Finishing the season with an overall record of 13-19 and a league record of 5-3, the Oak Park High School varsity boys basketball team concluded their season at the CIF State Division II round one playoff against Bakersfield Christian with a final score of 53-67. This season’s success was led by top scorers junior Jadon Holmes, senior Mateo Nicolas, sophomore Beau Prophete, senior Cody Fleetwood and freshman Jonathan Flax.
Early in the season, the players and coaches were clear about their goals, emphasizing the importance of discipline and effort.
“This takes commitment and hard work and a “we” over “me” attitude. Nothing is given. Everything is earned,” head coach Aaron Shaw said.
With the team playing top 10 strength of schedule teams during the pre-league season, the record was a mental obstacle and emotional control the boys had to work through.
“Starting 0-12 had me questioning if I even wanted to play, but I refused to let frustration get in the way of the game I’ve loved since childhood,” Nicolas said. “Surrounded by a supportive group of teammates and coaches, I learned that even after a loss, we regroup the next day, work harder and share plenty of laughs as a family.”
As the season progressed, the team showed determination and had a strong run in the league season, putting them in a good place for playoffs.
“We didn’t give up and made it all the way to the state playoffs,” Holmes said. “This season has impacted me greatly on and off the course as I feel like I’ve grown as a person just being around my amazing teammates all the time.”
With the team’s relative success this season, the team recognizes the main strengths that pushed them through obstacles.
“Our greatest strength was our team having each other’s backs and holding ourselves accountable,” Prophete said. “Even in practice just going hard and taking everything seriously.”
As there were many top scorers this season, it wasn’t just an individual effort as the team played a big role in allowing each athlete to grow.
“I would say the trust my team has in me [allowed me to be successful this season],” Prophete said. “They believe and support me and allow me to go out and shoot and make mistakes, which ultimately makes me a better player by learning from those mistakes.”
Reflecting on the season as a whole, for senior Mateo Nicolas, one moment that resonated with him the most in his four years.
“One moment that stands out was the day before New Year’s. My mom gifted me a pair of Kobe 8’s, and the very next day, I played in them,” Nicolas said.
In that game, Nicolas scored 24 points, grabbed 8 rebounds and went 10-for-10 at the free throw line.
“What made that day even more special was the coincidence, Kobe Bryant himself wore the numbers 24 and 8. That memory will always stay with me.”
As this is the last season after four committed years playing for OPHS, Nicolas will truly miss his underclassmen and the program.
“Playing for four years, I grew alongside teammates who passed down their wisdom to me, and in turn, I shared that knowledge with the sophomores and freshmen,” Nicolas said. “Those experiences are memories I will cherish forever.”
