Sharks outswim every opponent in dominant tournament showing

By McKenzie Jackson · Sat Aug 29 2026

Malibu boys water polo team opens season 4-0 after overpowering Conejo Classic opponents

Malibu High Sharks boys water polo player Nikau Webb, 17, was one of the Sharks’ top scorers during their undefeated run in the two-day Conejo Classic at Newbury Park High School. However, there were still times when the senior was shocked he received the ball from his teammates because opponents defended him so well.

“There were a couple of times I wasn’t expecting a pass because it was a difficult pass to make, but one of the guys would step up and find me,” Webb said.

Malibu head coach Hayden Goldberg said the way the Sharks passed the ball around the pool was one of the team’s many highlights en route to a 4-0 record in the season-opening tournament.

“A lot of our guys were making the extra pass,” he said. “They were looking for each other. A lot of times before I could say where I would like the ball to go, the ball was already going. We were all on the same page.”

Goldberg said he pointed out to his reserve players how hard it was for opponents to defend the Sharks.

“They didn’t drop the ball,” Goldberg added. “They always found the second or third option. They were moving the ball quickly. The defenses didn’t get any breaks.”

The Sharks began the tournament on Aug. 21 with a 13-8 victory over Oak Park. They then recorded a 13-4 win over Carpinteria, and a 17-4 triumph over Santa Barbara before defeating Newbury Park 17-3.

Malibu, Goldberg noted, had a great start to the season.

“Every single game was impressive,” he said. “The boys’ chemistry and knowledge of the game is pretty high. Every single game I was impressed with something going on.”

Malibu went 4-0 in the event last season also. Webb, one of six returning players from the 2025 team, noted that this month’s performance was completed by a less-experienced bunch.

“It was a huge confidence booster for the team,” he said. “I’m really happy to go 4-0. It was a great showing.”

Goldberg said it will take time to fill the roles that were occupied by seniors last season, but the Sharks are off to a good start.

“We are right there, if not on the same page as last year,” he said. “We have some leaders. Even some of our young guys played well.”

The coach added that Malibu is also well-conditioned.

“We outswam all the teams we played against,” Goldberg said. “There wasn’t a team that could swim with us. A lot of our guys play club water polo all year round, and they were ready to go.”

Webb said defeating Carpinteria was a big deal because the Sharks have struggled against them in recent seasons.

“The first half was pretty close,” he recalled. “Then in the third quarter, our team really started connecting and we pulled ahead. It was a big win for us.”

Webb, his younger brother Tosh Webb, a sophomore, and freshman Bodhi Skelton were Malibu’s leading scorers in the four games.

Malibu held its home opener on Tuesday against Camarillo. The annual three-day Malibu High Varsity Tournament will be held at the Malibu High pool from Thursday to Saturday.

The Sharks play at Beverly Hills on Sept. 1 and play their first Tri-Valley League match at Cate on Sept. 4.

Webb said Malibu must continue their offensive efficiency.

“There are things we need to work on, but we should hopefully be even better in our next few games,” he said.

Goldberg said Malibu wants to improve throughout the season.

“All these games are preparation for winning the league title and preparation for the CIF,” he said.