Several La Jollans played key roles in powering the San Diego Shores to the 12 and Under boys’ water polo national championship at the S&R Sport USA Water Polo Junior Olympics held in Los Angeles July 31-Aug. 3. “We are so excited,” said assistant coach James Fales. The Shores fields players from all over San Diego, but many of the champs hail from La Jolla. Local up-and-coming talent from the title winning team included Evan Elig, Andrew Chun and Noah Fales of The Bishop’s School, and Mike Elliott and Cooper Clark of Muirlands Middle School. Kenyon Tudor served as head coach. The Shores took home the gold medal with an impressive 8-1 victory in the finals over the Orange County Water Polo Club. The Shores won a total of seven consecutive games during their run to the title. La Jolla’s water polo skills were further showcased as Elig and Chun were named co-MVPs for the tournament. “Evan had a stellar week,” Fales said. “He’s a great defensive player who’s fast enough to get out on a break and he scored some big goals for us.” Fales, who also coaches Bishop’s water polo team, said the boys from La Jolla have been playing together for close to five years. He said the group has worked hard together and their friendships extend beyond the pool. Fales’ son, Noah, played goaltender for most of the tournament. The Junior Olympics were hosted at both the University of Southern California and the Miguel Contreras Learning Complex Pool, where the championship game was played in front of a packed house. The downtown Los Angeles venue added to an already exciting atmosphere. “Most swimming pools aren’t right in the heart of major cities so that was neat,” Fales said. “We were surrounded by sky scrapers.” A second team fielded by San Diego proved to be nearly as dominant as it claimed a bronze medal in the 12 and Under Gold Division. Their march to a third place finish included a dramatic come from behind win. Down by seven goals in the first half, the squad stormed back for a thrilling 11-8 victory over the Dallas (Texas) All-Stars for the bronze. La Jollans on the Shores second team included Zach La Grange (Bishop’s), Casey Brown (Muirlands), Tristan Macelli (Muirlands), John Murphy (All Hallows Academy) and Connor Carpenter (Evans School).