\n<\/p>\n
There are only three seniors in the state who have signed with high-major colleges and only two in the area: Oswego East\u2019s Mason Lockett (DePaul) and Young\u2019s Marquis Clark (Tennessee).<\/p>\n
High school basketball is obviously a team game, and even players without college futures play significant roles. But the high-major talents often dominate and usually swing close games.<\/p>\n
On Saturday<\/a> against No. 10 Evanston<\/a> in Flossmoor, the 6-5 Lockett provided exactly what has been missing around the area this season. He dazzled in the first half with his skill, athleticism and all-around feel for the game. Despite Lockett\u2019s show, however, the Wolves led by only one point.<\/p>\n Then in the second half, the Wildkits showed what a well-rounded team with only one senior starter can do. Evanston dominated the third quarter and took home an 83-54, running-clock victory at the MLK \u2018\u2018The Dream Continues\u2019\u2019 Classic.<\/p>\n The Wildkits (16-3) took control with a 20-0 burst in the third quarter. They made four three-pointers during the run, which came with their two best players on the bench. Junior Vito Rocca was injured after a collision, and sophomore Ben Ojala was in foul trouble.<\/p>\n \u2018\u2018Being able to extend the lead with me and Vito on the bench is really exciting to see,\u2019\u2019 Ojala said. \u2018\u2018Everyone is stepping into their role. Our big focus at halftime was getting rebounds and forcing one-and-dones, and they did exactly that. [Oswego East] forced bad shots, and we got the rebound.\u2019\u2019<\/p>\n Ojala finished with 12 points and six rebounds and Rocca with 11 points and five rebounds in limited minutes. Ojala is a threat on defense with his fast, disruptive hands.<\/p>\n \u2018\u2018At the beginning of the season, it was other guys making those kinds of plays,\u2019\u2019 Ojala said. \u2018\u2018I\u2019ve been learning from them, getting those steals and deflections. My defense is one of the lower ends of my game, and I\u2019ve been working on it.\u2019\u2019<\/p>\n Senior Timi Ogunsanya led Evanston with 21 points, four rebounds and three steals. He wasn\u2019t in the rotation last season and is relishing his opportunity this season.<\/p>\n \u2018\u2018It\u2019s a big adjustment, but this is my senior year, and I have to put it all on the floor,\u2019\u2019 Ogunsanya said. \u2018\u2018It can\u2019t be like last year, when I come on the floor and don\u2019t do anything, so they have to take me out.\u2019\u2019<\/p>\n