1994 Prep Preview: Water Polo : Six Teams to Watch : Servite

Coach: Jim Sprague (third year).

1993: 21-8 overall, 7-0 in the Sunset League; lost to Whittier La Serna, 10-9, in overtime in quarterfinals of Division II playoffs.

Key returners: David Cramp, driver, Jr.; Brian Heifferon, utility, Sr.; Bill Howard, utility, Sr.; Hun Kim, driver, Sr.; Mike Lopez, two-meter man, Jr.; Rob Mattivi, two-meter man, Sr.; Jerry Smith, two-meter man, Jr.

Key newcomers: Dan Carreron, goalkeeper, Sr.; Trevor Dallas, goalkeeper, Sr.; Chris Hamme, two-meter man, So.; Brandon Joffe, two-meter man, So.; Eric Kim, driver, So.

Outlook: Sprague, who led Sunny Hills to 12 Southern Section title games, has another team that should challenge for a championship. The Friars, ranked No. 1 in the Division II preseason poll, feature three of the top players in the county: Heifferon, Mattivi and Smith, who each work out with the U.S. junior national team. Sprague says Heifferon is the best defensive player he has ever coached. Mattivi is an athletic lefty who plays and guards two meters well. Some say Smith might be the best offensive player in the section.