynolds absent due to appendicitis, Corona del Mar rallied from an early deficit to beat Mira Costa 13-8 in a Group B opening match in the Open Division playoffs.
Sixth-seeded Mira Costa (25-6) netted the first two goals in blanking No. 3 Corona del Mar (23-6) in the first period. But the Sea Kings’ counterattack and playmakers shifted into high gear during the final three quarters.
“We were saying, ‘We got to win this for Lucas,’ ” said Corona del Mar junior William Weir, who netted a match-high four goals. “He’s put in so much time and energy. This game, for us, was for Lucas.”
Corona del Mar found its spark on defense in the second period.
Weir delivered the first play. With Mira Costa on the power play coming out of its timeout, he grabbed a steal that led to a counterattack strike by Grant Christian. The senior attacker gave the Sea Kings the lead for good at 3-2 with 2:33 left in the opening half.
About 30 seconds later, Corona del Mar goalie Ben Kubichek blocked a penalty shot that the Sea Kings turned into a power-play strike. USC committed senior Nathan Simoncelli promptly drew an exclusion and scored on the man advantage off a cross pass to the far post.
“That kind of recharged the guys,” Schiefer said of the block by Kubichek, who finished with nine saves and a late goal.
Mira Costa stayed close and tied the score 5-5 on a successful penalty shot by Jameson Greenstone with 2:03 left in the third period.
But Corona del Mar quickly responded and took control with a 7-5 lead going into the fourth.
Weir netted an after-goal strike off an assist by Christian and converted a penalty shot drawn by Bryan Shapirshteyn on a counterattack.
“We’re definitely a counter team,” said Weir, who had three field blocks and two steals. “We’ve been putting in the work this whole offseason and season. Lucas has us swimming a lot but it’s good. It definitely translates into games.”
Simoncelli and senior Cooper Harlan each netted three goals while Christian finished with two. Attackers Aiden Sexton and Koosha Mirrafati impacted the victory with their defense and passing, respectively.
“This whole bracket, I looked at it and my first thought was our hardest game is going to be our first one,” Mira Costa coach Jon Reichardt said of Corona del Mar. “They’re a great program. Great coaches. They play the game the way it’s supposed to be played.”
Lucas Pearce drew five exclusions and a penalty to help lead Mira Costa. The Mustangs went 4 for 9 with the extra attacker. Kai Nelson netted two of his three goals on the power play.
On Saturday, Corona del Mar plays host to Long Beach Wilson in Group B. Santa Margarita beat the Bruins 13-8 on Wednesday.
Mira Costa plays at Santa Margarita.
More coverage to come.
Corona del Mar water polo dedicates playoff win over Mira Costa to coach
