Born: April 12, 1959 in Los Angeles, CA
1977 – Thousand Oaks High School
1979 – Moorpark College
1981 – West Texas State University
At one juncture of his high school career, Steve Ornelaz owned nine Thousand Oaks boys basketball individual records.
Thirty-nine years after his prep year ended, three remain on the books.
He was the first Lancer to score 1,000 points in a career – accomplished in just two seasons. His single-game school record of 42 points lasted until bettered in 2014.
Ornelaz was the Marmonte League Player of the Year for the 1976-77 season, which saw him average 24.3 points and 13.1 rebounds per game.
In leading Thousand Oaks to the 1976-77 Marmonte League title, Ornelaz averaged 23 points and 10 rebounds. He was named as the league’s and county’s player of the year. Ornelaz was selected to the All-CIF Southern Section Division 4A team.
He played two seasons for Moorpark College, averaging 23 points and 10 rebounds per game and receiving first-team All-Western State Conference honors.
After leaving Moorpark College, Ornelaz played two seasons at West Texas State University.
Ornelaz signed with the Washington Bullets in 1981, but was released because of an injury.
An injury would not slow Ornelaz’ career. He played five seasons for three teams in Mexico, averaging 27.3 points and 8.8 rebounds. He was a three-time league MVP.
In 2006, Ornelaz was named to the Mexican Pro League Hall of Fame.
Ornelaz remains active in the game, working with young Ventura County basketball players through his company, “Prepare to Excel.”