Boys’ basketball: KZ Okpala didn’t make All-CIF but he could have the last laugh

KZ Okpala of Esperanza, averaging 30 points and 10 rebounds, was absent from the All-CIF Open Division team released earlier this week. It was a stunning omission for the Stanford-bound senior.

But those who have seen him play and have recognized his talents know he’ll be quite satisfied with simply leading Esperanza to a state championship. The Aztecs play in Saturday’s Division II final against Hayward Moreau Catholic at 4 p.m. at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento.

Coach Mark Hill is already on record calling him the best player in school history.

He’s 6 feet 8 with the versatility to play point guard, his expected position at Stanford.

Esperanza didn’t do well in its Open Division playoff appearances but has thrived after being put in Division II for the state tournament.

It will be fun to see what Okpala can accomplish in an arena setting. He doesn’t even remember the last time he played in an arena.

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