With the 2024 boys water polo season recently passing the halfway point, Los Gatos High coach Davor Koret feels the same way about his team now as he did before the year started.
“I’m personally not worried where we land [in the Central Coast Section playoffs],” he said. “I truly believe we can beat any team in the CCS, including Sacred Heart Prep, even though they’re a couple of levels above us and other solid teams such as St. Francis, Menlo, Bellarmine and Santa Cruz.”
A year ago, the Wildcats (13-2 overall, 7-0 league) made program history by earning their first win in the CCS Open Division playoffs, resulting in an automatic berth to the CIF NorCal Regional tournament.
This season, they’re looking to take it one step further by reaching an Open Division final and win a game in NorCals. The key, Koret said, will come down to the team’s mentality.
“One thing we’re definitely going to focus on in the second round of league play–in addition to tactics–is to change the mentality and thinking process from, ‘Let’s not lose to let’s go out there and win the game,’” Koret said. “Because right now we have a good problem. We’re undefeated in league, we haven’t lost a regular-season league game since 2022, and we’re afraid. I think we’re playing with fear of what will happen if we lose instead of let’s go out there and take it. I think that mentality changed in overtime. Some things clicked and the boys stepped up and shut them down.”
Koret was referring to an impressive 15-12 overtime win over Los Altos High on Oct. 1 in a battle for first place in the Santa Clara Valley Athletic League De Anza Division. After a strong start, Los Gatos faded in the second half before unleashing a dominant overtime period, outscoring the Eagles 3-0 in the extra session to put the game away.
Sophomore Richard Runge scored six goals, while Ryan Madsen and Mathijs Dirven had four goals each to pace the Wildcats, who never trailed. Runge stood tall, scoring twice in the third quarter immediately after a Los Altos goal.
“Like everyone else, there are definitely things Richard needs to improve, but one thing he has is the fire in his eyes,” Koret said. “He’s always pumped up to play and is our defensive mastermind. He’s the one who takes care of the middle on defense and it’s such a plus to have him on our team.”
Madsen’s standout sophomore season in 2023 has propelled him into becoming a tour de force in the pool this year. An absolute load to handle once he positions himself in front of the opponent’s cage, Madsen was the focal point of Los Altos’ defense but still managed to score four goals.
Since opponents have two to three defenders in Madsen’s vicinity, it opens up prime scoring chances for Los Gatos’ wing players and drivers. Madsen also drew four exclusions, giving the Wildcats plenty of opportunities with the man advantage.
“Ryan has grown so much from last year,” Koret said. “He’s the person that is going to get double-teamed against every single team we play this year. Los Altos crowded the middle which didn’t allow Ryan to do what he usually does, but even with that he made an impact.”
Madsen also plays a significant role on defense. Oftentimes matching up with the opposing team’s most dangerous player, Madsen communicates effectively to get his teammates in the right position.
“You could hear Ryan coordinating the whole defense,” Koret said. “He’s staying in the middle and redirecting every single player where to go and what to do.”
Dirven has been an offensive juggernaut this season, tallying a team-best 53 goals through the Los Altos match. One of the fastest swimmers in the CCS, Dirven won every swim-off against Los Altos, a microcosm of the entire season.
“He’s maybe lost one or a couple of sprints the whole way,” Koret said. “His swimming ability is incredible. He’s been our offensive power and his intensity is always there. When he’s up to his level offensively, not many defenses can stop that guy.”
Jacob Weber and Henry Bakota are returning starters who have improved as well. Weber, a senior driver, provides solid play at both ends of the pool for the duration of the game.
“Jacob is one of those guys who is in there for the full four quarters,” Koret said. “I like his willingness to make things work, and we’ll need all of his experience and skill in this second part of the season.”
Bakota’s excellent passing and decision-making has proved instrumental for the team in several ways.
“Henry’s confidence has gone up tremendously and I’m very happy for him,” Koret said. “He’s making crucial decisions in situations such as on the 6-on-5, so he’s stepped up big time.”
Senior Fred Hobson has emerged as a top-notch goalie, following a recent trend within the program.
“I don’t know what it is with goalies to be honest with you, but the last few years our goalies have stepped up in their senior year,” Koret said. “At first, he was indecisive whether he was going to play the season or not. Then he joined us in summer practice, stayed the whole way, kept healthy, kept up the schoolwork, and he’s doing really, really well. His passing and communication has been really good this season.”
Nowhere was that more apparent than in the Los Altos match, when Hobson made a spectacular save before delivering a length of the pool pass that led to a breakaway goal for Dirven midway through the second quarter. Colin Murphy and Tripp Thomas provide the team with quality depth, with Murphy making ample contributions against Los Altos.
“Colin played very solidly offensively and defensively,” Koret said. “He kept driving and tried to find the mismatch, and I don’t think he allowed any goals [guarding] the hole set.”
Los Gatos has several barometer type matches remaining, including ones against St. Francis, Santa Cruz, Bellarmine and a second league contest with Los Altos. How the Wildcats fare in those games will provide a telltale sign if they’re ready to reach their first-ever Open Division final and win a game in NorCals.
“I believe we still haven’t hit our peak yet,” Koret said. “We are working really hard to fix some of the small things. And if we do, I do believe we can achieve and fulfill all of our goals.”
