Front and center.
It won’t be difficult to find Moses Wilson this winter when Waubonsie Valley walks onto the basketball court because that’s exactly where he’ll be — in the middle of everything.
The slender 6-foot-5 senior will slide between guard and forward on offense and often will be out front at the top of the Warriors’ strong 1-2-2 ball-press defense.
How good is Wilson? Just ask Illinois State recruit Tyreek Coleman, who could easily be his teammate’s press agent.
“Moses is stepping up in a way bigger role this year,” Coleman said. “He’ll be just fine. I expect Moses to do exactly what he’s been showcasing in practice and throughout the offseason.
“He’s put in a lot of work, and he’s gonna take the high school game by storm.”
Last season, Wilson averaged 9.0 points, 3.4 rebounds and 2.2 assists, but his spring work with his M14 travel team, followed by a move to the Illinois Wolves in the summer, generated buzz.
“I played more on the ball, running the offense in the spring, and that slowed the game down for me tremendously,” Wilson said. “I was playing more of the wing position in the summer and pressure wasn’t affecting me as much. I just went after it.”
That will be his role again for the Warriors, who are out to follow up a surprising season that opened with a 23-game winning streak, featured the program’s first conference championship in 21 years and was capped off by a regional title.
It won’t be easy since more people are aware of Waubonsie and coach Andrew Schweitzer has toughened up the nonconference schedule considerably with games against Warren, Marist, Rockford Auburn, Springfield Sacred Heart-Griffin and Morgan Park, not to mention overnight trips to downstate Taylorville and another to Wisconsin.
A 27-3 record made last year’s team the fourth in school history to come one win from tying the program mark, held by the 2001-02 team at 28-2.
The biggest graduation loss from last season was 6-4 Treshawn Blissett, who was usually up top in Waubonsie’s press while flanked by fellow team co-defensive MVP Wilson and Coleman.
“I’ll take Tre’s spot now,” Wilson said. “I’ve gotta be big. I’ve gone back and watched a lot of film so I can know how to fully action-play the role. Tre did really well — made everyone’s job easier.”
Wilson won’t be locked into that spot, however.
Waubonsie Valley’s Moses Wilson (4) tries to block a pass by Metea Valley’s James Parker (14) during a DuPage Valley Conference game in Aurora on Friday, Jan. 26, 2024. (Jon Cunningham / The Beacon-News)
“To be honest, he’ll play some at the top, but he’s going to have to know every single spot,” Schweitzer said. “He’s capable of it. It’s going to depend on the lineup and personnel we’re facing.
“Moses is just so versatile. Out front, you do have to be a little more active. There, he dictates the tempo a little bit more, kind of like the spearhead of our defense.”
Schweitzer expects Wilson to be more assertive at the other end of the floor as well.
“The No. 1 thing that stands out to me about his offseason is his confidence,” Schweitzer said. “Last year, I wouldn’t say he took a backseat, but a lot of his points were off rebounds and drives off other people’s picks.
“Now, he’s also becoming a creative force, and his shot has gotten so much better. It’s consistent. It’s highly elevated.”
Waubonsie Valley’s Moses Wilson (4) dunks the ball in front of Metea Valley’s Will Ashford during a DuPage Valley Conference game in Aurora on Friday, Dec. 8, 2023. (Jon Cunningham / The Beacon-News)
Wilson’s continued development promises to be special.
“I see a kid who is an insane competitor, has an insane motor, length for days and bounce for days,” Schweitzer said. “I wouldn’t be surprised if he keeps growing.
“One thing, and you can print this, that kid is D-I. Anyone who says otherwise, I think, is mistaken. I know there’s questions about his frame, his experience.”
Coleman, his running mate, doesn’t question that frame.
“I like him just the way he is,” Coleman said with a smile. “It makes him more aerodynamic.”
