Sharks B-Ball Continues Perfect Run

The boys varsity basketball team traveled to Simi Valley on Friday to play Grace Brethren in the Sharks' final road game of the regular season. The Sharks (17-7, 9-0 in Frontier League), while not in the best form, did not repeat Wednesday's closer-than-it-should-have-been  and were comfortable 66-43 winners over the Lancers (12-10, 3-6 in League).

Malibu head coach Bobby Tenorio used his bench well and every player saw substantial minutes.

The Sharks are in unchartered waters. Even if the team loses the home finale on Wednesday against Carpinteria, Malibu will finish with its best-ever league record. And the chance for a perfect season is a special opportunity.

The first quarter on Friday was a scrappy affair, with both sides enduring the wrath of the referees, who were blowing the whistles frequently. Early on, the game felt like a track meet as both sides took quick shots. However, the Sharks maintained their composure sufficiently to end the period with a 15-11 lead on five-for-11 shooting. Four of those baskets were made off assists.

Early into the second quarter, sophomore center Justin Holmes picked up his third foul, forcing him to sit out the rest of the half. The Sharks rallied and kept their defense tight, only allowing the Lancers to score eight points in the quarter. Malibu shot five for eight from the field and 12 for 21 from the line.

Without Holmes, the Sharks showed great composure and patience—willing to pass the ball around, use the shot clock wisely on offense and hustle back on defense. Tenorio continued to rotate his guards with senior Kyle Sandler and sophomore Anthony Kodomichalos picking numerous steals that also allowed guards Patrick Fontenette (senior) and Andrew Yazdani (junior) to follow up and maintain the pressure. Malibu headed to the locker room up 34-19 at the half.

The third quarter featured the return of Holmes and Malibu starting to pound Grace Brethren into submission. Both Holmes and Kodomichalos went to work attacking the basket and the fouls kept coming. The Sharks eventually opened up the game on Kodomichalos' shooting (three for four from downtown) and a strong low-post presence from forwards Will Rosenthal (junior) and Harrison Kaplan (senior). The Sharks shot nine for 12 and turned for home with the starters on the bench and ahead 56-33.

In the final quarter, the bench continued to fight hard behind senior center Parker Smith and sophomore guard Bryan Salcedo. Tenorio continued to rotate his players so they would not get complacent. Senior guard Jack Platner was rewarded for his relentless drives to the basket and was the only Shark not to miss a free throw.

On a quiet night for Holmes (five points, eight rebounds) many stepped up, including Rosenthal (12 points, 10 rebounds— his first double-double this season), Kodomichalos (team-high 15 points) and Sandler (eight points, five assists and four steals).

Malibu looks to complete the perfect run before a large home crowd on Wednesday at 7 p.m. It will also be a chance to celebrate the team's seniors—Sandler, Platner, Kaplan, Fontenette and Parker Smith. It should be a memorable night.