SAN JOSE - It was the kind of play which epitomized Leland's 67-32 win over Live Oak - a block on the defensive end against a fast-break lay-up attempt, following by a three-point play on the ensuing fast break, with Leland senior Doug White performing the offensive heroics. The big win kept Leland alive in the race for the Bloosom Valley-South championship.
Live Oak started the scoring off with a free throw by Payne two minutes into the game. The game was looking like it was going to be a defensive struggle by both teams, but Leland sophomore Sohan Kshirsagar made two no-look assist plays in a row, and both went in as three-pointers. The two threes prompted a 22-7 run for Leland, which allowed the team to pull away early in the game. This beautiful sequence executed by Leland gave the team the early momentum that was never let go for the rest of the evening, and was the turning point that led to their eventual 35-point win over the Acorns.
Live Oak’s offensive woes continued in this game, as the team scored three points below their season point average. Payne led the team in scoring with 12 points as he tried to inject life into the offense, but the offensive firepower the team needed was inevitably lacking. 15 out of Live Oak’s 32 points were off free throws, as the team struggled to find open looks all night. Live Oak dropped to 2-8 after the loss, continuing its freefall in the BVAL-South Division standings.
Live Oak junior Chuck Dougherty was visibly frustrated after the loss, stressing the need for better practice.
“We need to work hard in practice,” Dougherty said. “And then we can get back on to winning games.”
Besides shutting down Live Oak, Leland was firing on all cylinders on offense as well. Sophomore Fuad Alemu put on his best Steph Curry impression, draining four three pointers for a team-high 14 points. Sophomore Shane McKnight also put on a show with two three-pointers and 10 points. Leland moves up to 8-4 after the win, and are neck to neck with all the top three teams in the Blossom Valley-South division: Ann Sobrato, Santa Teresa, and Gunderson as the regular season’s end is quickly approaching, with just two games left in the season.
Leland head coach Mitch Shapero was optimistic about the win, and is ready for the CCS Playoffs.
“This win just gives us the momentum going into CCS,” Shapero said. “We are improving, and we are clicking at the right time.”
Kshirsagar also emphasized the importance of the team’s momentum heading into the playoffs.
“We are on a two game winning streak right now, and it feels good,” Kshirsagar said. “We want to end the season strong so we can take that momentum into CCS.”
Next week, Live Oak will try to salvage its season at Oak Grove and then against Ann Sobrato, while Leland will try to keep the momentum versus Hill, and end its regular season with a rivalry game at Pioneer.
