The O’Shae Williams era of Wildcat basketball began in the best way possible on Nov. 19 with a blow-out 79-32 win over visiting Riverside Prep in the Wildcat gym.
But wining big isn’t new for BOHS’s new head coach.
Last year, Williams, a Long Beach native, served as St. John Bosco High School’s varsity assistant coach where he helped lead the Braves to a 28-7 overall record and a California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) Division 1 state championship.
Prior to St. John Bosco, Williams coached at Servite High School in Anaheim, and Dream City Christian School in Glendale, Ariz.
Williams takes over a program from previous coaches Eric Shaw and Colby Reese, who led the Wildcats to an 11-16 overall record; a second place finish in the North Hills league; and a second round appearance in the CIF-Southern Section playoffs, a 69-41 loss to Costa Mesa High School.
Williams’ impact on the Wildcats was immediate.
“He’s already changed the [program’s] culture. We’re so much closer and he’s done that through the way he is — he keeps it real and makes it clear what he wants of us,” center Ivan Haluska (‘26), who pulled down 10 rebounds in the season-opener, said.
The nine-year coaching veteran has implemented his values in the Wildcats basketball program, inspiring his athletes to be their best, even on the toughest days, and emphasizing the importance of family.
“I always [incorporate] family in the team; it makes everyone closer,” Williams said. “If you can trust someone 100% off the court, you can trust them on the court.”
Williams lives the lessons he teaches his athletes.
Sharing in Williams’ coaching journey are family members Yashima Smith, Williams’ mother, who serves as varsity assistant coach; his brother Khieem Williams, who also serves as an assistant coach; and Williams’ youngest brother, Isaiah Jackson (‘25), a shooting guard on the team. (Jackson, who transferred from Mayfair High School, is currently sitting out due to CIF guidelines involving transfers.)
“Family means everything to me,” Williams said. “This year [Khieem is] taking a year off college to help build this family, which means a lot.” Williams added, “I think [the boys] seeing my family involvement helps a lot because they are one of us. My mom treats everyone like their son. They know we’ll always be in the fight for them and their parents know [my] family is always going to have their back, no matter what.”
Williams grew up playing basketball, starting at the age of four. In high school, he competed at Mayfair and Pioneer high schools, then played collegiately for two years at Cypress College, where he earned All-League and All-State honors; a year at Trinity International University where he was named an NAIA All-American; and Arizona Christian University, where he earned All-League honors.
Williams’ extensive playing and coaching experience has led to changes in the Wildcat basketball program. For instance, Williams has improved the team’s offense by taking advantage of his player’s speed, developing new plays, and improving spacing on the court.
“On offense, we’ll play fast [but] be in control,” Williams said.
The defense has also improved under Williams with his emphasis on reading other team’s offensive sets.
“Our biggest thing: keeping teams under 45 points per game,” Williams said.
Varsity veteran Tyson Tayag will be one of the team’s top contributors. Last season, Tayag led the Wildcats with 2.3 assists per game and 48% three-point shooting.
“Tyson is the key to success this year. He’s good on defense and on offense. He makes [good] reads and is overall a good point guard,” Williams said.
Tayag’s all-around game was on display against Riverside Prep with nine points, nine assists, and six steals.
Benefiting from Williams’ emphasis on speed and control will be Logan Severson (‘26). The junior shooting guard led the Wildcats in scoring on Nov. 19 with 16 points.
Further boosting morale was Williams outfitting the program in Nike gear, including shoes, sweats, hoodies, and jerseys.
“We didn’t even have a brand last year, so it feels more like a team and community, [since] we wear the same gear and everything is personalized,” guard Carson Tracey (‘26) said.
Ahead for the Wildcats this season include the St. John Bosco Tournament, where the Wildcats will potentially face some of the top teams in California, including host St. John Bosco and Damien High School.
On Jan. 3, the Wildcats will look to improve on last year’s second place finish in the North Hills League. A league realignment means the Wildcats will not face last year’s champions, El Dorado High School, and instead will fight for a title against Sunny Hills (16-13 last season) and El Modena (10-17).
Based on the improvement the team has already made, the Wildcats are primed to “definitely make CIF this year,” according to guard Nick Chamberlain (’26).
Williams is ready for the run to a league title with a team that has bought into his philosophies and strategies.
“I told them it’s a new year and a new start,” Williams said. “Our motto is ‘one and zero’ which means win everyday in school, sports, and life. You never want to say you lost.”
“We’re ready. It took a second for everyone to get used to [change] and there were some bumps along the way, but we’re all ready now and at the place we need to be,” Tracey said.
