As school came to a close for the summer, second year boys’ varsity basketball coach at Malibu High School Bobby Tonorio hosted the “2010 Battle on the Court,” a 16-team basketball tournament on last week Friday and Saturday at the Malibu High School gyms with teams from around the Southern California area. The tournament was won by a perennial strong Oaks Christian High, which defeated Agoura High 57-51 in the championship game. The Sharks, winning three games and losing one, made an impressive and perhaps unexpected showing as they defeated LaSalle High 54-51 for third place honors. New team members center Shane Young and guard Jeremy Lieberman, along with returning forward Jack Platner, shared scoring honors throughout the tournament, while another new team member, Kawahn Leanord, led the defense with an aggressive, smothering attack installed by coach Tonorio.
“I was knocked out by the effort and teamwork from this group of guys who are so new to each other,” Torino said. “This is such a new group, and their apparent chemistry and unselfishness could lead to a very exciting and successful season. They’re sure fun to watch, and I can’t wait for the season to begin in the fall.”
Other schools in the tournament were Bishop Deigo, Pacifica, Santa Monica, Villanova Preparatory, Channel Islands, Wildwood, Venice, Hueneme, Pacific Christian, Oxnard and Sun Valley.