Hours of personal sacrifice and countless days of team commitment concluded for the Malibu High winter sports athletes last month, and those who stood above the rest were righteously recognized when the Tri-Valley League (TVL) and Frontier League announced their All-League honorees.
Boys Soccer
After leading the Sharks to their first league title since 2008, senior forward Jonah Gooden was named the TVL Offensive MVP. Gooden accumulated 23 points this season, scoring eight goals and adding seven assists as Malibu went 14-5-4 overall and 7-1-2 in league.
“Jonah [Gooden] was inspirational day in and day out for this team. He led with distinction and by example, and the boys responded,” Malibu coach Julian Wright said.
The Sharks defeated St. Genevieve, 6-0, in the first round of the CIF Division IV playoffs before being eliminated, 2-1, by the divisions’ No. 1 seed, Cathedral.
“Our defeat at the hands of Cathedral in the CIF playoffs was not as much a setback, as it was a glimpse into the future of what this program could become,” Wright said. “We played against one of the best high school teams in the country and we showed that we can compete, and that we are capable of anything when we play our game.”
Joining Gooden on the first-team was his twin brother, Jake, as well as senior Ethan Flor and junior goalie Max Watkin. Jake Gooden posted similar numbers, garnering a team-high 25 points with nine goals and seven assists. Flor amassed 12 points while accoladesWatkin slammed the door on the opposition with 11 shutouts and 91 saves.
Jake Nokes, Harrison Smart and Barron Hilton made the TVL second team and teammates Tyler Savitsky, Ari Taublieb and Cameron Silbar earned honorable mentions.
For Wright, it was a season to remember during his first year on the job as head coach.
“The boys were brilliant this season. Vibrant, positive, and just a joy to coach and watch,” he said. “They began the season as a talented group of players and finished the season as champions. We will continue to work and push for more. This year’s senior class represents a return to the upper echelon of high school soccer. These are very exciting times for Malibu soccer.”
Girls Soccer
A defensive powerhouse and Vermont-commit, senior Jane Sidley earned the TVL Defensive Player of the Year Award after recording a team-high 73 steals on the season. Sidley led a Malibu defense that propelled the Sharks to a 15-10-1 mark and 7-4-1 in league (third place).
Seniors Karena Thompson and Danica Downing made first-team; Britty Walley and Carmen Flood were selected to the second team; and Seaira Moore, Sasha Savitsky and Mia Green received honorable mentions.
Boys Basketball
Senior center Justin Holmes capped off a stellar career for the Sharks by being named to the Tri-Valley League first team. Holmes set two new school records for most career points (1,732) and most career rebounds (1,246).
“It was a great four years,” said Holmes, a four-year starter for MHS. “From winning a league title, to making the CIF playoffs, to being named league MVP and All-County; I wouldn’t have done it any other way.”
Mid-season transfer Landon McBroom made an immediate impact that earned him a spot on the TVL second team while Jonathan Baldwin, Anthony Kodomichalos and Frankie McGovern were honorable mentions.
Girls Basketball
The Lady Sharks made great strides this season in large part due to the solid playmaking of Agaly DeJesus. The senior forward was selected to the first-team All-Frontier League. Kendall Jordan and Nina Hungerland were named to the All-League second team with Gianna Chaisson being named honorable mention.
Girls Water Polo
Senior Emma London and junior Raine Murray were honored as TVL first-team recipients. Christine Karaghossian and Sara Toussieng made the second team and Allyx Teel was an honorable mention.
