Boys’ basketball defeats Agoura

Eagles down 9-13 in first quarter, but pick up to win 65-52

Yael Kaufman, Graduated Ombudsman|January 29, 2016

Boys’ basketball team members attempt to make baskets. The team has a 5-0 win-loss record so far, and has played against strong teams, such as Re- dondo Union (Akshita Dondeti/Talon).

With a 16-6 win-loss record, the boys’ basketball team is ranked 48th in the state, first in Division 3AA and No. 1 by the Ventura County Star.

The team’s first home game of the season was against Agoura Hills. Although Oak Park was down 9-13 in the first quarter, the team took the season opening win with a final score of 65-52.

“I think we came out a little too hyped up [in the first quarter] and we needed a half to settle down. [In the] second half we got back to the basics and defended better and rebounded better,” head coach Aaron Shaw said.

Senior and power forward Kobi Weisberg credited the “hype” to the intense atmosphere of the rivalry game.

“I think we were all a little nervous from the start because it was our first home game of the season. Rivalry games like that are always crazy,” Weisberg said.

On Jan. 8, Oak Park played against Royal in its first league game of the season. The final score of the game was a win for the Eagles, 61-35.

“It was our first league game, so we wanted to come out strong, especially at home. Our defense was really strong and we set the tempo,” sophomore and power forward Riley Battin said.

Senior and shooting guard Trent Hall, praised the coaches for their contributions to the team’s success.

“I have to give a lot of credit for our win against Royal to our coaches for sure,” Hall said. “They watched hours of film and developed a game plan for us to combat their best players and it worked perfectly.”

In between conference games and practices, the team has been playing more challenging teams from larger schools.

“I’d say one of our toughest games was against Redondo Union,” Weisberg said. “They’re one of the better teams in the state and they’ve got one of the best trapping defenses, the best we have ever or will ever face. That game taught us that we can truly play with anyone when we play our game.”

According to Hall, playing strong teams was beneficial.

“One really encouraging takeaway from these games is that we’ve learned that we can play and compete with pretty much any team in the state when we’re at our best,” Hall said.