Water Polo: APS Knights vs. Pace Knights

Colin Forsyth (NAHS 9th grade) prepares to pass the ball to a teammate.
Photo by Shannon Davis, North Atlanta Parent

The APS Knights water polo team had a strong showing earlier this month, winning 8 – 4 against rival Pace Academy.

In the first 3 minutes of the match, APS trailed 3 to 0, but scored 8 straight over the next 3 quarters. Pace scored their fourth and final goal with 23 seconds left in the game.

In just his second game in goal, Neil Jackson (NAHS 9th grade) turned away this shot plus thirteen others.

Ryan Switzer, a 12^th grade student at Grady, led APS on offense with 4 goals on 8 shots.  Michael Maxey, 12^th grader at North Atlanta, anchored the team’s field defense. First-season all-arounder Neil Jackson, also a North Atlanta senior, sacrificed personal scores to substitute in the goal and registered an incredible 14 saves. North Atlanta’s Chaz Torres played tight defense on Pace’s best player through the second quarter to hold him scoreless for the remainder of the game.

APS Water Polo is a co-ed sport and club led by Coach Stuart Sheldon, Coach Robin Smith, and Coach Monica Szalma. There are 3 teams with a total of 33 participating students from North Atlanta High School and Grady High School.

A great pass is on its way from APS Knight Sam Cimowsky (NAHS 12th grade) to a teammate.

A steal for Colin Forsyth (dark cap #7; NAHS 9th grade) helps the APS Knights beat the Pace Academy Knights.

Omar Ragheb (NAHS 12th grade) launches a rocket shot over a Pace defender in the third quarter.

Left-handed Stefen Martin (Grady 10th grade) prepares to make a pass under intense pressure.

Unexpectedly trailing Pace Academy 0-3 in less than three minutes of play, the APS Knights call a rare first quarter time-out to discuss defensive adjustments with Coach Stuart Sheldon. North Atlanta Principal Dr. Gene Taylor watches his first water polo match from the bench.

Photos by Shannon Davis, North Atlanta Parent

Upcoming games:

APS Knights vs. War Eagles
at Pace Academy
October 2
6:00 p.m.

APS Knights vs. Wildcats
at Pace Academy
October 9
6:00 p.m.