MORGAN HILL — Danny Robinson is a natural goal-scorer, but Live Oak water polo coach Mack Haines said Robinson’s defensive play unlocked even more potential for the sophomore utility player this season.
“He was always trying to score as a freshman, but the shots that would have gone in in youth leagues weren’t flying at the varsity level,” Haines recalled. “We had him focus more on defense this year — and, in turn, he started scoring again. I’m thankful those shots didn’t go in last year.”
Robinson led the Acorns in scoring this fall on the way to earning division Sophomore of the Year and first-team all-league honors. In spring, he helped Live Oak’s 200-yard freestyle relay qualify for sectionals.
Robinson’s counterpart, sophomore Timmy Thompson of Sobrato, matched him in the latter feat and also swam legs in the Bulldogs’ section-prelims bound 200-yard individual and 400-yard freestyle relays.
“To qualify for CCS in three events as a sophomore is pretty big,” Sobrato swimming coach Paul Harris said. “Timmy works hard every day. He just goes out there and swims.”
