Pool Sharks: Lions Repeat in Water Polo
Postseason pedigree is the primary reason why St. Mark’s is among the most decorated water polo programs in Texas, and this spring is no exception.
The Lions earned their third consecutive TISCA state title on Saturday, using a late surge to put away Pearland Dawson 12-9 in Houston.
St. Mark’s downed the Dawson in the championship game for the second straight year and avenged an 11-3 loss to the Eagles during the regular season. In fact, the Lions had four defeats this season after completing an undefeated campaign in 2021.
Still, St. Mark’s claimed its seventh TISCA title since 2014. The only years the Lions didn’t win were in 2018 (Flower Mound) and in 2020 (no tournament due to COVID-19 pandemic). Brett Honaker and Ethan Gao scored three goals apiece to lead the Lions on Saturday.
With the University Interscholastic League sanctioning water polo beginning in the fall, St. Mark’s won’t be eligible to win state championships against public schools going forward, barring a rule change. However, the Lions can still compete against UIL competition during the regular season.
