The Maryland Interscholastic Athletic Association 2026 Water Polo Preview centers on Gilman, which opened the season with four victories and is pursuing its fourth championship in five years. Gilman won the Philmore Cup after defeating Walt Whitman, Germantown Academy, Penn Charter and Haverford School.
Calvert Hall, Archbishop Spalding, McDonogh, Loyola Blakefield and Mount St. Joseph are among the teams seeking to challenge Gilman. The MIAA championship match is scheduled for Halloween at Loyola University Maryland’s Mangione Aquatics Center.
Gilman Opens With Four Wins
Gilman began the season with a 14-2 win over Walt Whitman, followed by victories over Germantown Academy, 16-2; Penn Charter, 22-9; and Haverford School, 19-3. Gilman is scheduled to travel to Calvert Hall on Sept. 17.
Senior goalie Nikhil Krishna blocked three penalty shots in the win over Germantown Academy. Gilman coach Vaughn Smith said Krishna “might be one of the best high school goalies on the East Coast right now,” while senior captains Treve Darby and Grant Wright return after strong performances in the previous championship.
Darby, the reigning MIAA Player of the Year, recorded four goals, four assists and five steals in that championship. Wright recorded one goal, three assists and six steals.
Gilman Returns Offensive Talent and Depth
Smith identified Vincent Wu, Jonathan Bradlee and Brody Carr as sources of speed and offensive talent. Connor Durand adds a left-handed option, and Smith said Gilman’s bench consists of juniors who can substitute at any position.
“We also have speed and offensive talent in Vincent Wu, Jonathan Bradlee and Brody Carr,” Smith said. “Our bench consists of all juniors that are well balanced to sub anywhere.”
Smith also emphasized a measured approach for a team with championship expectations. “as the cliche goes, (it’s) one game at a time,” Smith said.
Calvert Hall and Loyola Blakefield Lead the Challenge
Calvert Hall finished as the runner-up and will be led by seniors Andrew Rebbel and Colby Kaminsky, both utility players, along with senior goalie Jackson Lynch. Mike Brown coaches Calvert Hall after previously serving as the junior varsity coach.
Calvert Hall has seven players moving up from its junior varsity team, while six players return. Lynch will play full time in goal after sharing goalie duties last season.
“With seven players moving up from the JV, there will be many new faces,” Brown said. “But with the strength and experience of Rebbel and Kaminsky leading the team, the Cardinals should be a playoff contender and will provide some excitement on the offensive side of the ball.”
Loyola Blakefield returns seniors Alex Bennett and Max Layton and junior Fin Mitchell. Bennett is a utility player, Layton plays 2-meter offense and Mitchell is a driver.
Loyola Blakefield coach Gordan Amato described the team as “a younger squad that is developing its talent base, but a group that is hungry, motivated, and eager to prove itself.” He added, “Our success will depend on effort, discipline, growth, and playing together as a team. We may be young, but our hunger for success can become our greatest strength.”
Maryland Sports Blog Take
Gilman’s opening victories, returning captains and defensive performance have positioned the team as the central contender in the MIAA water polo season. Krishna’s three blocked penalty shots, Darby’s previous championship production and the offensive options identified by Smith provide verified points of strength.
The Sept. 17 visit to Calvert Hall will give Gilman an early matchup with the previous runner-up. The season’s championship target is set for Halloween at Loyola University Maryland’s Mangione Aquatics Center.
Source: Original report
