Three on Warrior water polo squad earn all-league

The Avocado League’s all-league water polo teams included three Fallbrook High School players who earned third-team honors.

Seniors Steve Reichel and Trent Kirby and junior Stott Bushnell were given the third-team recognition by the team’s coaches. The all-league selections were dominated by Carlsbad, who placed 11 players on the first and second teams.

“It was pretty tough competition,” said Fallbrook coach Bob Lamont. “You’ve got to win to get up there.”

The Warriors had a 5-5 Avocado League record which placed them fourth in the conference. Including a first-round playoff loss Fallbrook finished with a 12-16 overall mark.

Reichel, a two-meter guard, earned honorable mention all-league recognition in 2005. “He always finds a way to contribute,” Lamont said.

Reichel led the team with 63 steals and also scored 39 goals. “He’s a very solid defensive player,” Lamont said. “Offensively he always adds goals to the game.”

Kirby, a driver, also earned honorable mention all-league distinction in 2005. “He had the highest shooting percentage on the team, but he was also a team player, not a ball hog,” Lamont said.

Kirby scored 56 goals and had a 53 percent shooting percentage. He also led the team with 25 assists. “Really reliable go-to kind of guy,” Lamont said.

Kirby also led the team with 114 quarters played. “He also was our most durable player,” Lamont said. “Just a very dedicated player.”

The all-league honors are the first for Bushnell, who was on the varsity in 2005 but did not start. Bushnell played two-meter forward for the Warriors this year. “Very active at two meters,” Lamont said. “He was always moving.”

Bushnell played in 106 quarters, ranking second behind Kirby, and had 37 goals. “Also a playmaker,” Lamont said. “Very solid defensively as well, not just a one-dimensional player, able to contribute significantly to the defense as well as the offense.”

Bushnell ranked third in goals on the team, behind Kirby and Reichel.

“We were very proud with their performance,” Lamont said of the three all-league players, “and we’re absolutely looking forward to Stott’s return next year.”