Renewed confidence key for Acorns boys basketball

Some of the faces are familiar from last year for Live Oak, but the Acorns have a few new ones who hope to give the boys basketball team a boost in the new season.
Leaders such as Josh Carvalho and Justin Baker return to give the Acorns a boost from its 5-19 campaign from a year ago that featured one league win.
“We’re not trying to harp on last year. We’re definitely trying to look forward,” said coach Brett Paolucci. “(Carvalho) has definitely taken a leadership role, even last year he did. … We’re preaching to the kids about composure on the court and not trying to do too much at one time.”
They are joined by new comers Erik Ornduff—back after taking a year off from basketball—Mitch Conforti and Ariel Salvador who look to give Live Oak a special X-factor: depth.
“We’ve got some depth with guys who have put in the time and have worked hard this year, especially a lot of the seniors,” Paolucci said. “I see us as improved.”
Shooting guard Salvador is going to add a level of defense that Paolucci hopes will allow the offense to get in a rhythm on the other end of the floor.
“Especially at the defensive end, (Salvador) has made some huge strides,” Paolucci said.
At point guard is Jared Freitas who is a returner from last year, but has grown over the summer to take over the position.
“He really stepped up for us in the summer and he really showed us a lot of improvement and has taken the reigns of this team,” Paolucci said. “Jared has really put in the work in the offseason. You can tell on the court.”
Along with the familiar faces, the newcomers in Ornduff and Conforti though they still have a bit of a learning curve because they are fresh off of football, Paolucci said, add positive elements to the team.
“Once they get up to speed, they’re are going to add a lot of depth for us,” Paolucci said. “Erik has a great outside shot and Erik can get to the key. He can drive and he can finish.
“Mitch is a real good post player; he’s an active postplayer. He has a quick release to the ball, even after pulling down a rebound. … He has a quick step that adds a lot to this team.”
Symon Tan got promoted from the Frosh/Soph team to play a small forward position.
“He knows to take high percentage shots and not force stuff up,” Paolucci said. “He’s got good one-on-one moves and makes a lot of good decisions.”
Also adding depth in the post position is Connor Willis who is back from last year to help underneath the basket.
“He’s very athletic and quick,” Paolucci said.
Live Oak moved down from the B League Santa Teresa to the C League West Valley. Despite the demotion, Paolucci said he sees plenty of competition standing in in his team’s way.
“It’s better for us. I think we’ll definitely be able to compete down there more than we did last year,” Paolucci said. “There are still quite a few good teams in the West Valley. It’s still going to be a challenge.”
Paolucci highlighted Mt. Pleasant, Yerba Buena, Branham and Del Mar among those who will still pose a challenge for the Acorns even though they aren’t the same level as the competition faced a year ago.
The goal in the nonleague season, Paolucci said, is to get a record that will put the team in a position to make a bid for a Central Coast Section berth as well as show improvement through the first month to roll into league play.
“In getting ready for league, we want to be able to compete in every game, be in every game (and) we want to get better with every game,” Paolucci said. “By the time we hit league, we want to be in a certain spot in the season where everything is gelling.”
From there, Paolucci said the goal is to win league because he wants the automatic bid to the playoffs and not to be at the mercy of other teams and the selection committee.
“That’s the thing about being in the West Valley—if you want to get into CCS, you have to win league,” Paolucci said. “If you don’t, then someone else is making the decision for you.”
Live Oak opened against Lynbrook on Tuesday and continued league play on Thursday at Saratoga.
The Acorns will next be in action Saturday at home against Lincoln with tip-off scheduled for 2 p.m.
Overall, Paolucci said he has a good feeling about the year to come.
“I’m excited for this team. I think we can do some really good things,” Paolucci said. “We just got to take it one game at a time and we can’t look past anybody.”