Batten down the hatches, the playoffs have arrived.
Malibu High School will be represented in four of its five winter sports, led prominently by the boys basketball and girls soccer league championship teams. The girls basketball and water polo squads also advanced after months of hard work.
Boys Basketball
As of press time, the boys basketball team was scheduled to host El Segundo (9-17, 3-7) Wednesday in the first round of the CIF Division IVA playoffs.
Malibu (13-12, 11-1) won the Frontier League title, its first league championship since 2012. Should the Sharks prevail against the Eagles, they would play Campbell Hall on Friday night at 7 p.m. Second-seeded Campbell Hall dealt the Sharks an 85-54 blowout loss in early December. A coin flip would determine the location of the contest.
“I’m excited about the playoffs,” Coach Richard Harris said. “Our division is really tough this year so I just hope we play our best games and leave everything on the court. I honestly believe we can compete with anyone when we play our best.”
The Sharks are led by senior Jordan Newt, who averaged 24.1 points, 6.4 rebounds and 4.5 steals per game. Junior Cordell Newton scored 13.9 points a game while sophomore Cade McMillin averaged 7.6.
With a league title under their belt, the Sharks would love nothing more than to make a deep run in the CIF playoffs.
“There’s no better feeling than winning a league title our first year. It’s not an easy accomplishment,” said Harris. “This team fought hard all season and finally it all came together. I’m really proud of this group.”
Girls Basketball
The Lady Sharks advanced to the CIF playoffs for the first time since 2010 behind a group of young ladies who believe in each other. After suffering through two challenging years, Malibu (15-11, 8-6) had an outstanding season taking third place in the Frontier League.
Malibu travels to Edwards Air Force Base on Thursday to face No. 9 Desert (18-4, 14-0) in the Division 5A playoffs. The Scorpions are the Desert Mountain League champions. A Sharks’ victory would place them in the second round on Saturday evening against the winner in the Buckley-Connelly matchup.
“It’s great to see that the hard work and effort the girls have invested has paid off by getting them a trip to the playoffs,” Coach Andy Meyer said. “At our first meeting of the year, I had the team talk about their goals. It was decided that making the playoffs was what they were all going to strive for. I’m very proud of them that they achieved that goal.”
Girls Soccer
Overcoming injuries that almost derailed its season, the Sharks’ girls soccer team won the Tri-Valley League title with an 8-1-1 record. Malibu reversed course in dramatic fashion, turning a 1-8-1 start around to end the regular season 9-9-2. It was the first league title for MHS since 2010.
The Lady Sharks begin their Division IV playoff quest on Thursday by hosting Marlborough. The Mustangs are 7-10-4 and 2-4-3 in the Sunshine League.
“Our girls were not to be denied this year to bring the TVL championship to Malibu for the first time,” Coach Jack Craig said. “During the toughest of times, they endured a grueling schedule and many injuries because they believed, supported and trusted each other. Their character and heart is immeasurable.”
Malibu won its final two games of the season to claim the league title by defeating La Reina and St. Bonaventure with identical 2-0 scores.
Michaela Cosentino and Renie Walzcuk scored goals against La Reina, and Cosentino and Alex Plank found the net versus St. Bonaventure.
Exceptional defensive play by Maya Silardi, Britty Walley, Ally Mastripollito and goalie Seaira Moore helped the Sharks to post five consecutive shutouts to conclude league play. Sasha Savitsky and Abby Blackwood have also played consistent on both sides of the ball.
“The team has peaked at the right time and is ready to battle for a CIF title,” said Craig.
Girls Water Polo
Malibu (10-11, 6-4) took third place in the Tri-Valley League and was scheduled to play Wilson of Hacienda Heights on Tuesday in a Division VII wildcard matchup. The winner would play at No. 4 Santa Ana Valley on Thursday.
