THE TIMES’ RANKINGS

A preseason look at the top boys’ water polo teams in the Southland:

Rank School (Section-Division)

1. El Toro (SS-Div. I)

Chris Allen, Andrew Holbrook and Richard Shore could provide Chargers their first section title since 1993.

2. Foothill (SS-Div. I)

J.W. Krumpholz and Frank Reynolds team with goalkeeper Sandy Hohener for one of the better-balanced teams.

3. Servite (SS-Div. II)

Thankfully for Friars, two-sport standout Adam Hewko will continue playing water polo this fall.

4. Long Beach Wilson (SS-Div. I)

With six Division I titles in last seven years, this is about as close as Bruins come to rebuilding year.

5. Harvard-Westlake (SS-Div. I)

Youth will be served at Harvard-Westlake, where Wolverines have bright, up-and-coming teams.

6. Damien (SS-Div. V)

Defending Division V champions return Grant Miller, the division’s player of the year with 124 goals.

7. Newport Harbor (SS-Div. I)

Michael Bury returns and Sailors get a lift with transfer of Griffin Gentry from Corona del Mar.

8. Los Alamitos (SS-Div. II)

Griffins return much of team that reached Southern Section Division II finals last season.

9. Villa Park (SS-Div. I)

Shea Bucker and Kyle Casagrande provide one-two punch that makes Spartans formidable.

10. San Clemente (SS-Div. I)

No big names returning, but Coach Marc Parker once again has plenty with which to work.

-- Dan Arritt