FEATURE ARTICLE

There's Nothing Like The Postseason

By Aaron Brown

For the past two days, there have been a total of 64 games played between 128 different teams. Each game carries a much more significant amount of importance than any that have come before it this season, as a loss means the end of the season for any defeated side.

And that's what makes the postseason so great. With so much on the line, every pass, every shot, and every play can make the difference between a team living to fight another day or having to hang up their suit and cap for the final time of the season, and for some, their career.

The water polo postseason is a culmination of three months of practices, games, and tournaments. Bus trips to games and 5:00am car rides to morning practices. Two-hours or longer practices or four-game Saturdays before events like Prom or after tests like the ACT. With such a buildup to the postseason after 30 game seasons, it's no wonder that the last flurry of games before the state tournament feels like such an event.

The excitement, disappointment, and overall atmosphere is something that may never be replicated once high school is over. A player that scores a last second goal or makes a key steal or save to help their team win a playoff game might have that memory ingrained for the rest of their life. And it may be something you never get the chance to do again. Enjoy the experience!

Friday's semifinals provide the best opportunities for upsets across the state. After 64 quarterfinal games, only three lower seeds advanced to the semifinals, with all three coming as the result of a five-seed beating a four-seed in a narrow decision. Will all of the top seeds survive to play in the sectional finals on Saturday, or will one of the lower seeds provide a major upset on Friday night?

So much action that you're having a hard time keeping up with all of the storylines? I recommend checking out the Boys' Semifinal Previews and Girls' Semifinal Previews in order to get a better grasp on what could happen in the 32 Friday night games across the state?

Don't see your teams stats or recaps on the site? That means no one has sent it in. Anyone interested in serving as a correspondent to Illpolo.com can send information to illpolo2010@gmail.com or sent text messages to (847) 331-6520. In this technological age, there is no reason why game information and scores can't be posted as close to real-time as possible. In some cases, scores and recaps are being listed within thirty seconds of the final buzzer sounding. Help promote the sport of water polo by providing as much information as possible!

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GOOD LUCK to everyone involved in the semifinals on Friday night! Check the site for live scores, game recaps, and late-night Friday previews for Saturday's final games once the field is set.

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