Porterville cruises by Granite in rivalry tuneup

For the Granite Hills boys’ water polo team, Monday’s game at Porterville signalled the end of an improved season that brings hope for next year when they return five starters, including leading scorer Erik Bartlett.

For the Panthers, Monday’s 15-4 win over the Grizzlies added to the already-surpassed expectations and sends them into Wednesday’s showdown against Monache for second place in the EYL behind Dinuba.

The Panthers’ 10-4 loss last week to the Emperors all but solidified that the EYL boys’ water polo crown, for once, won’t be inside city limits. But Wednesday’s showdown at “The Cage” at Porterville High still holds certain motivation for Porterville coach Mickey Goularte and his boys.

“This one’s for bragging rights,” he said.

Monache beat a loaded Porterville team twice last season on its way to a Division II Valley championship. The playing field appears to be more even if the first time they met — an 8-6 Porterville decision on Oct. 12 — is any indication.

Monday provided a little less drama as the Panthers jumped out to a 10-2 lead by halftime and cruised to the victory behind Luke Peltzer’s game-high four goals.

This was nothing like the more contested match the Grizzlies gave the Panthers last time — a 10-6 defeat. Bartlett was held to just one goal as the Panther defense, aided by tough man-to-man defense from hole guard Jordan Reader, crowded Bartlett’s comfort zone.

“Last time we played them, Erik took control of the game but this time, he got some early ejections,” Granite coach David Gong said, adding that the Grizzlies need to improve on sharing the ball. “We have to make our passes count — we’re seeing the sluff on Erik in every game and we need to make those passes. But you can’t say enough about Jordan Reader. He’s one of the most underrated defenders in all the EYL.”

Porterville coach Mickey Goularte wasn’t too surprised about Gong’s comment.

“Jordan started fitting in that hole guard position (early in the year) and as far as I’m concerned, he’s become very valuable in that position,” Goularte said. “There are some good hole people in the league, but Jordan’s been a good answer for each of them. He gives us some security and we can do some other things around the perimeter.”

Goularte said Reader adjusted perfectly to Porterville’s scheme of taking Bartlett out of the game.

“We know they have Erik and he’s a real strong player,” he said, “but we knew if we could make Erik ineffective by taking him away from the hole, there isn’t much else they can do.”

Porterville hole set, Dakota Schieler, on the other hand, had little trouble operating down low and scored three goals.

Alec MacIsaac scored two goals and so did Andrew Pugh, who came off the bench and is fast finding favor with Goularte.

“Andrew was down around third or fourth off the bench three or four weeks ago,” Goularte said. “What he’s done is he’s limited his mistakes and he’s made himself a viable player for us. He’ll see some more playing time for us.”

Bracken Rummel, Blake Shannon, Derek Vanderstoel and Reader each scored a goal for Porterville.

Mitchell Rice also scored for the Grizzlies.

“We’re still building our program,” Gong said. “We’ll be fine.”