The Malibu High School girls’ varsity basketball team won a double-header in the final day of the Santa Monica College fall tournament, defeating the Venice Gondeliers, 32-30, and the Santa Monica Vikings, 37-32.
The Sharks’ co-captain and Frontier League All-Star player Danielle Bush, accounted for more than 50 percent of the Sharks’ two-game total, with 21 points against Venice and 15 against Santa Monica. Bush made seven out of 13 three-point shots in the two games.
Sharks’ forward Sierra Zontelli, also a major factor in both games, made 12 rebounds against Venice and 13 against Santa Monica. Before defeating Venice by two points, the score was tied throughout the game until, as time was running out, Malibu guard Hannah Robinson made a jump shot and Zontelli dropped in a foul shot to sew up the Sharks’ third consecutive victory.
“This 10-game tournament meant a lot to the team,” Sharks’ Coach Andy Meyer said after the tournament. “The experience was very valuable, and playing all those contests gave the girls a marvelous opportunity to work together and become familiar with each others’ styles, strengths, and areas that need improvement. I was very pleased with the girls’ progress, both as a team and individually.”
On Nov. 24, the Sharks are scheduled to scrimmage against St. Bonaventure and also play a game against New Roads. Both will take place at Malibu High School.
-Leslie Wade