Three seconds. One chance.
With Las Positas down 77-75, the Hawks required a moment. A season ago, the options were bountiful. Elijah Mobley, who averaged more than 20 points per game. Jorren Edmunds, with his always calm demeanor, along with his silky-smooth jumper, made him an always-reliable close-game finisher. Sterling McClanahan, with his deadly three-point ability.
None were on the court for the Hawks. All were on to their next chapter, with their JUCO careers coming to a close. This year’s Hawks will have to emulate their success without them.
Against Cosumnes River, it was sophomore guard Richard Banks who filled the void.
Isaiah Minor, another sophomore guard, provided Banks a screen at the top of the key. Banks utilized it to gain leverage on his defender, sprinting towards his left into the open space created on the left wing. He knew he didn’t have time to dribble. As soon as he caught the ball, he set his feet, rose up, his momentum carrying his body to the left away from the trailing defender, and released the long-range effort.
For what felt like a full minute, the ball hung in the air. The Hawks’ bench rose to their feet, hands in the air, collectively holding their breath.
Swish. Bank’s shot went clean through the net. Pandemonium followed in the Nest.
The Hawks swarmed him, jumping on his back while celebrating their title. They had done more than win their opening season Tony Costello Tip-Off Classic. Bank’s shot was a declaration that these Hawks, as different as they were, would compete the same.
The Las Positas men’s basketball team kicked off its new season with a bang, winning the Tony Costello Tip-Off Classic championship for the seventh time in the last nine editions.
Despite having an almost completely new roster and no returning starters, the Hawks showed they’re ready to defend their reputation as one of the state’s top programs. They dominated Butte and Contra Costa before barely beating Cosumnes River in a nail-biter, a 78–77 championship win. The win not only gave Las Positas a perfect start to the season but also proved that even with new faces, the team’s competitive spirit remains strong.
These Hawks showcased their focus on keeping their winning culture alive, even with so much change. Losing almost all of last year’s roster could’ve been a huge setback. Instead, the team used it as motivation to get connected. For a college program that’s built a name for itself in the CCCAA, this win sets the tone for what could be another big season.
Part of that success came from several new faces immediately stepping into big roles. Sophomore forward Kodey Weary was a major presence throughout the tournament, his 6-foot-seven frame providing the Hawks with a physical presence. He averaged eight rebounds per game while totaling four blocks and five steals across the three contests. Against Cosumnes River, Weary finished with 14 points and nine rebounds, showing the balance between his effort on both ends.
Freshman forward Ely Willis provided efficient scoring. In the championship, Willis dropped 11 points on 5-of-7 shooting, giving Las Positas crucial energy and production when the starters needed rest. Transfer Ted Bigg-Wither also made an impact, starting all three games. He averaged 7.7 points while shooting 70% from the field.. Their joined contributions helped stabilize a lineup that is still building their chemistry.
Entering the season with none of last year’s starters – Mobley, Edmonds, McClanahan, Elliot Mobley and Mecca Okereke – mean’s this year’s team is searching for an identity. That makes early wins and the buzzer-beater championship even more impressive, because the team had to figure out chemistry on the fly and still managed to pull off a tight one against Cosumnes River.
Returning are Banks, Minor and Jaden Woodard. Banks and Woodard both held important roles a season ago, with Banks being a defensive anchor while Woodard provided an offensive spark. Both are starters this season, with the pressure of carrying more weight. They proved capable throughout the tournament, Banks being named MVP, while Woodard and Minor made the All-Tournament team. Woodard and Banks averaged 16 and 13.7 points a game, leading the team.
While the team lost size and established chemistry, the newcomers bring length, athleticism, and fresh energy. Combined with the returning veterans’ leadership, it allowed the Hawks to gel quickly.
Head coach James Giacomazzi, entering his 11th season, has built Las Positas into a force in Northern California basketball, and this tournament win shows that the foundation remains strong no matter who’s on the court. The Hawks’ ability to stay competitive despite a total roster reset speaks volumes about the culture and expectations around the program. It’s early, but this weekend’s title and Banks’ buzzer-beater already feel like a spark that could define their season.
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TOP PHOTO: Sophomore guard Isiah Minor blocks a shot on Nov.6. in the Hawks’ game against Butte at Las Positas college. The Las Positas men’s basketball team kicked off its new season with a win at the Tony Costello Tip-Off Classic championship. (Alan Lewis/Special to The Express)
Annie Moore is the Sports Editor of The Express. Follow her on X @SanJosAnnie.
