Wolverines take all-Bellevue final | Prep water polo

Published 4:04 pm Wednesday, November 16, 2011

Bellevue has been to the water polo state title game six times in the past 12 years. The first five ended in a runner-up finish.

Not in 2011.

Without Mercer Island, winners of 11 straight state titles in the field, the Wolverines were able to march through the tournament and to a 15-8 championship match victory over cross-town rival Newport behind eight goals from senior Jake VanWolvelaere. The state offensive MVP scored 24 goals in five tournament games.

“He is a phenomenal player and an even better teammate and captain,” assistant coach Evan Kaseguma said of VanWolvelaere. “He’s one of the best leaders we’ve ever had. He’s incredibly talented and skilled, just an amazing player. I can’t say enough about Jake.”

While VanWolvelaere led the Bellevue attack, goalie Reed Hendrickson earned defensive MVP honors after recording 15 blocks against the Knights in the final and 17 in the semi-final win over Curtis.

Kaseguma, who founded the program in 1998 when he was still a student at Bellevue, was quick to point out the work of not only his players, but all of those who have donated their time and efforts to help build Wolverine water polo.

“There’s been a ton of people who have put a lot into this program to get it where it is now,” Kaseguma said.

The Bellevue high school water polo team: Reed Hendrickson, JR; Arlen Hughes, JR; Stuart McClelland, SO; Jordan Bowers, SR; Robby Soble, SR; Jake Gaskins, JR; Jake VanWolvelaere, SR; Scott Bowers, SO; Wesley Johnston, SR; Noel de Sa e Silva, SR; Sam Urban, SR; George French, SO; Jack Bethke, SR; Frank Lu, SR; Coaches: Ed Brovick, Evan Kaseguma, Derek Milligan