KEVIN NARRO | Staff Writer
SAN PERLITA — Freshman CJ Olivarez entered the Santa Rosa basketball program with one goal, and that is to one day win a state title.
It’s a goal that isn’t impossible and is on the minds of those who take the court for the Warriors.
Olivarez stepped in right away and made an impact on the court for a youth-filled team that reached the regional tournament for a fourth straight year and saw a 15th straight district title behind a 23-9 year.
He averaged 14.7 points, 3.5 rebounds and 4.2 steals per game, and his breakout freshman year earned him the the Valley Morning Star’s All-STAR Newcomer of the Year award.
“It means a lot, but I couldn’t have done this without my family, my team, the community or my coaches,” Olivarez said.
Different was the one word used to describe Olivarez. The youngster takes to the court with a different approach each night.
“I’m just a different person on the court,” he said. “Each night I go out there and learn something new.”
Along with the Warriors’ rich tradition and their state appearances come the expectations and goals once set by Aron Ramirez, Leo Lara and AB Lozoya. Olivarez understands the expectations, which have been taught to him.
“Every day in open gym, the older guys talked to me about what to expect,” Olivarez said. “They have showed me things on how to get better, and they just told me to keep working, that all of us got this and we will be ready.”
With a district title and a trip to the regional tournament under his belt, Olivarez and the Warriors feel primed for another run. As a team, this group is hell-bent on continuing the legacy that was left before them.
“The guys that were here before created a winning culture and created a legacy here in Santa Rosa,” Olivarez said. “The goal is to bring home a state title and for us to continue that legacy.”