Meet Jon Losa

Jon Losa isn't an intimidating figure and he would be the first to say such. Sure, he stands in the range of 6-foot-6 to 6-foot-7 but that's vertical and not horizontal. So how is it that the College of the Redwoods sophomore is grabbing 16.6 rebounds a game?

Conscious will and continuous effort.

"I've always thought rebounding is very important -- some count points during a game, I count rebounds," Losa explained. "My favorite thing is the offensive rebound. When the ball goes up, I think it's mine. I try to read where the ball will go {if it misses] and just outwork people. I can't jump as high as others so I have to work harder."

Redwoods Coach Justin Mora agrees.

"He works harder than anyone on the floor -- his heart and effort are great."

What's fascinating is that football is actually Losa's favorite sport.

After graduating from Ferndale High in 2011, Losa went off to North Dakota to play for Mayville State University. It was as a wide receiver -- see, there's something about the ball coming to him.

 

But a burst appendix and complications set him back. Losa lost 40 pounds -- "I didn't have 40 to lose," he wistfully recalled.

Not feeling strong enough for football, he eventually headed back home and began playing basketball at College of the Redwoods during the 2012-13 season.

But besides his carom-corralling, Losa has also increased his offensive effectiveness this go-around.

"I needed to step up because we lost our main scorer. I'm not a great scorer -- I have to work hard at it but I'm more confident and taking more shots."

In his self-effacing manner, Losa also credits a teammate for his greater production. "[Sophomore guard] James Slade is a great passer and we have good chemistry. Having him is huge and I attribute my increased scoring to him as well." They were teammates at Ferndale High as well.

Coach Mora agrees that Losa has expanded his arsenal.

"Jon is raw, with a long wingspan but he gets it done. His scoring is not just putbacks this season."

Mora added, "He's a great kid, with great grades."

At the next level, Losa is looking to major in something agriculture related.

Asked what he sees himself doing in 10 years, he offered, "I'm almost positive I'll be a dairyman."  

His family owns a dairy farm and, besides the court and football field, that is where he also feels at home.