Live Oak High boys basketball coach Jeff Yeung purposely made a tough non-league schedule to prepare his team to win the Blossom Valley League West Valley Division championship. The third-year Acorns coach knew the team was going to take its bruises, yet hopeful the players would grow stronger from the experience.
That’s exactly what has happened as Live Oak enters Friday’s game against James Lick with a 3-2 division mark. In the midst of some blowout losses—among its 10 non-league defeats, Live Oak lost four of those by 36, 37, 42 and 45 points—the Acorns remained resolute.
“Playing a tough preseason could’ve gone one of two ways,” Yeung said. “It could’ve totally destroyed our confidence or made us better. The kids have come around and feel more poised and disciplined. We feel there is still a lot of more room to grow, and that this experience will help us out in the long run.”
Yeung is particularly optimistic because his roster consists of two freshmen, four sophomores, five juniors and just three seniors, meaning the Acorns are expected to return the majority of their roster for next season and beyond.
“The program looks bright with all the young talent we’ve got,” Yeung said.
As for this season, Live Oak has visions of winning the division title. Everything starts with Jaime Martinez, a senior forward who can do it all: guard all five positions while always playing with high energy and an intensity to match.
“He’s not the biggest kid (5-foot-10), but he plays big because he’s so freakishly athletic,” Yeung said. “He’s a jack of all trades type of player. He’s athletic, agile, versatile, and you can slot him anywhere. He brings out the effort and energy every single night.”
Nathan Ridola, a 5-foot-6 sophomore point guard, leads the team in scoring and has done a solid job of getting the team set up offensively.
“Nathan is really coming into his own,” Yeung said. “Everything the coaches have told him, he’s taken it in stride and made improvements everyday.”
Nick Sykes, a 5-10 junior off guard, is strong on both ends of the floor. Defensively, Yeung often puts Sykes on the opposing team’s best offensive player.
“He’s got a good shot, is a good decision maker and gets to (the free throw) line at times,” Yeung said.
J.T. Carvalho, a 6-1 freshman forward, is one of the reasons why Yeung is ecstatic about the potential of the team in the years ahead. Carvalho possesses a strong jump shot, and he’s improving in every other phase of the game.
“He’s one of the kids we want to build our future around,” Yeung said.
Drew Giba, a 5-11 senior forward, has been downright impressive at times. Giba scored the team’s first seven points in a 63-60 loss to Andrew Hill on Jan. 10.
“The kid is just phenomenal,” Yeung said. “He’s run with whatever role we’ve given him and has a great attitude.”
Justin Jud, a 6-2 junior center, has made effort his calling card, providing the team with plenty of energy. Yeung has been pleased that the players have given tremendous effort, especially in the last couple of weeks.
“All of our kids are great kids, and they’ve done everything we’ve asked of them to the best of their ability,” Yeung said. “That’s all you can ask for as a coach.”
