The highly anticipated Gold Coast League basketball season commenced on Tuesday night, following a week of uncertainty due to the Palisades fire that led to school closures and schedule disruptions. Teams returned to action with renewed vigor, delivering electrifying performances on the court. One of the standout matches featured Brentwood's freshman sensation Shalen Sheppard, who contributed an impressive 19 points and 13 rebounds in their 82-61 victory over Viewpoint. Fellow teammate AJ Okoh also shone, scoring 17 points and dishing out 10 assists.
In another series of competitive games, Campbell Hall emerged victorious against Crossroads with a final score of 66-59, thanks to Isaiah Johnson's remarkable 26-point performance. Valencia narrowly edged out Saugus 55-51, with sophomore Issac Michel-Zavala leading the charge for Valencia, scoring 20 points. Meanwhile, Golden Valley secured a decisive win over Castaic 68-50, propelled by Donovan Webb's 17-point contribution. Oak Park's Jadon Holmes delivered a stellar outing with 29 points, 15 rebounds, and four blocks, helping his team defeat Moorpark 84-64. Crescenta Valley's Vaughn Zargarian was unstoppable, netting 35 points in their 61-44 triumph over Burroughs.
The excitement extended beyond just these matches. In girls' basketball, Mater Dei dominated Orange Lutheran 77-35, with Addie Deal contributing 24 points. Sierra Canyon's Jerzy Robinson put on a dazzling display, scoring 33 points in their 97-48 win over Sherman Oaks Notre Dame. Brentwood's Payton Sugar added 12 points as her team improved to a 14-5 record after defeating Viewpoint 71-39. These games not only showcased exceptional talent but also highlighted the resilience and determination of the athletes, proving that challenges can be overcome with perseverance and teamwork.
