Despite battling first game jitters, the Live Oak High boys
basketball team dominated Westmont 59-46 Saturday in the Acorns
’ season opener. Live Oak coach Brett Paolucci said the victory
was a good one to start the year. “(The win) builds some momentum
and helps us gain some confidence as the season progresses,” he
said. “But there are a lot of games to still play.”
Despite battling first game jitters, the Live Oak High boys basketball team dominated Westmont 59-46 Saturday in the Acorns’ season opener.
Live Oak coach Brett Paolucci said the victory was a good one to start the year.
“(The win) builds some momentum and helps us gain some confidence as the season progresses,” he said. “But there are a lot of games to still play.”
Playing in a rare Saturday game, Live Oak jumped to an early 10-0 lead in the first quarter and never looked back, holding off the Warrior rallies.
“We kept our cool throughout the game,” said Paolucci. “They came back, but we were able to keep our lead.”
Nearly everything was working for Live Oak, which made 11-of-18 free throws.
Paolucci lauded his team’s aggressive defensive effort, but was cautious about the 11 second-half fouls that resulted. The Acorn defense was solid, forcing several turnovers which proved pivotal.
“We’ll probably need to call more fouls in practice,” Paolucci said. “We want to be aggressive… They will just have to watch it and play defense with their feet.”
Leading the Live Oak offensive charge was senior Matt van Keulen, who sank three three-pointers on his way to a team-high 15 points.
Fellow senior Brandon Powell dominated on both offense and defense, scoring eight points and forcing five turnovers.
Doug Porras, another returning senior who missed much of the team’s early practice sessions while playing on the LO football team, added 10.
“He brings an enthusiasm to the team and he is going to get better,” Paolucci said.
Live Oak will host its next two games – against Santa Teresa today at 7pm and vs. Gunderson on Friday at 7pm. The Acorns will compete in Los Gatos High’s Wildcat Invitational starting Dec. 8.
