WALNUT — In the closing minutes of the Hawks’ season finale, the usual big names were sitting on the bench. The Citrus Owls held a commanding lead, dictating the Las Positas coaching staff’s decision to let the season’s benchwarmers get one last appearance on the court.
A sign of defeat. A metaphorical throwing of the towel.
Yet, the Hawks on the floor didn’t put their tails between their legs. They continued to fight. Leading the way was freshman forward Jaden Woodard, who scored eight of the Hawks’ final 14 points.
Another freshman, guard Jayden Doty, scored six points. The last time he scored was on Jan. 3.
While their season was over, the Hawks’ first-year players continued to play hard. It’s an expectation the team built throughout the season. It also sets a precedent for next year — these freshmen are hungry for more.
They’ve got a seal of approval from their departing sophomores, who expect a deep run next season from the Hawks. Maybe even the school’s first state tournament win.
“I feel like we led them in the right direction to where, next year, I’m confident this Las Positas team will be back,” said sophomore guard Elijah Mobley, the Hawks’ leading scorer this season. “They’re special. They could have come in at any point in that game and competed. So they’ll be fine. … They’ll be in the Elite Eight next year. Mark my words.”
THE FUTURE: Guard Coby Christensen, shoots a midrange jumper over Citrus College guard Ryan Raad in the Hawks’ Elite Eight loss, figures to be one of the focal points of the Las Positas offense next season. (Photo by Ian Kapsalis/ The Express)
While the Citrus Owls’ stomping of the Hawks marked the end of their season, it could also act as a springboard for the future. A year ago, the team’s first-round exit to the Los Medanos Mustangs fueled the returning sophomores — fuel that powered them to one of the most prestigious years in program history.
Now, this year’s freshman class has its own playoff disappointment to look back on. More importantly, they’ve been given a blueprint for how to manufacture a successful season. They all got a taste of the bright lights of the 3C2A Men’s State Championship.
They’ve already proven capable of handling a significant bench role. Next season, it will be on their shoulders to be the starters. The go-to scorers. The leaders.
The Hawks will lose all five starters as the sophomores move to the next level. The opportunity is ripe for someone to step into a key role.
The current freshmen said they feel this season groomed them for bigger roles next year. They know what’s expected of them. After the 39-point loss to Citrus, they’re hungry to lead the program past the Elite Eight for the first time.
“I’ve learned more about basketball this year than I think I’ve had my whole life,” Woodard said. “I think we’re going to come just with the same success as this team. We really want to keep the legacy going and continue to strive and be the best Las Positas that we can possibly be next year.”
Throughout the season, this freshman class added depth. Richard Banks, a 6-foot-4 guard, acted as the defensive anchor. When the Hawks were struggling to get stops or wanted to implore a more aggressive press, Banks would check in. His impact often led to starting-caliber minutes even when coming off the bench.
Coby Christensen, the sharp-shooting guard from SoCal, took on the role of the spark plug for the offense. He was the most aggressive three-point shooter on the team, constantly looking for space to put one up. After initially struggling to adapt to the pace of play at the JUCO level, he seemed more comfortable down the stretch. He made 26 of his 105 three-point attempts, a meager 24.8 percent. But he was 8-for-22 over his last four games (36.4 percent).
THE FUTURE: Freshman guard Jaden Woodard focuses for a free throw in the second-half of the Hawks’ loss to Citrus College. Woodard played 31 minutes and led the Hawks with21 points. (Photo by Ian Kapsalis/ The Express)
Both Banks and Christensen seemed fazed in the bright lights of the state championship. They combined for three points and 1-of-10 shooting — the lone make a three from Christensen. He shot 1-of-6 from deep. Banks got one steal, well below his average of 2.8.
Woodard produced efficient scoring along with rebounding, averaging 9.8 points and 4.6 rebounds a game. He scored double digits 16 times, including 21 points against Citrus, tying for his season-high. Next season, he said he wishes to fill the shoes of the current top scorers.
Year-one Hawks filled the end of the bench as well — Damian McAlister, Kentrell Kelly, Isaiah Minor and Doty played in spurts throughout the season. AB Meskienyar and Marcellas Jackson rarely saw the court in their first year.
Next season won’t just be on the backs of the freshman. Head coach James Giacomazzi, due to his year-round recruitment, has already been eyeing talent to fill their weaknesses. Top traits on his list: size and shooting. The Hawks shot just 29.9% from deep. To make another push for the state championship, the returners will have to lead the way, as their sophomore teammates did for them.
“Can you now raise your level of play to where you’re not just a rotational player, but now you’re a starter?” Giacomazzi said. “Leadership-wise — you’re getting your body better, getting in great shape, leadership skills … As sophomores, hopefully they saw what (it took) for us to advance, what we really need. And what we need is better conditioning, more strength, more size.”
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TOP PHOTO: Coby Christiansen, front, and Richard Banks, background, reached the Elite Eight as freshman. They’ll be team leaders next season with playoff experience. (Photo by Ian Kapsalis/ The Express)
Jakob Arnarsson is the Managing Editor and Sports Editor of The Express. Follow him on X, formerly Twitter, @JakobA2004
