For the first time in several seasons, the Malibu High School girls varsity basketball team started its league season with two victories. The first was a 48-39 victory over the Carpinteria Warriors, a team that had defeated the Sharks in a pre-season tournament. After an even three quarters of play, Malibu pulled ahead with a 16-10 run in the final period.
All-League guard Danielle Bush led the way with 21 points. Starting freshmen twins Marie and Helena Vazelakis, although injured, played aggressive defense and Helena scored 10 points. Carpinteria All-League forward Caitlin Wallace and guard Amanda Burch led the Warriors’ scoring with 16 points each. The two teams will meet again later this month.
In the second game, although playing without starting center Serra Zontelli, the Sharks had an easier time and defeated Grace Bretheran 50-12. In an unusual occurrence, Malibu held the Lancers scoreless in the final period, marking the second time this season the Sharks accomplished that uncommon feat. Malibu Co-captains Danielle Bush and Hannah Robinson led Malibu in scoring with 21 and 12 points, respectively.
“As I continue to emphasize to them, it’s their strong defensive play that’s winning these games,” the Sharks’ Head Coach Andy Meyer said in a press release. “They’re gong to have to keep that up to do well in our Frontier League. It appears they’re planning on doing just that!”