PHOTOS: Inaugural Ian Supra Memorial Tournament draws elite teams from around the state -- Observer Preps

ORLANDO The inaugural Ian Supra Memorial Tournament took place last weekend at the YMCA Aquatic Center on International Drive and went off without a hitch. 

Water polo teams from near and far — as far as 240 miles in the case of Miami’s Ransom Everglades — participated in the two-day tournament, a partnership between the Dr. Phillips water polo program and the Ian Supra Memorial Foundation.

Ransom won the 12-team boys tournament, with Dr. Phillips placing second. Olympia won the 10-team girls tournament.

“We want this to be not only one of the best tournaments in the state, but one of the best tournaments in the country.”

— Leo Ramirez, Dr. Phillips water polo coach

“We’re very excited that they chose to come to our tournament — it’s a great tournament for a first-year tournament,” Dr. Phillips water polo coach Leo Ramirez said. “The best teams in Central Florida were here representing, and the best team in the state (Ransom Everglades) was here representing. 

“It ran super smooth, and we’ve gotten nothing but compliments,” he said. “We want this to be not only one of the best tournaments in the state, but one of the best tournaments in the country.”

Against Ransom in the championship, the Dr. Phillips boys team hung tough through nearly three quarters, with the match tied 5-5 late in the third. From there, though, the Raiders went on a 7-0 run to close the game.

“I was very happy with the way we played — I wish we had one quarter left,” Ramirez said of his Panthers. “That is the best team in the state we just played.”

On Monday, Dr. Phillips administrative dean John Magrino confirmed some of the tournament’s other successes in a release.

“We were able to contribute a significant amount to the Ian Supra Memorial Foundation,” Magrino said. “Attendees were incredibly generous as well, purchasing Supra Strong items and donating funds that all go to a great foundation that assists children and families struggling with cancer.”

Contact Steven Ryzewski at [email protected].