Boys’ basketball coach of the year: Aaron Shaw

Without a returning starter, Oak Park (22-11) was barely a blip on the radar screen as a possible Southern Section champion when the season started.

By season’s end, the Eagles were the Division 3A champion, winners of the first basketball title in the school’s history.

For being able to rebuild and reload without relying on transfer students, Aaron Shaw has been selected the coach of the year by The Times.

“We struggled early in the season, and it took us a little bit of time to figure out our roles,” Shaw said. “We capitalized on playing our best during the playoffs.”

Oak Park defeated Covina, Huntington Beach Ocean View, Lompoc Cabrillo, Santa Barbara and La Cañada St. Francis en route to its championship.

“This season’s accomplishment was a result of our program tradition and a group of guys who believed in the value of hard work, team play and trusting one another,” Shaw said.

—Eric Sondheimer