The transformation from junior to senior year for Carmel’s Joel Basara has been quite remarkable.
Last year, he was a blocker on the kick return unit, but that was about the only time he stepped onto the field.
Two weeks into this season, Basara not only starts, but he does so on both sides of the ball, as a tight end and safety.
“From last year, there was no way I was thinking that I would even start on one side of the ball,” Basara said. “It’s been a blessing.”
It’s not just a matter of starting, but rather how much Basara has contributed to the Corsairs’ offense and defense. In its 38-10 loss to DeKalb on Friday, Sept. 2, Basara scored his first varsity touchdown on an eight-yard throw from junior quarterback Myles Tramill, which got Carmel to within 14-10 in the second quarter.
“It was a fade to the back of the end zone, and Myles threw it right there,” Basara said. “I loved it.”
So did coach Andy Bitto.
“Joel is a perfect example of what hard work can do,” Bitto said. “It’s awesome to see really good kids who work hard succeed.”
In Carmel’s Week 1 victory against Waukesha West, Basara preserved the win with a late interception deep in Carmel territory. The 6-foot-2, 190-pounder also showed his special teams experience with a key block on a long Carmel punt return, which set up a touchdown.
“It’s great to see him playing out there. He’s come a long way,” Carmel junior wide receiver and safety Zaire Barnes said. “He has even more potential in him.”
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After Bitto encouraged Basara, who also starts on the baseball team, by telling him that he could make an impact on this year’s team, Basara dedicated himself to the task at hand. He worked especially hard on his blocking, which has always been critical for the run-oriented Corsairs’ offense. Basara demonstrated his mettle on two particular plays with blocks on DeKalb linebackers to open holes for senior running back Rondel Jamison.
Jamison had 16 carries for 74 yards and also supplied two receptions for 67 yards. But the game’s star was DeKalb’s Northern Illinois-bound receiver Cole Tucker, who ran a punt and kickoff back for scores in addition to two touchdown receptions.
Basara will face another stern challenge on Friday, Sept. 9, when Carmel (1-1) hosts the defending Class 8A runners-up, Marist (1-1), in the East Suburban Catholic opener for both teams.
Bitto is counting on Basara’s continued contributions as the tough conference schedule kicks off.
“We’re going to win a lot of games with Joel out there,” Bitto said.
Mark Perlman is a freelance reporter for Pioneer Press.
Twitter @markdavidperlma