What’s the best way for a player to get his name in the newspaper?
That’s easy — score in double figures and it’s almost a sure thing.
Senior forward/center Tyler Jasek did it the hard way Friday night for Oswego East in a Southwest Prairie West game at West Aurora — where he didn’t score a single point.
Jasek sacrificed his body, however, drawing three charging fouls during the pivotal third quarter to earn not only a small part in the story but a spot at the very top.
“When you do that on the defensive end, it’s unselfish,” Oswego East coach Ryan Velasquez said. “We preached stepping in and taking charges all week, and Tyler was the guy.
“That’s our goal every game, and when we get it, we’re real excited. Credit to him. Those are momentum shifters, momentum builders. We needed those. They were big stops.”
The outcome of the Wolves’ eventual 61-53 victory was very much in doubt before Jasek stepped up in a third quarter that featured seven turnovers by the Blackhawks.
It was the third meeting this season between the teams. Oswego East won the other two by 18 points in a Thanksgiving tournament and by 15 only four days later in conference play.
Two charges were called on drives to the basket by junior guard Josh Pickett, who finished with 10 points, and one on sophomore Terrence Smith, who ended up with 17.
“I’m just trying to get in the right spot and find ways to help the team without scoring,” Jasek said. “Coach told us before the game they don’t jump-stop a lot and they go right in to you, so I got my body in the way.”
That helped Oswego East (20-5, 12-0) extend a two-point halftime lead to 34-26 and take control. The Wolves lead their division in conference by three games with four left.
“He does stick his nose in there,” Velasquez said of the 6-foot-6, 200-pound Jasek, who is averaging 4.1 points and 2.0 rebounds.
Jasek, who took just one shot in the game, also contributed three rebounds and an assist.
That’s probably why he seemed surprised to have a reporter ask to interview him afterward.
The other four starters on the balanced Wolves average between the 9.5 points of senior guard Bryce Shoto
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and the 12.6 of senior guard Mekhi Lowery.On this night, Shoto led with 18 points. Lowery and junior guard Jehvion Starwood each had 14.
Jasek hasn’t reached double digits yet this season, scoring nine points four times. He often splits time with sixth man Mason Blanco, who averages 6.7 points, combining to give Velasquez 10.8 points a game.
Jasek, who has NCAA Division III roster spot offers from five different schools and interest from several others, said he plays more outside for his AAU team, inside for the Wolves.
“Mason (Blanco) and I get along well, mesh well and root for each other,” Jasek said.
The all-for-one, one-for-all mentality is prevalent.
Senior guard Ryan Johnson said Jasek brings size and defense to the post along with energy for the Wolves.
“Tyler is a very smart player,” said Lowery, a Towson recruit. “He’s always our leader in charges, and (Friday night), he showed up on defense.
“We’re gonna get him 10 or more. He plays hard every game. We’re going to reward him, for sure.”
C.J. Savage and Jordan Brooks added eight points apiece for the Blackhawks. Blanco chipped in with nine for the Wolves.
“(Friday night) was the hardest of the three,” Lowery said. “The first half was closer than we anticipated.”
Velasquez said winning on the road anywhere in the conference is a challenge, but especially so at West Aurora.
“We have a bunch of guys who are unselfish like him,” Velasquez said of Jasek. “He knows his role. It’s all about us, not just one person.”