January 21, 2022
This week the Spuds have been busy.
On Tuesday, January 18, all OVS teams were in action, including the boys basketball team which traveled to Highland Hall in Northridge. Having only a few days of practice prior to the contest due to a delayed start of the second semester the Spuds started off sloppy and out-of-place.
Facing a multi-basket deficit deep in the third quarter Coach Brad Weidlich turned to his bench to create a spark and up the defensive energy. Freshman guard Joey Edelson and senior forward Nic Cilia were that spark for the Spuds by causing deflections in passing lanes and grabbing loose balls.
“Joey and Nic provided us with great minutes off the bench (especially) in the fourth quarter, which helped us get (and keep) momentum,” said captain Ethan Chen.
As the game clock hit zero the final score read 50-44 in favor of OVS.
Girls basketball hosted Beacon Hill.
The Spuds fought hard but ultimately fell 34-22. Senior guard Lucia Rodriguez Clemente was the leading scorer for OVS, hitting multiple 3 point baskets. The girls have continued to fight hard and play to the buzzer despite injuries and a lack of practices due to Covid.
Boys soccer continued league play on Tuesday traveling to Pilgrim.
Similar to the basketball teams the soccer team had limited practice time, which caused for a slow start for the Spuds. They were able to hold on against the Patriots forcing a 3-3 tie. The Spuds are ranked #3 in the latest CIF poll while also are in sole possession of first place in the Omega league.
On Thursday January 20th both basketball teams hosted familiar opponents.
Sophomore Donahi Soriano and freshman Chloe Ronning led a well fought comeback for the girls basketball team against the Pilgrim Patriots, but it would ultimately fall short. The boys basketball team attempted to mount a comeback of their own against the Thacher Toads, but turnovers and missed free throws would halt any shot at a victory.
After Thanksgiving Break
Since returning from Thanksgiving break the Spuds have been busy.
On Monday November 29 the boys basketball team had its first game of the season, playing against Glendale Academy at the Newbury Park Adventist Academy Winter tournament.
Led by juniors Ethan Chen and Lucas Felipe the Spuds fought back and forth against Glendale, with neither team ever facing a double-digit deficit in the the contest. Unfortunately the Spuds would fall 51-48.
Tuesday November 30 was a busy day for all winter sports teams. The boys soccer and girls basketball teams traveled to Summit View.
The boys soccer team dominated the Eagles 16-0, and everyone scored. Girls basketball won in an impressive fashion as well, allowing just four points throughout the entire game and winning 23-4. The boys basketball team had their second game of the NPAA tournament against the Westmark Lions, winning 69-43. The Spuds displayed great energy on the defensive end and shared the ball very well on offense in both games.
As the calendar turned to December the Spuds continued to compete on the soccer field and basketball court. Boys soccer continued to win on road, snatching a 4-0 over Gorman Learning Center. Boys basketball also grabbed another victory in NPAA tournament, beating Beacon Hill 39-37. Unfortunately for the Spuds it would be their last win of the tournament as they lost in the final four to Newbury Park Adventist.
“It was a great feeling going out there and competing at a championship level,” said one-guard Ethan Chen, “We were underdogs heading into the tournament and in the end we earned respect as a team.”
JV boys basketball had their first game of the season on the fourth. They competed against nearby foe, Thacher. Only up a couple baskets heading into the fourth quarter and ramped up the intensity on the defensive end highlighted by freshman guard Liam Stevens how had back to back steals that would lead to points for the Spuds. As the clock ran out the scoreboard showed 29-22 in favor of the Spuds.
This past week boys soccer continued to win. Beating Pilgrim on Tuesday at home by a final score of 5-2 and grabbing another road victory on Thursday against NPAA, defeating the Gators 4-1. The Spuds are 5-0 in league play good enough for sole possession of first place. 
“I think I can speak for the team when I say that we completely deserve to be in first place,” said junior Eugene Fisher. “We work hard in practice and that shows in games. The hard work feels worth it when you keep winning, and we keep winning.”
They are also currently ranked 9th in the CIF Southern Section Division 7 standings.
“We have a team who supports and fights for each other,” Eugene would later add when asked about how the recent victories have improved the team’s comradery. “When someone has success it feels like you also have success. I think that’s what our team is about.”
The Spuds won’t be back in action until 2022 where the boys and girls basketball team will compete against Pilgrim, while boys soccer heads to face off against San Fernando Valley Academy.