Bubic leads Oakmont to league title; one of best seasons ever

Editor's note: For this list, small schools are defined as programs competing in Division IV-VI leagues. Selections were made by sports reporters Jordan Georgeson and Matt Long. Aldin Bubic averaged 19 points and 10 rebounds per game in his senior season at Oakmont. Not many players in the Sacramento area averaged a double-double and on top of that, Bubic led his team to a Pioneer Valley League championship and an outstanding 27-2 record. For his efforts, he was named Gold Mountain California News Media's boys small-school Player of the Year. It was a quite satisfying season for Bubic, to say the least. Bubic improved immensely from his junior year, when he averaged 10 points and seven rebounds per game. On top of that, he helped his team improve from last season's 14-15 record. "I'm very satisfied with how our season went, even though we lost in the playoffs early on," Bubic said. "We did something that Oakmont basketball hasn't done in a long time and that's win a league championship while going 27-2." Bubic's coach, Nate Stephens, couldn't say enough about him. "Aldin is a very well-rounded player with a complete skill set," Stephens said. "He can score at all three levels and impacts the game in multiple ways. Physically, he made a big jump this past season by adding muscle, which really helped him finish at the rim, absorb contact and become more effective overall. "In terms of scoring, he's capable from the perimeter, although he shot the three better last season than he did this year. That said, he still kept defenses honest. Where he really improved was attacking the basket. He did a great job getting downhill, finishing strong and getting to the free-throw line consistently. He also added an above-the-rim element to his game this season with several in-game dunks." Scoring was only part of Bubic's game. "Beyond scoring, he's a strong rebounder and that allowed us to start our transition offense through him," Stephens said. "His junior year, he handled a lot of point guard responsibilities, which helped him develop his tempo, decision-making and ability to set up teammates." Bubic, who stands 6-foot-4, was happy with the way he played this season. "I feel like I played pretty solidly throughout the season and was able to contribute in ways that I needed," Bubic said. "My success is a lot because of my coaches and how hard they pushed me and the standard they held me to. "I feel my strengths were my finishing and I could shoot the ball when needed while also being a strong rebounder on both sides of the floor. I used my height and strength to create for my teammates and allow myself to score." Stephens praised Bubic for not just the way he played during games but also during practice. "Aldin's role on the team was as a primary scorer, leader and all-around playmaker while also serving as a team captain," Stephens said. "He was someone we relied on heavily, not just for production but for leadership and consistency. He practiced the way he played, with high intensity, focused and competitive and never took reps lightly. He was also extremely dedicated. If there was an opportunity to get extra work in, he was always in the gym. "Over the last two years, he's really committed himself to improving and doing things the right way. He trusts coaching, buys into game plans and competes at a high level. He also developed a strong competitive edge. He really hates losing and took pride in helping turn things around and making Oakmont competitive again. Overall, he's a complete player who contributes across the board and sets the tone for the team." Bubic said he'd love to continue playing basketball at the next level and is looking into it. All-GMCNM Small-School Boys Basketball Teams First Team Josh Becker, Valley Christian AcademyAldin Bubic, Oakmont (Player of the Year)Caleb Edlund, ColfaxJohn Harb, Western SierraSylas Lotito, ColfaxKyle Smith, Bear RiverMason Volzer, LincolnJayden Washington, Oakmont Second Team Triton Cox, LincolnRyder Eason, Bear RiverBrendan Hooper, Forest Lake ChristianCarson Lynch, ColfaxJoe McNeal, OakmontMarek Satterlee, ColfaxMohkam Singh, Western SierraKyler Simpton, Colfax Honorable Mention Ian Dunlavey, ColfaxLeo Khonesavanh, Valley ChristianTyler Milami, Bear RiverVincent Navarro, ForesthillDaiveon Parker, OakmontJames Shevchuk, Valley Christian