By Mike Miazga
Correspondent
The York boys water-polo team wrapped up its 2018 season after coming within a game of reaching the state finals tournament.
The Dukes opened sectional play with a 12-11 win over St. Patrick and then lost to Fenwick by an 8-6 count in the sectional-championship game.
York finished the season 20-12 overall.
In the win against St. Patrick, Isaac Marlott had five goals. Simon DeGrace had three goals in the loss to Fenwick, while Marlott added two goals against Fenwick.
Marlott finished the season with an impressive 111 goals.
York coach Brian Drumm said his team’s offensive improvement helped the team do what it did later in the season.
“Our offense really improved over the course of the season,” he said. “We have a number of guys who were scoring consistently by the end of the season, which is great because in the beginning we were relying on one kid to score most of our goals.”
Drumm also saw progress made on the defensive front. “We’ve also greatly improved our defense,” he said. “Our shot-blocking was key in big games down the stretch and our boys have been much quicker to help when dropping.”
York goalie Gary Derwin played a key role in the team’s success this season. “Gary has stood on his head for us this season,” said Drumm. “He stopped 18 shots in our final game against Fenwick. He kept us in it.”
In addition, Jay Jensen, DeGrace and Bill Dyra have been recent consistent presences in the scoring column. “Jay, Simon and Bill have figured out ways to score more consistently, which has been great,” said Drumm.
Drumm had high praise for his team this season. “This was the most improved team I’ve ever coached,” he said. “To come that close to beating Fenwick in the sectional final would have seemed impossible back in the first week. I was fortunate to have a great group that bought in, was committed and demonstrated an unbelievable work ethic.”
