After two days competitive play at Episcopal Academy, The Hill Boys’ Water Polo team won the 2022 Eastern Prep Championship vs. the Haverford School on Sunday, November 6. This marks the team’s sixth Easterns Championship win; the last time Hill won was in in 2018.
In their quarter-final game on November 5, Hill dominated each quarter and kept that energy going throughout the rest of the game. The team defeated the Landon School 18-6.
In their double-header games on November 6, Hill was able to come out on top each game. Tom Leggett ’23 scored eight goals in their semi-final match versus William Penn Charter with Aiden Day ’23 securing 7 goals. The final score was 21-11, advancing Hill to the championships later that afternoon against a tough Haverford team.
In 2018, Hill and Haverford battled for the Easterns Championship with Hill walking away with the trophy after a close 12-11 win. Haverford was eager for this rematch in hopes to take the cup home this year.
Goalkeeper Artim Kyselov ’24 made a personal tournament high of 18 total saves during the game. Teammate Tom Leggett ’23 also had a competitive game with a high of 10 goals and four assists. The buzzer sounded at the end of the game with the scoreboard reading 19-13 Hill.
After the championship winner was decided, the coaching staff joined their team by jumping in the water to celebrate together.
“This team was a force to be reckoned with on offense throughout the season,” remarked Head Coach Doug Jones. “However, it was their cohesion as a defensive unit with late season adjustments at that end of the pool that solidified their success.”
Throughout the three games, Hill outscored their opponent 58-30. Kyselov blocked 43 shots on goal, and Leggett scored 23 goals.
Kyselov, Leggett, and Day were selected to the All-Tournament 1st Team. Leggett was named the tournament’s Most Valuable Player.
