OAKLAND – ArDarius Grayson is a compact 5-foot-9 guard and Xan Meyer-Plettner is a hulking 6-8 middle, Oakland Tech teammates who’re about as completely different by way of physique kind and offensive playstyle as may very well be.
And but, in entrance of Bulldog legend Marshawn Lynch and a capability crowd on the program’s gymnasium in North Oakland, each dominated the skies as menacing shot-blockers in a 52-44 victory over Oakland Excessive on Friday night time.
It was the groups first assembly since Tech’s victory within the NorCal Division II championship sport.
“This is such a great environment,” mentioned Grayson. “Since I got here my sophomore year, every game we’ve played against O-High has been a close game.”
Reigning Oakland Athletic League MVP Grayson had a team-high 14 factors to go together with 4 swats, every tallied as a high-flying menace who erased pictures from the weakside because the Bulldogs received their fifth consecutive sport in opposition to Oakland.
Oakland Tech’s bench cheers a three-point shot by Brandon Woodards #10 within the fourth quarter of their victory over Oakland Excessive, Friday, Jan. 24, 2025, in Oakland, Calif. (Karl Mondon/Bay Space Information Group)
In the meantime, Meyer-Plettner had no less than three official blocks and one other dozen pictures affected because the strongside defender on the block, standing tall and giving Wildcat drivers zero area to function inside.
It was a stark distinction to what Tech, who had performed properly in opposition to most of its non-league competitors, confirmed in an 85-59 loss to Inderkum on MLK Day.
“We had a bad showing on Monday,” Meyer-Plettner mentioned. “We felt that we had to come back and prove who we are by sticking to our identity.”
The duo, alongside different swarming defenders akin to Jasen Davis, Brandon Woodards, Luther George and Caleb Rollins, shaped a smothering protection befitting of the reigning Division II state champions.
It was the sort of effort coach Karega Hart may very well be happy with on the night time he received his three hundredth video games as coach of his alma mater.
“We’re hungry and we’re humble,” mentioned Hart. “For young people, its hard not to get caught up in the hype, and it is my job to keep them grounded and focused on the task at hand.”
Oakland Tech head coach Karega Hart encourages his staff’s protection in opposition to visiting Oakland Excessive’s Couraji West0, Friday, Jan. 24, 2025, in Oakland, Calif. (Karl Mondon/Bay Space Information Group)
Tech appeared primed to show the sport right into a laugher when jumped out to a swift 11-0 lead off the power of three Saddiq Alarbesh triples, the final one coming from 30 toes away and forcing Wildcat coach Orlando Watkins to name timeout.
Whereas his Oakland squad regrouped, preventing again to 13-10 thanks to 2 layups by Dominique Trotter, a Luca Castaldini jumper and 4 factors by ahead Romyn Waugh, that good type didn’t proceed within the second quarter.
Tech’s protection held Oakland to only 5 made free throws, and the Bulldogs ended the interval on a 13-1 run and went into halftime up 30-15, the spotlight being two off-the-dribble contested three-pointers by Grayson.
“We were the hunters last year, and this year we are the ones being hunted because we’re state champs,” Grayson mentioned. “But we pride ourselves on bringing our tough hat every single night.”
Oakland Tech’s Ardarius Grayson #0 dribbles upcourt in opposition to host Oakland Excessive, Friday, Jan. 24, 2025, in Oakland, Calif. (Karl Mondon/Bay Space Information Group)
Oakland received the deficit to inside 5 within the second half and even received Tech into foul hassle within the third quarter, however the Bulldogs reserves had been in a position to preserve the result in no less than 5 always as Grayson and Meyer-Plettner sat on the bench.
Oakland guard Da’sean Armstrong scored all of his team-high 12 factors within the second half, nevertheless it wasn’t sufficient as Tech was in a position to grind out one other victory.
Since felling the Bulldogs at Laney Faculty within the NorCal Division III title sport in 2023, the Watkins’ Wildcats have misplaced every of the final 5 matchups by single-digits. And similar to after these different losses, Watkins pointed to 1 defining issue.
Toughness.
Tech’s defensive tenacity prolonged to greater than spotlight blocks. The house staff additionally fought over each display screen, dove into the packed bleachers for free balls, and took prices and pleasure in doing the little issues. All elements of the sport Watkins needed to see from how personal staff.
“Tech outworked us, they wanted it more, they won every 50-50 ball,” Watkins mentioned. “We were soft.”
“They’re the best team in Oakland.”
Oakland Excessive head coach Orlando Watkins encourages his staff throughout a sport on Friday, Jan. 24, 2025, at Oakland Tech in Oakland, Calif. (Karl Mondon/Bay Space Information Group)
Tech (15-5, 4-0) will take a break from OAL play when it performs host to Berkeley on Saturday, and Oakland (15-5, 3-1) will play host to league opponent McClymonds on Wednesday.
The rivalry will probably be renewed at Oakland on Feb. 12 within the common season finale, then throughout a possible matchup within the Oakland Part title sport later that month, and presumably for a fourth time for the third consecutive yr in regional play.
That may be wonderful with Tech.
“Its always fun, and its always battles between the two of us,” Meyer-Plettner mentioned.
Oakland Tech’s Ardarius Grayson #0 defends visiting Oakland Excessive’s Khaleed Odumuyiwa #13, Friday, Jan. 24, 2025, in Oakland, Calif. (Karl Mondon/Bay Space Information Group) 
Oakland Tech’s Jasen Davis #45 rises up in opposition to visiting Oakland Excessive’s Da’sean Armstrong #3, Friday, Jan. 24, 2025, in Oakland, Calif. (Karl Mondon/Bay Space Information Group) 
Oakland Tech’s Luther George #3 defends visiting Oakland Excessive’s Da’sean Armstrong #3, Friday, Jan. 24, 2025, in Oakland, Calif. (Karl Mondon/Bay Space Information Group) 
Visiting Oakland Excessive’s Luca Castaldini #14 squeezes between Oakland Tech’s Saddiq Alarbesh #4 and Brandon Woodards #10, Friday, Jan. 24, 2025, in Oakland, Calif. (Karl Mondon/Bay Space Information Group) 
Oakland Tech’s Brandon Woodards reaches for a free ball in opposition to visiting Oakland Excessive’s Da’sean Armstrong, left, and Dominique Trotter, Friday, Jan. 24, 2025, in Oakland, Calif. (Karl Mondon/Bay Space Information Group) 
Oakland Tech;s Brandon Woodward will get bumped by Oakland Excessive’s Da’sean Armstrong #3, Friday, Jan. 24, 2025, in Oakland, Calif. (Karl Mondon/Bay Space Information Group)
