While the rest of his Hawks teammates were allowing the results to seep through, the idea that their historic season was over, then freshman Jaden Woodard kept driving. In a game the Hawks were outmatched by a loaded Citrus College squad, headlined by now BYU Cougar KJ Perry, Woodard showcased his own production.
He ended the game as the Hawks’ leading scorer, with 21, albeit the majority coming when the game was already decided. They wound up losing 112-73, ending their season on the Elite Eight stage.
For Woodard, it was just the beginning. That experience has helped fuel his improvement in year two with the Hawks. Now, that ability to compete with the best of the best is exactly what the Hawks require to withstand their biggest challenge of the year. While the rest of his Hawks teammates were allowing the results to seep through, the idea that their historic season was over, then freshman Jaden Woodard kept driving. In a game the Hawks were outmatched by a loaded Citrus College squad, headlined by now BYU Cougar KJ Perry, Woodard showcased his own production.
He ended the game as the Hawks’ leading scorer, with 21, albeit the majority coming when the game was already decided. They wound up losing 112-73, ending their season on the Elite Eight stage.
For Woodard, it was just the beginning. That experience has helped fuel his improvement in year two with the Hawks. Now, that ability to compete with the best of the best is exactly what the Hawks require to withstand their biggest challenge of the year.
Wednesday, Jan. 28, is a showdown between two of the best JUCO teams in Northern California — both 19-1 overall and 6-0 in Coast Conference-North action. One is a surprise. The Hawks, which reached the state tournament last season, lost their entire starting five. And yet, they’re right back among the elite, No. 7 in the latest state rankings. The other is a mainstay. The City College of San Francisco is the defending state champion and ranked No. 2 in California.
Four of the Hawks’ wins this season were against teams currently ranked: Cosumnes River (No. 11), West Valley (No. 12), Chabot (No. 23), and San Mateo (No. 25). The only loss for Las Positas this season was to San Jose, currently No. 16 in the state.
But San Francisco will be the Hawks’ biggest test. It will be the truest measuring stick thus far of their chances to compete for a state championship. Adding to the challenge: the Rams have never lost in Livermore.
Woodard has emerged as this year’s star for the 19-1 Las Positas men’s basketball team. As one of the only three returners, the pressure is on to create chances for the team. Against San Francisco, he will be tasked with generating the Hawks’ offense.
JADEN WOODARD typically struggles at the free throw line. He’s a below-70% shooter. But in the biggest games, he shots closer to 80% — one example of how he steps up for big games. (Photo by Ian Kapsalis/ The Express)
This year’s roster is known for its physical style without the presence of elite shooters. A team that has been defined by structure rather than skill. Meanwhile, San Francisco boasts both versatility and shooters. Woodard is being counted on to lead the team not only into this significant matchup but also into the postseason that follows.
The Challenge comes from teams like San Francisco, which is ranking 2nd overall in the 3c2a standings. The Hawks require the guys who drive in the moments that matter. Head Coach James Giacomazzi is looking to the guys who’ve experienced these kinds of moments to help facilitate another deep playoff run come March.
Big games like this tend to require big performances from big-time players. For the Hawks, the spotlight is on Woodard. San Francisco has the No. 3-ranked defense in the state, in terms of points allowed per game.
This is a moment the sophomore wing has been preparing for all season, since being elevated to the role of leading scorer. Last year, he totaled four points in two games against San Francisco. He scored 11 against Columbia in the first round of the playoffs. He then went scoreless at Modesto in the second round. But in the state tournament, a blowout loss to Citrus College, he had 21 points. But most of them came when the game was over.
Woodard is confident going into this matchup. He has been preparing diligently for what could be his most important game of the season.
“I’ve been watching film, and I’ve been putting up shots, Woodard said. “The thing I want to work on is my three a little bit more.”
“I’m definitely ready. Being able to come out and beat City, that’s our biggest challenge. Mentally, definitely, I feel ready. Physically, I feel ready. … just gotta go out and execute it on Wednesday.”
Woodard has proven himself a star this season, but it did not start at Las Positas. In 2024, his senior year at Sheldon High School in Elk Grove, he had a performance that changed his trajectory. It was a tight playoff game against Grant High School, which ended 75-72 in Sheldon’s favor. Woodard stepped up in an unexpected moment.
“I remember beating Grant, and it was probably one of the most memorable games,” Woodard said. “There was a moment everything just clicked for me. I was like this is my moment.”
He recalls those key moments that made it true for him. “I remember there was a play, it was just me, and I went out for a dunk, I got fouled, and I almost dunked on the dude. I just felt like, damn, I felt free.” He had put up twenty-one points that game alone, almost a full third of his team’s scoring.
That was the moment he realized there was more waiting for him. A sea of game-changing plays and moments to be proud of. That year, Woodard averaged 14.5 points and 58% shooting. He also led the team with 5.7 rebounds per game.
However, to be a star player, you need to condition, to put in that off-court work. For Woodard, the grind never stops, especially in preparation for a tough rivalry game. He is focusing on the things that need refinement, in his case, all forms of shooting.
“That’s one of the areas I’ve kind of been lacking in—my free throws. I’ve been in the gym, shooting more threes and free throws and trying to get the most sleep I can get.” He said.
This year, the Hawks are making 29.5% of their threes, ranking 93rd in the state. Woodard is making 19.4% himself. But, he spends an acceptable amount of time on the free throw line, averaging six per game, by being a constant physical presence with his drives. He is currently ranked fifteenth in the state in free throws.
Woodard usually relishes the challenge of strong competition. This season, against West Valley, which allows fewer points per game than any team in the state, put up 18 points, making 10 out of 12 free throws. Against the No. 10-ranked Consumes River, nine of his 15 points came from the free throw line.
One of Woodard’s weaknesses is free throw shooting. He’s at 69.4%, an improvement over last season’s 63.3%. But in the big games this year, he shoots free throws better, showing his ability to work well under pressure. Against the five ranked opponents, Woodard made 35 of 44 free throws, which is 79.5%.
His production in big games is the backbone the team needs. He attacks defenses with his speed and strength, as well as his attentive gameplay.
“I take a lot of pride in just being the best version of myself for the team,” Woodard said. “So, you know, we have our best chance at winning, because I definitely make a big impact.”
The history between Las Poistas and San Francisco goes way back. The winner of this iteration might take over the No. 1 spot in the state. After their first matchup last season, which LPC won at San Francisco, the Hawks shot to the top spot.
The Rams enter the matchup with one of the elite defenses in the state. They allow just 62 points per game, the third-fewest among Northern California programs, and have surrendered 70 or more points only five times all season.
Giacomazzi sees it as an opportunity.
“If our goals are what they are,” he said, “which is trying to have an opportunity in the elite eight, Final Four championship scenario, then these are the teams that you’re going to have to play and beat. So we’re excited about the opportunity. We’ve played a lot of games, we’re prepared not only for San Francisco, but prepared for games in and out in our conference, with the ultimate goal of trying to get better throughout this league season, to do well in the playoffs.”
Opponents are shooting just 38.5% from the field against San Francisco, which is tied for fifth-best, and 26.8% from three, the third-lowest mark allowed. Their ability to contest shots, protect the rim, and control possessions has fueled a dominant +149 point differential in January alone.
San Francisco’s lone loss came on Dec. 18 against West Valley, a rare night where scoring was difficult, but even then, the defense kept the game within reach before losing 65-56. San Francisco held both Santa Rosa and San Bernardino Valley, both ranked opponents, to under 35% shooting, reinforcing their reputation as a defense-first program.
Las Positas, meanwhile, brings a potent and balanced offense led by Woodard, and it will test San Francisco’s ability to defend the paint while staying disciplined on the perimeter. With past meetings often favoring San Francisco, the Hawks’ defensive consistency may once again be the deciding factor in a game that will be physical, controlled, and hard.
They understand the challenge. The obstacle in their way. For the Hawks, their chances sit on the shoulders of Woodard.
“We know this is one of the biggest games of the season,” said Woodard. “We want to start the conference undefeated. So this is our biggest challenge that we’re about to face so far. I just want to be ready and mentally locked in.”
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TOP PHOTO: Jaden Woodard, driving to the basket during a road game at the College of San Mateo, has emerged as the primary scorer for the Hawks. In the big game coming up against City College of San Francisco, the defending state champions, Las Positas really needs him to shine. (Photo by Ian Kapsalis/ The Express)
Annie Moore is the Sports Editor of The Express. Follow her on X @SanJosAnnie.
