Coming off a season where they finished as runners-up in CIF Division VI for the third time in five years, the Malibu High Sharks are still in search of their first CIF title.
The Sharks lost in the CIF Division VI championship game to Palm Desert, 8-5, eight months ago. They were also runners-up in 2008 and 2010.
With a host of talented players having graduated from a team that won 30 games last season, Malibu coach Michael Mulligan has begun rebuilding a strong squad.
To do so, Mulligan is looking at another championship-caliber team: the NBA’s San Antonio Spurs.
Mulligan and the Sharks are avid fans of the Spurs’ unselfish style. After losing to the Miami Heat in the NBA Finals in 2013, the Spurs reversed course and took home the championship this past June.
“We have been preaching all summer ‘Spurs’ water polo. We loved watching the NBA Finals. It was a team display of selflessness,” Mulligan said. “We are starting to look for that extra pass and are starting to see it happening now. All summer we’ve have been trying to get this team to mesh like last year’s team.”
Malibu took a huge step in that direction with a thrilling 12-8 championship game victory over El Segundo to capture the Santa Monica summer tournament last week.
The Sharks defeated El Segundo (14-10), Westside (12-10) and Beverly Hills (11-4) in pool play. In the semifinals, MHS knocked off Westlake, 12-8, and beat El Segundo again in the championship.
“It was a great tournament for us,” said Mulligan, who will begin his 24th season at Malibu in the fall. “The team really bonded and played well together.”
Senior Phil Campanella led the team in goals scored for the tournament followed by juniors Hans Cole and Spencer Sinding. Senior Dax Nittolo was superb in goal, making many key saves in the championship game. Junior Charlie Djiker made two game-saving blocks in the Westside game as he saw action in goal as well.
Senior Max Ney and junior Jake Durrant also played well in the tournament.
Senior star Owen Franz only played in the championship game. The Tri- Valley League MVP and first-team All- CIF honoree was competing for his club team during the first part of the tournament.
“The team came together in the absence of Owen and learned how to play without him,” Mulligan said. “Other people stepped up in an offensive leadership role. Phil and Hans did an outstanding job in that regard and so did Spencer.”
In a very physical and fast match, the championship was tied, 8-8, heading into the fourth and final period. Neither team got up by more than two goals until the Sharks flexed their muscles. Malibu closed out the contest with four consecutive goals to win.
“Our defensive pressure stepped up and we got some good counter attack goals. We had a couple 6-on-5 opportunities that we converted upon,” Mulligan said. “The boys are starting to gel as a team and their communication and defense is starting to come together.”
Last season, the Sharks clinched their fourth consecutive Tri-Valley League title and 16th in the program’s illustrious history. Fall camp begins with double practice days on August 11.
“Individually, talent-wise we are really good. Everyone has had plenty of opportunities to start and get significant playing time this summer,” Mulligan said. “Now it’s about developing the team chemistry. I’m really excited about this group of guys.”