19 area teams to play in CIF-SS boys basketball playoffs

Among Justin Mack’s first impressions after transferring to Oxnard High last spring were his new coaches in the boys basketball program.

Justin Mack, who transferred to Oxnard High from Santa Clara, was a big reason the Yellowjackets won another Pacific View League title and will host a Division 2A first-round playoff game Wednesday.

“They were awesome,” says the Yellowjackets senior guard. “I think they’re the best staff in the county. I knew we had graduated a lot of players from last year’s team. But the coaches kept telling me, ‘At Oxnard, we don’t rebuild, we reload.’ They gave us all a lot of confidence coming into the season.”

Mack knows a good coach when he sees one.

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The son of Oxnard football coach Jon Mack, touted widely as one of the top coaches in Southern California, has blossomed into a top-notch basketball player with his dad offering support every step of the way.

“He’s my biggest fan and that’s means so much to me,” said Justin. “He’s there at every game. We talk about what happened after every game. We break down film. He always knows what he’s talking about.

“He’s just a coach.”

After three seasons at Santa Clara, Mack transferred to Oxnard last spring and has become one of the key cogs in a remarkable season for the Yellowjackets.

Oxnard graduated nine seniors, including stars Mason Johnson and Brycen Wight, from last year’s squad that finished 29-5, reached the championship final in Division 2A, and won a pair of state playoff contests.

Now the 2017-2018 YellowJackets will try to emulate last season’s success as they again head into the CIF-SS 2A playoffs.

With the release of the postseason brackets on Sunday, Oxnard, the four-time Pacific View League champion and owner of a 19-6 record, learned it host to Valencia-Valenica (11-15) in first-round competition Wednesday.

Eighteen area teams earn spots in postseason, including four-time defending Coastal Canyon League champion Oak Park.

The Eagles missed out at a berth in the Open Division, but now become the favorite in upper-crust Division 1 as the No. 1 seed. Oak Park (20-6) is granted a first-round bye and will open in the second round Friday against the winner of Edison and Esperanza.

All season long, Oak Park coach Aaron Shaw insisted it didn't matter which division his team competes.

"Open or Division 1, we'll be excited to play in either," he said. "We know we'll see great competition no matter where we go."

Three more league champions earn home-court advantage in the first round.

Marmonte League winner Calabasas (23-5) will play host to ML King (14-12) in Division 2AA; St. Bonaventure, the Tri-Valley League champ at 18-6, takes on Pioneer Valley (16-11) in Division 4AA; and Foothill Tech, the Frontier League winner at 15-7, goes against visiting Le Lycee (13-5) in Division 5AA.

One notable storyline was Newbury Park earning an at-large berth for its first postseason appearance since 2013. The Panthers (19-6) travel to Diamond Bar (17-10) in Division 3A.

Other first-round games Wednesday:

Division 2AA: Camarillo (15-11) at Crossroads (16-8)

Division 2A: Santa Maria-St. Joseph (16-11) at Oaks Christian (17-10); Westlake (18-9) at Highland (17-8)

Division 3AA: Royal (14-14) at No. 1 St. Anthony (24-2); Ventura (12-11) at Leuzinger (17-8); Simi Valley (12-13) at Long Beach Wilson (21-6)

Division 3A: San Dimas (18-8) at Buena (19-5)

Division 4A: Santa Clara (8-14) at No. 1 Rolling Hills Prep (17-6); Rio Mesa (12-14) at Ontario (17-6)

Division 5A: Ambassador (14-7) at Hillcrest Christian (11-8)

Division 5AA: California Academy for Math/Science (10-11) at Newbury Park Adventist (19-3); Hueneme (11-10) at Valley Christian-Santa Maria (10-8); Tuesday wild-card game: International School of Los Angeles (5-7) at Thacher (7-4)

Oxnard head coach Jeff Staniland said this season has become one of his most rewarding experiences.

“It’s been fun,” he said. “After losing so many great players from last year’s team, we came into the season with a wait-and-see attitude. But we turned the corner early and it’s a great group of kids who have bought into everything we’re trying to do.”

It’s likely not fair to expect the same kind of postseason run from a year ago. At the same time, Oxnard’s mind-set has become … why not?

“We’ve kind of proven to ourselves that we can play with anybody,” said Staniland, a former Ventura High standout player. “Our guys are playing well and growing with confidence from one game to the next.

“It’s really hard to win playoff games. You’re always going to need a break or two, because every team is good. But our team is so young that they don’t know any better. They expect to win every game they play.”

Mack and Luis Cervantes are the only two seniors on the roster and have emerged as mainstays.

“They’re our rocks,” said Staniland. “They give us the same effort and consistency every night.”

A pair of football players, Dominic Brown and Jaron Waters, have invigorated the balanced cast with their sheer athleticism.

A star on the football field, Jaron Waters has been a key contributor to the basketball team this season for Oxnard High.

After three solid seasons at Santa Clara, the 6-foot Mack lends leadership and steady scoring. He tops the Yellowjackets at 14.2 points per game and accurate shooting is his forte.

Mack said the transition to Oxnard was mostly seamless.

“I was a little nervous when I first come over, but I got to know the guys and play all through the summer,” he said. “I’ve got great teammates, and they made everything easy for me. Everybody just wants to win.”

Yes, Mack did play football when he enrolled at Santa Clara as a freshman. But a knee injury turned his entire focus to basketball.

His father was in his corner.

“Whatever he wants to do, I’m for it,” said Jon. “He loves basketball. He just enjoys being on the court.”

Justin seconds that sentiment.

“It’s my passion. I love playing basketball,” he said. “It’s been an awesome season for me. I couldn’t be happier.”

Mack has shown a knack for fearlessness on the floor. He’s not afraid to take the big shot.

“I always want the ball,” he said. “I’m not afraid to shoot. But on this team, we’ve got a number of players like that. Whoever has the hot hand, can take the shot. I’ll do whatever my coaches need from me that night.

“If they want me to pass the ball, I’ll do it. If they need me to score the ball, that’s what I’ll do.”

Mack is primed to continue playing in college, whether its NCAA Division II or III or NAIA. In the meantime, he’s pumped for his final high school postseason tournament.

“We played in Division 5A at Santa Clara, so it’s a big jump for me to Division 2AA,” he said. “I’m excited. We’re looking forward to the competition, and proving what we can do."