Dexter High School Boys' Water Polo Team Lock Sights on State Championship

The Dexter Dreadnaughts boys’ water polo team won their first regional playoff game on Friday defeating Okemos, 5-4.

"We had a great all around defensive effort by the team," head coach Brian Semple said. "Everyone worked together to keep Okemos to only one goal for three and a half periods."

Semple said the victory was a team effort.

"In my mind, Friday's highlights were Ian Wilson blocking an Okemos player on a breakaway on three consecutive shots and Max Merriman scoring the game winning goal as time expired," Semple said. "The standout players were John Eber for all of the countering, Matt Munzel for defense and a goal, Mark Brown for his offensive effort, Max Merriman for an all-around game, and Ian Wilson for an amazing game in the net."

With the regular season over, Semple said he's had some time to reflect on the team's overall performance this year.

"It has been a bit of a roller coaster ride this season," he said. "We have played good water polo, but only in spurts. If we could piece it all together for four quarters we could match up fairly well with any team in the state.

"We had some key contributors from last year's team graduate, so one of the biggest obstacles has been having guys who were more role players last season, step up and take on a bigger role."

The team will make its third appearance and second consecutive run at the state finals Nov. 11-12 in Saline against seven other area schools.

"The great thing about this team is that they see the season as a work in progress, and as a coach I can only hope that players will take and learn something from each and every game," Semple said. "I am extremely excited that the older players will get their chance to represent Dexter at states, and I believe that it helps inspire and motivate the younger players.

"We have played competitively with most of the teams that qualified for states, and had two really tough games last season with Hudsonville, who we face in the first round. If we can win our first round game that would put us in the top four, but at the state tournament anything is possible."

Semple said coaching the team this year and watching members' skills grow has been a pleasure.

"I enjoy coaching every year, but this year especially because I believe we have a group of guys who love playing the game," Semple said. "They are a group of guys who want to win, but who want to win for one another. They are very unselfish, and that is what you need when you are coaching a team sport."

Dexter will face Hudsonville at 5:15 p.m. Nov. 11 at Saline High School. For more information, visit the Michigan Water Polo Association website.