Schools
Sharks Boys Hoops Faces Tough Draw in Viewpoint Tourney
Among Malibu HIgh School's opponents was a team with a 7-foot-5 center.
The boys varsity basketball team faced a tough draw this week in the Viewpoint Tournament. Not only did the Sharks have to play their three games on consecutive days, but also they faced a 7-foot-5 player in the game against Brethren Christian on the third night (see photo by Peggy Platner).
In the first game on Monday afternoon, the Sharks were outclassed by Village Christian, 64-20. However, the boys rallied in the second game against Crossroads to win in double overtime, 67-64. The Sharks were led by 6-foot-6 sophomore center Justin Holmes, who scored 25 points and grabbed 17 rebounds. Senior forward Harrison Kaplan scored 12 points.
Malibu faced highs and lows in the game, but gutted out the win. Midway through the second quarter, Malibu was down by 12 points, then fought back with very stubborn defense to cut the deficit to one point by halftime.
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The teams traded leads in the second half, and the Sharks had an opportunity to win the game in regulation on a steal by senior Jack Platner, who led a classic fast break with Kyle Sandler and Anthony Kodomichalos on the wings. Platner's well-timed pass to Sandler allowed the senior to attempt a layup, but he was fouled hard by the recovering defense before the final buzzer. This should have sent him to the line to shoot two free throws. However, to the dismay of the Malibu players, coaches and supporters, the referees called off the foul and set up for overtime.
The game remained tied after four minutes of overtime and eventually the Sharks won by making their free throws.
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In the third game in three days, Malibu faced Brethren Christian and their 7-foot-5 center from Senegal—Mamadou Ndiaye. The Sharks started well and held a lead for most of the game behind sophomore guard Anthony Kodomichalos, who led Malibu in scoring with 13 points. Unfortunately, height won out in the fourth quarter and as the Sharks tired, Brethren Christian pulled away for a 48-42 win.
The Sharks put themselves in a position to win the game with smart passing that broke up the defense, but missed free throws and easy layups proved costly.
Malibu has one more game in the tournament on Saturday, likely against either Villanova or Hueneme.
