The Birmingham Community Charter High School boys water polo team had a near-perfect season but failed to win the city championship after losing to Pacific Palisades 11-9 in the title game on Nov. 19.

BCCHS is known for having a good water polo team but haven’t been able to win the championship since 2011. Entering the title game, BCCHS ran away with the rest of their playoff games most notably beating San Pedro High School in the second round 21-6 on Nov. 10.

Daniel Pearl Magnet High School senior Anthony Dracic enjoyed every bit of the postseason experience and had lots of fun moments.

“Being able to laugh and celebrate what we all accomplished as a team was memorable,” Dracic said. “Looking back at all our games, even the title game against Palisades, I have no regrets. Our team always gave it all we got.”

The Patriots are  a team that opponents have to watch out for as they are a top team in the city playoffs. Although they haven’t won the title in three years, they make the playoffs every year and give teams a run for their money.

Even though BCCHS didn’t get first place this year after a well fought match against Pacific Palisades Charter High School, the team still has a lot to look forward to next year. Junior Maxim Grinfeld will be in his final year as a high school water polo player and learned a lot from this postseason.

“I have learned a lot this year. As a team, we learned that we truly are a team,” Grinfeld said. “We lose together and win together. I personally learned how to keep my composure in big games which will help me as a player next year.”

Already coming into this season an impactful player, Grinfeld will only become a bigger assest for his team during his senior year. Grinfeld is the only returning varsity player from DPMHS.

DPMHS freshman Robert Dracic was in attendance of the Patriots-Dolphins water polo matchup and he had his own input of the night’s match.

“After the game they still held their heads high,” said Dracic, Anthony’s younger brother.