Eagles bid to administer payback

After a year of learning on the job, the Estancia High boys’ water polo team wants a promotion.

The Eagles, who went 2-19 last season and winless in the Orange Coast League, should be vastly improved since they return virtually their whole team. Estancia had no seniors last season, and the juniors who endured those losses are eager to show what a year of seasoning can do.

John Carpenter, in his 28th year at the helm of the program, dispatched notions that last season was one of his toughest.

“Out of 28 years, I’m sure I’ve had tougher,” Carpenter said. “You go out there with what you have and do the best you can. Nine times out of 10, you just get beat by the better team. But these kids are going into this year with the idea that they’re going to compete with any team in the league.”

Estancia plans to start five seniors and two juniors. Returning seniors include Tyler Wayman, who scored a team-high 40 goals last season, and Josh Young and Jeff Crosson, who scored 28 each.

Crosson can play at two meters for Estancia, but Carpenter said the offense the Eagles will run would allow for plenty of fluidity. He noted that since the CIF rule change that allowed players to shoot from outside five meters — instead of seven — after a foul, some teams haven’t consistently utilized a two-meter player.

“We’re probably not going to have any set positions,” Carpenter said. “The particular offense we run won’t run like that. It’s not that typical driver, guard, hole-set offense.”

Still, he said Young will be the Eagles’ primary driver and playmaker.

“He’s kind of our point guard,” Carpenter said.

Senior goalie Kyle Lux also returns, and should benefit from a year of experience between the pipes.

“His outlet passes have gotten really good,” Carpenter said. “In working with the guys for a whole year, he knows when and where they’re going to hook.”

Senior Ramin Tasbihchi will likely play two-meter defense, and Shane Lyons and Danny O’Neil are a pair of returning junior drivers who should also start, Carpenter said. Senior Chris Whiteside can play goalie, junior Kreger Todd also returns and freshman Charlie Umanski has also been impressive.

“[Umanski] has played with us this summer, and he has improved rapidly,” Carpenter said.

As for the Orange Coast League, Carpenter said the Eagles definitely want to improve on their last-place finish. But it might not be easy.

“Laguna Beach, Costa Mesa and Sage Hill are good teams,” Carpenter said. “We lost no seniors, which is to our advantage. But any given game will be tough this year, for sure.”

The Eagles open Wednesday at home against Savanna.

The alumni game is scheduled Friday.