By Craig Lynch –
Oswego East High School, Downers Grove South, and Batavia found positive experiences in recent holiday boys basketball tournaments.
Oswego East finished in third place at the Hinsdale Central tournament, and was led by Ray J Dennis. The 6-2 senior guard will go to Boise State University next year.
“Ray J is a scorer and his leadership and work ethic has helped the team,” said head coach Ryan Velasquez.
Dennis scored 98 points in four games when the Wolves’ 3-1 record raised their overall record to 11-3.
Dennis was impressed with Boise State from the start. “I feel I can play both guard spots and I think my passing and floor game are my strengths,” Dennis said.
Dennis agrees with his coach about his leadership. “Good leadership comes from being a senior and working hard to make the team better. I want to help get my teammates involved in scoring in double figures when possible.”
• Downers Grove South High School revived its fortunes in the Jack Tosh Classic in Elmhurst. After losing four of five, the Mustangs won four straight. The streak ballooned to eight in the Tosh Tournament with victories over Highand Park, Batavia, Wheaton North, and Lyons.
Justin Eakins a 6-2 senior led the tournament in scoring with 93 points through four games.
“Justin is a key for us because of his scoring,” Olson said. “In this tournament he has stepped up his defense and he is a good passer. This tournament should really accelerate his recruiting.”
York defeated Downers South, 55-52, in Monday’s championship game.
• Batavia’s Jayden Johnson is a 6-6 junior. He has played basketball since he was a child. “I started playing when I was five,” he said.
Johnson scored 74 points and pulled down 16 rebounds in four games in the Tosh Tournament even though the Bulldogs lost three of four games.
“We were in the games, but we need better decisions,” said Johnson.
Johnson has played varsity ball all three years.
“Jayden is more of a perimeter player,” said Batavia head coach Jim Nazos. “He is starting to have the ability to post.”