Evanston flashes its offensive firepower and contains Mason Lockett to take down Oswego East

There are just three seniors in the state signed with high-major colleges. And only two in the area: Oswego East’s Mason Lockett (DePaul) and Young’s Marquis Clark (Tennessee). High school basketball is obviously a team game, and even players without college futures play very significant roles. But the high-major talents often dominate and usually swing close games.

On Saturday in Flossmoor, Lockett provided exactly what has been missing around the area this season. The 6-5 guard dazzled in the first half with his skill, athleticism and all-around feel for the game. Despite Lockett’s show, the Wolves led by just one point.

Then in the second half Evanston showed what a well-rounded team with just one senior starter can do. The No. 10 Wildkits dominated the third quarter and took home an 83-54 running-clock win at Homewood Flossmoor’s 3rd Annual MLK “The Dream Continues” Classic.

Evanston (16-3) took control with a 20-0 burst in the third quarter. The Wildkits made four three-pointers during the run, which came with the team’s two best players on the bench. Junior Vito Rocca was injured after a collision, and sophomore Ben Ojala was in foul trouble.

“Being able to extend the lead with me and Vito on the bench is really exciting to see,” Ojala said. “Everyone is stepping into their role. Our big focus at halftime was getting rebounds and forcing one and dones and they did exactly that. They forced bad shots and we got the rebound.”

Rocca finished with 11 points and five rebounds in limited minutes, and Ojala had 12 points and six rebounds. The sophomore is a crafty threat on defense with fast, disruptive hands.

“At the beginning of the season it was other guys making those kinds of plays,” Ojala said. “I’ve been learning from them. Getting those steals and deflections. My defense is one of the lower ends of my game and I’ve been working on it.”

Senior Timi Ogunsanya led Evanston with 21 points, four rebounds and three steals. Ogunsanya wasn’t in the rotation last season and is relishing his opportunity this year.

“It’s a big adjustment, but this is my senior year, and I have to put it all on the floor,” Ogunsanya said. “It can’t be like last year when I come on the floor and I don’t do anything, so they have to take me out.”