The Oak Park Eagles boys basketball team started off the season slow. Amidst an 0-12 start, the team struggled against a top-ten strength of schedule in the entire state of California. While most teams would have checked out of a season at this point, the Eagles looked at the situation differently.

“Although we were losing, our team stayed together,” head coach Aaron Shaw said. “We kept working and growing.”

The team used the return of junior Jadon Holmes to give them an advantage. During times of struggle, they held out long enough for one of their top players to come back and jumpstart the team.

“Jadon Holmes played his first game on Dec. 20,” Shaw said. “He gave us a big boost and we beat Moorpark 71-44.”

Since Holmes’ return, the Eagles have gone 6-2, going 2-0 in league play. They also won a huge matchup against Camarillo by a margin of 69-28.

“Although we had a tough start, we are still looking to make the league championship or the playoffs,” Shaw said.

As the team progresses through the season, they will need all they can to make the championship. However, their resilience throughout the season has truly been a key factor in keeping them afloat.