On Saturday, Jan. 3, the Santa Clara Bruins hosted cross-town rival MacDonald for what turned out to be more of an 1980s-style NBA game than a typical 2020s high school game. The home team survived the physical battle and a late scare from the underdog Condors to earn the 64-57 victory.

It was a win, however, that came at a price. First-year Head Coach Erick Kidd gave an injury report update the following Monday, noting that his starting point guard, Giovanni Hansen, will be out for a few games and his sixth man, Tomer Katzir, will also miss significant time. 

The injuries are a tough blow for a program that has had its first real optimism in years. Bruins’ Principal Greg Shelby was highly complimentary of Kidd’s work with the team when he spoke with The Voice prior to the Christmas holiday. 

When relayed the kind words from his boss, Coach Kidd had the following response: 

“Well, first and foremost, thank you for the compliments and high praise, Greg Shelby! From the first interview for the position to the first win of the preseason, we were reminded of last year’s 2-22 season, as well as the number of coaches that have cycled through the program.”

Prior to this season, the Bruins varsity boys’ basketball team has had three straight one-and-done coaches: 2024-25 Robert Toloy, 2023-24 Stephen Forester, 2022-23 Brian Van Dyck. Over those three seasons combined, the Bruins won 14 total games. To start this season, the Bruins are 8-1 as of Monday, Jan. 5. 

Coach Kidd cites a background in the Marine Corps as helping him establish a strong culture as a leader of young athletes. 

“I am a Flint, Michigan-born Marine. My Assistant Coach Rensford Abrigo is a marine. We were taught as Marines to ‘overcome and adapt’ at any and every obstacle, environment, or situation we face,” said Kidd. “We aren’t just coaches, we are parents, husbands, businessmen, mentors, and most importantly, the character builders of these young men’s lives. ‘Overcome and adapt’ is our team motto.” 

While the Bruins will have to overcome their injuries, the Condors escaped the game with significantly fewer bumps and bruises. MacDonald’s challenge will be how the team can put this loss behind it after putting in full mental and physical energy into a disappointing loss against its biggest rival. 

“Obviously, that game means a lot,” admitted Condors Head Coach Gil Vasquez. “A lot of the kids know each other. They grew up with each other, and have played on the same club teams. There was obviously a lot of juice in this game. I am proud of the way our guys played. They never backed down. It was back and forth. We went down 14 at one point, but then came back and went ahead. It was a relentless effort, just came up a little short.” 

One of the underrated role players for the Condors who came up big in the loss was Brandon Medina. Coach Vasquez had high praise for his senior small forward. 

“He is one of our spark guys that come off the bench, he brings a great energy,” said Vasquez. “He’s loud, he communicates. He’s a guy that despite his size can grab all the boards, he’s the first guy on the ground to get loose balls.” 

Vasquez also highlighted power forward Gerald Celino who plays big minutes despite being just a sophomore. 

The rematch between the two clubs won’t be until the league finale on Feb. 17.