By Bobby Narang
In a two-year span, Nate Shockey established himself as one of the best players in York High School basketball history.
All Shockey did was win games in his final two seasons and played a leading role on two of the best teams in program history.
That’s why York head coach Vince Doran doesn’t shy away from stating his opinion on Shockey’s status in the program’s history.
“(Nate) was amazing all year long,” Doran said. “He led us in scoring, rebounding, and steals. In my opinion, he definitely goes down as one of the best basketball players in York history. What really makes him special is he’s an old-school, blue-collar type, competitor. He just brings it. That type of attitude allowed him to continue to grow as a player. I really believe his best days are ahead of him. He eventually could wind up with an opportunity to make some money in this game. It all depends on his development.”
Shockey, a North Dakota University recruit, averaged 21 points, five rebounds, three steals, and three assists in the recently-concluded season. The Dukes lost four starters from 2018-2019 season’s program-best 29-victory team, but despite Shockey missing several games with an illness late in the season and the lack of experienced returnees, it was a banner season for York.
The Dukes, 28-5, surpassed last season’s team by capturing the West Suburban Conference Silver championship.
“It’s amazing to be considered one of the greatest in school history,” Shockey said. “The school has been around for a long time, and there have been so many great players to have played for York. It all starts with a great team. If we weren’t such a great team, I wouldn’t have had the success that I had.
“If you would have told me that I would be in the place that I’m in today, I would’ve have thought you were crazy. That just goes to show that if you believe in yourself, anything is possible.”
The 6-2 Shockey, a point guard, led an inexperienced group of players, besides Jeff Grace, down another memorable path before losing to conference rival Morton in a Class 4A regional championship game.
“I knew coming into this year that I was going to have to be a leader and role model for everyone on this team,” Shockey said. “I tried to lead by example and giving my best effort and attention each and every day at practice. Before the season started, we would workout as a team and that really built a lot of chemistry.”