Crespi junior forward Cayman Martin has emerged as a pivotal player for the basketball team, showcasing his skills during the current season. After spending his sophomore year on the junior varsity team, Martin has transformed his game, leading the Celts in scoring and rebounding. His journey highlights the importance of patience and hard work in achieving success in sports.
Martin, who moved to Crespi from Japan, faced a challenging transition due to California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) rules that placed him on the junior varsity team for a year. While this was initially frustrating, Martin turned it into an opportunity for growth. “At the beginning, I was very frustrated and sad not being able to play varsity. I saw it as an opportunity and advantage by working even harder every single day,” he said. His dedication has clearly paid off, as he now averages 14.3 points and 4.7 rebounds per game.
Crespi’s head coach, Derek Fisher, views Martin’s development as an inspiring example for both players and parents. “Every student-athlete’s journey is unique,” Fisher noted. “There is no set or fixed time for him or her to have these great moments.” He emphasizes the need to create an environment that fosters success while allowing athletes to progress at their own pace.
Standing at 6-foot-6, Martin is known for his team-oriented approach on the court. He consistently runs the floor, sets screens, and contributes to the game even when he is not scoring. “Lower-level basketball prepared me for the varsity level by showing what it is to be a leader and the main guy on the team,” Martin explained. His experience in junior varsity games helped him develop both mentally and physically for the challenges of varsity basketball.
This season, Martin has displayed remarkable efficiency, often recording games with 19 points or more. Fisher attributes this to Martin’s ability to work well with his teammates, including players like Jasiah Williams and Carter and Isaiah Barnes. “He’s able to lead us in scoring because he’s learned how to play with great teammates and be a great teammate,” Fisher stated.
Crespi has enjoyed a successful season, finishing with an overall record of 19-11. The team advanced to the Mission League tournament semifinals, securing an automatic playoff berth. They recently achieved a significant victory against Harvard-Westlake but faced a narrow defeat to top-ranked Notre Dame, losing by just four points.
As the CIF Southern Section prepares to announce the basketball playoff pairings, Crespi is currently ranked No. 14 in the latest computer rankings as of January 26. Depending on their performance in upcoming games, they have a chance to enter the Open Division playoffs, which could expand to a 12-team field. Regardless of the outcome, the Celts are positioned to be a top-seeded team in the Division 1 playoffs.
The CIF Southern Section will reveal the playoff pairings on Saturday at noon. As Crespi continues to build momentum, all eyes will be on Cayman Martin and his team as they strive for further success in the postseason.
