September 27, 2025

Coronado Islanders Boys Water Polo Team Achieves 6th Place

News Summary

The Coronado Islanders Boys water polo team secured a commendable 6th place finish at the America’s Finest City Tournament, impressing with a thrilling victory against Riverside Poly. Head coach David Throop praised the players’ growth and teamwork, highlighting standout performances from key players. Following the tournament, the team is gearing up for a challenging matchup against Mt. Carmel High School as they prepare for a tough season in the Eastern League.

Coronado, California – The Coronado Islanders Boys water polo team recently achieved a commendable 6th place finish at the 2025 America’s Finest City Tournament held over the weekend. The team showcased an impressive performance, including a thrilling upset victory against Riverside Poly, winning 14-13 in the tournament’s first round.

Head coach David Throop expressed pride in the development of the players throughout the tournament, highlighting significant growth in their skills and teamwork. The Islanders started strongly against Riverside Poly, managing to limit their opponents to just two goals in the first quarter, setting the tone for the match.

Notable offensive contributions came from players Carter Mondzelewski and Devin Ertekin, who worked effectively together during several crucial moments of the game. Their teamwork was instrumental in capitalizing on scoring opportunities, ultimately leading to the victory over Riverside Poly. Additionally, players Van Marinics and Charley Pretzinger were recognized for their improved performance, demonstrating increased understanding of offensive and defensive strategies.

The Islanders’ center combination of Russell Richardson and Luca Morocco played a vital role in the team’s success by creating mismatches for their competitors’ defenses. The effectiveness of the centers was a key factor in the Islanders’ offensive strategy, allowing for successful scoring opportunities throughout the tournament.

Goalkeeper Braydon McLean stood out with his poised performance, making critical saves against powerful teams like Riverside Poly and Damien. His ability to remain calm under pressure contributed significantly to the Islanders’ overall effectiveness during crucial games.

The transition from early-season challenges to more competitive play styles has earned the Islanders recognition, reflecting their hard work and dedication in practice. Following the recent tournament, the team is preparing for an upcoming matchup against Mt. Carmel High School, with expectations of leveraging their strengths in center pool play.

David Throop is set to return as head coach for both the boys’ and girls’ varsity water polo teams for the upcoming 2025-26 school year. The Islanders have changed leagues this season, moving from the Western League to the Eastern League, where they will now face teams such as Clairemont, Francis Parker, and Patrick Henry High School.

After a challenging previous season, where the Islanders finished with a record of 8-20 and were eliminated in the CIF DI quarterfinals, the team is focusing on continuous improvement. The current preseason schedule is particularly demanding, featuring nine tournaments in the first nine days, intended to thoroughly test the players’ physical and mental conditioning.

The Coronado Islanders Boys water polo team’s recent 6th place finish at the America’s Finest City Tournament marks a significant milestone in their journey, showcasing their growth and competitive spirit as they approach the next segment of their season.

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Author: STAFF HERE CORONADO

The Coronado Staff Writer represents the experienced team at HERECoronado.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Coronado, San Diego County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Coronado Island Film Festival, productions at Lamb’s Players Theatre, community workshops at John D. Spreckels Center, and iconic celebrations at Hotel del Coronado. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Coronado Chamber of Commerce and Visit Coronado, plus leading businesses in hospitality, dining, and tourism that drive the local economy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERESanDiego.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERELongBeach.com, and HERELosAngeles.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Southern California's dynamic landscape.

STAFF HERE CORONADO

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