Boys Waterpolo CIF Division 4 Champions

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The Bonita High School Bearcats made a splash in the CIF-SS Division 4 boys water polo championship, securing a decisive 16-5 victory over Woodbridge High. Max Distaso and Jacob Carlson, the team’s star players, each scored seven goals, leading Bonita to its first championship glory since 2011 and marking the seventh title in the school’s history.


The championship match, held at Mt. San Antonio College in Walnut on November 11, was a showcase of Bonita’s dominance in the sport. The Bearcats’ early scoring spree set the stage for a game where they maintained the upper hand throughout, much to the delight of their fans and coaches.

Bonita’s goalie, Julian Falk, was a wall in the water, with 11 crucial saves that thwarted Woodbridge’s attempts to rally. His performance, along with goals from teammates Matthew Humpert and Jeffry Heaton, cemented Bonita’s lead and showcased the depth of talent on the team.

Woodbridge initially took the lead with a goal from Robin Koehler, but Bonita quickly turned the tables with four consecutive goals, ending the first quarter ahead. The second quarter saw Carlson ramp up the pressure with three goals, bringing his halftime total to four and pushing Bonita’s lead to a comfortable seven-goal margin.

The celebration unofficially began after the third quarter when Bonita extended their lead to an insurmountable 14-3, thanks to Carlson’s continued scoring prowess. The victory was not just a win for the team but also a personal triumph for Carlson, whose sister, Tori Carlson, won a girls water polo title with Bonita against Woodbridge in the 21-22 season. Now, both siblings have championship titles to their names.


Bonita’s water polo legacy, which includes a streak of five consecutive championships from 2001 to 2005, has been further enriched by this victory. The team now looks forward to the CIF State Southern California regional playoffs, with their schedule set to be announced soon.

Coach Dillon Unsoeld expressed immense pride in his team, praising their work ethic and talent. The Bearcats’ performance was a testament to their preparation and determination, with Distaso noting the team’s effective execution and readiness to play.


As the Bonita community celebrates this significant win, the Bearcats have indeed etched their names in the school’s history books, continuing a tradition of excellence in water polo.