Niles West Sports Roundup: April 19

Boys Water Polo: Coach John Przekota knew the challenges that would come with starting a water polo program from scratch at Niles West (4-15, 1-4 CSL South). Not only would Przekota have to develop a team with zero experience at the varsity level, he’d have to do it in the Central Suburban League South, which boasts two top-25 teams in the state (Glenbrook South and New Trier).

“Our varsity team has to make up 3-4 years of water polo in a couple of months; that is no easy feat,” Przekota said. “It is hard enough to just learn the sport, let alone try and play against the strong teams in our conference and sectional.”

While the wins haven’t come in bunches, Przekota is more than happy at what he sees from the Wolves only a couple months in. On the season’s opening weekend, Niles West lost, 14-3, to Glenbrook North. Only a week later, the Wolves played them to a one-goal defeat.

“I am very satisfied and excited about our team’s play; they have gone far beyond my expectations,” Przekota said. “We have been working hard and steadily improving all season. We are slowly but surely becoming a competitive team.”

Going through its first-ever season is a large enough obstacle in itself, but Niles West was devastated by the flu early in the year, forcing a number of players to sit out practices and games.

Still, it hasn’t prevented a number of players from stepping up and developing into solid water polo players. Przekota noted junior Filip Zikovic, who has turned into one of Niles West’s better all-around players, and goalie Max Romanelli as a couple guys that Niles West will continue to build with.

The expectations for this team might not be a conference championship, but Przekota still says postseason success can happen for Niles West.

“I would love it if our guys could win a game or two at conference, sectionals. With the work and effort we are putting in, I know we will play our best polo then.”

Baseball: The Wolves continued their winning ways with another two wins this week. Jason Merger (2-0) pitched a complete game for Niles West (12-2, 1-0 CSL South) in a 4-2 victory against Barrington while going 2-for-3 with an RBI at the plate.

In Niles West’s conference opener, the Wolves crushed Maine West as pitcher Kenny Blanchard (2-0) went the distance, giving up only six hits and striking out four Warrior batters. Kyle Colletta was 3-for-4 with two runs and an RBI.

Girls Soccer: The Wolves’ (4-3-3, 0-1-1 CSL South) stood tall last week, allowing only one goal in three games. Niles West gained a 6-0 victory over Amundsen after playing to a 1-1 tie with rival Niles North. The Wolves also completed a scoreless tie with Waukegan.

Six different players scored for Niles West in the win against Amundsen and sophomore Molly Kleppin added two assists.

Girls track: Sprinter Kellion Gordon helped Niles West capture first place at the 10th annual Niles West Invitational on Friday, beating out New Trier and Loyola among others.

CSL Insider provides an in-depth look at the Niles West girls track team this season.

Boys track: The Wolves (107 points) took home the team championship at the Homewood-Flossmoor on Saturday, edging out Homewood-Flossmoor (102.5) and Conant (100).

SCOREBOARD WATCHING:

Boys Water Polo:

Whitney Young 8, Niles West 1 on April 12

New Trier 13, Niles West 2 on April 14

Schaumburg 19, Niles West 5 on April 16

Boys Volleyball:

New Trier defeats Niles West, 25-14, 25-18 on April 12

Boys Tennis:

Niles West 5, Niles North 2 on April 12

Softball:

Niles West 7, Waukegan 4 on April 12

Glenbrook South 12, Niles West 0 on April 14

Boys Gymnastics:

Glenbrook North 128.8, Niles West 123.8 on April 14