Team Splash: a Look Into This Season of boys’ water polo

The Samo boys’ water polo team had a very successful 23-24 season and is looking to replicate that again this year. The Vikings ended the season with a record of 21-11, getting them to the second round of CIF playoffs. The team finished third in the league overall, keeping their spot in the Bay League.

Laurel Cohn/The Samohi

Connor Wong ('26) passes the ball to teammate Danny O'Bryan ('25), swiftly maneuvering the ball through a series of oncoming defenders.

In previous years, the Samo boys’ water polo team has been successful in securing spots in CIF and winning numerous games. Head Coach Matthew Flanders is in his 28th season coaching the Samo boys’ water polo team. He hopes to achieve stronger communication both in and out of the water this year while also building on a strong foundation.

“Goals are always to win games and qualify for CIF. Of course, winning CIF would be a great milestone. Now, is that attainable? We’ll see,” Flanders said.

The Samo boys’ water polo team lost 11 seniors last year, and are currently working on building the team back up. Flanders mentioned a few upcoming players that he sees excelling this season, including captain Jackson Colby (’25), Ethan Fitzgerald (’25), Grayson Fehmurs (’28), Ronan Maynes (’25) and goalie, Jake Levin (’26). Colby reflects on the beginning of the season, and goals the team is working towards.

“We’re working really hard, overall we’re doing pretty good. We do need to work on communication, like saying heads up and playing as a team,” Colby said.

In their first home game of the season, the Vikings got a 13-8 win against Milken High School. Since then, the team has picked up 6 more valuable wins, and one loss, aiding the Vikings on their journey to CIF. The team, now 8-5, has their next home game on Sept. 24 against Culver City High School.