Sure, junior guard Mason Lockett can take a hit for Oswego East, but it probably would be in his team’s best interests for him to avoid such encounters in the future.
The 6-foot-5 Lockett ended up missing the first four games due to a concussion suffered in the preseason. He plays a far too important role to miss significant time, if it can be avoided.
Senior guard Andrew Pohlman, his teammate, pointed to that impact for the Wolves
“Last year, Mason was a really good point guard for us,” Pohlman said. “This year, he’s taken on that role of scorer, and he’s really excellent in that. He was out the first four games, but I have to believe he’s our leading scorer average-wise.
“He’s a really good scorer but can do even more like throw assists, be a playmaker and play great defense. He’s just an all-around player.”
Lockett’s talent was evident Friday night, especially in the second half, as he led Oswego East back from a 10-point halftime deficit for a 52-48 Southwest Prairie Conference win over Yorkville.
”At the start, we were just trying to get used to their zone,” Lockett said. “We were trying to get everybody involved. In the third quarter, I felt something had to change. I had to go.”
Go Lockett did, scoring 12 of his game-high 17 points and coming up with all four of his steals in the second half for Oswego East (5-3, 3-1). He also finished with four rebounds and three assists.
Reggie McWaine and Michael Rembert came off the bench to put up nine and eight points, respectively, for the Wolves, who outscored the host Foxes 30-16 during the second half.
Senior forward Taelor Clements did his best to keep Yorkville (5-2, 1-3) in it, scoring nine of his team-high 11 points in the second half when he also grabbed eight of his game-high 11 rebounds.
“We kind of lost ourselves a little bit,” Yorkville coach John Holakovsky said of the second half. “They were changing and using four different defenses, making our guys see the floor a lot more and react to double teams.
“They were pretty much man-to-man in the first half and we got what we wanted. They did a great job of adjusting.”
DJ Ingemunson and Gabe Sanders added nine points apiece for Yorkville. Both teams would struggle at the free-throw line, with Oswego East making 7 of 14 and Yorkville 6 of 16.
The Wolves matched that mark from beyond the 3-point line, however, making 7 of 14 as the Foxes went 2 of 12.
“I felt like we were cutting to the basket better in the second half,” Oswego East coach Ryan Velasquez said. “We did miss a lot of layups in that first half.
“You’re not gonna make everything, but man, put yourself in position, go up strong, shoulders square to the basket. And we stayed with it.”
Lockett remembers the preseason collision, knocking heads with a teammate during a rebounding drill. Despite early headaches, he could work out while avoiding any contact and stayed in shape.
Oswego East went 2-2 without him, and the transition back to full-time duty has been smooth.
“To be honest, it’s been a quick return,” Pohlman said. “He’s been tremendous for this team. He’s really allowed us to get to the next level.
“Obviously, he’s a big part, but I feel like the culture at OE is next man up. I feel like we had some people step up those first four games, and it’s carried on after Mason’s return.”
Velasquez looks to Lockett for more the rest of the way.
“We try to challenge Mason every single time he steps on the court,” Velasquez said. “We want him to be his best version. We don’t want him to play passive. We want him to play aggressive.
“I thought he did more of that in the second half, getting more touches in the middle, catching and facing up. He’s a long player and can finish at the rim. We’re gonna get him the ball.”
