Addison Button and Kian Brouwer dominated play at the Brea-Olinda High School pool last Saturday, leading the Westside Aquatics 12-and-under water polo team to an undefeated record in the club team’s first-ever tournament. Coached by Dean Heck and Dave Andriole, the new team’s hard work during the past year was rewarded with a perfect record. Over the course of the day-long tournament, they defeated Fontana 14-7, overwhelmed South Pasadena 15-3, and then dispatched Fullerton 17-3. Button, a 6th grader at Village School, was a dominant force on both ends of the pool, leading the team in both total points (30) and steals (13). As the primary hole setter, Button directed the offense, taking shots when necessary, but just as frequently finding the open player for a higher percentage shot. Of his 30 total points, 13 were goals and 17 were assists. Brouwer, a resident of Venice, displayed his blazing speed throughout the tournament, scoring consistently on fast break opportunities. He ended the day with 22 total points and 5 steals. A common occurrence was for Brouwer to win the sprint, then continue swimming right past his defender into open water, receiving the pass in front of the cage for an easy goal. In goal, Palisadian Jere Ashby shut down opposing offenses with a number of excellent blocks, and started numerous successful counterattacks with strong passing down the pool. Coach Dave Andriole was very pleased by his team’s performance, saying, ‘This group of kids has worked so hard, and it shows. Some of them had no idea what water polo was as recently as a few months ago, but they are now really starting to gel as a team.’ Regarding Button and Brouwer’s performances, the coach added: ‘I couldn’t be more proud. Addy has really become a leader out there, and is playing hard, smart, unselfish water polo. With an arm like his, he could have scored twice as many goals as he did, but instead he made the smart passes. And Kian’s speed is a fantastic weapon to have, especially combined with his knowledge of the game.’ Other Palisadians making strong contributions to the team’s success were Theo Trask, Sammy Speiser, Max Speiser, Julie Hartman, Reid Whitney, Claire Keller, Lauren Myers, Joseph Waxtein, and Tristan Wadleigh.
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