SouthtownStar boys water polo notes

Before the season began, Sandburg coach Jim Caliendo had tempered expectations for a young squad, saying the Eagles “could finish third or better” in the SouthWest Suburban Blue if they avoided too many early losses.

With five conference games down, though, Sandburg (9-3) is atop the Blue at 4-1. The Eagles’ lone conference loss was to Stagg, a loss they avenged Saturday with a win over the Chargers in the Naperville North Tournament third-place game.

Sandburg has big wins over Lockport (3-1 in conference) and Homewood-Flossmoor (2-2), despite Caliendo’s belief his team has yet to reach its full potential.

“We take a step forward and then a step back,” he said. “We’re inconsistent, but I think by the end of the season we could be really good.”

Senior Zach Roper has become the Eagles’ go-to guy offensively and senior Sean McNicholas has been solid in goal.

Sandburg has a big week ahead, visiting a much-improved Lincoln-Way Central squad Tuesday, hosting undefeated Andrew on Thursday and hosting its own tournament Friday and Saturday.