Good times, bad times. Oswego’s Dasean Patton has known his share in a season that could easily be described as having a Dickensian feel to it.
Patton, a 6-foot-5 junior guard/forward, has developed into a premier scorer, averaging a team-best 18 points.
Unfortunately, the Panthers have had their share of struggles, thanks in part to injuries as well as their inexperience.
“Last year, we had four seniors who were our leaders and a lot of scorers on the team,” Patton said. “This year, I’ve had to learn my team, our chemistry and that there’s other ways to score.
“Last year, I was a down-low guy. Now, I’m like all over the place, playing guard, down low, everything. Looking at film, I see a lot of teams looking at me as a threat because I score the ball a lot. After starting as a sophomore, I see everybody going after me.”
Such was the case again Tuesday night when Oswego traveled to Southwest Prairie West leader West Aurora.
After going scoreless in the first quarter, Patton scored a game-high 23 points but the Panthers took another loss, 71-51.
Senior guard Nolan Petry complemented Patton’s work, making four 3-pointers on the way to 14 points for Oswego (4-19, 2-11).
Three rivals he considers good friends countered Patton’s work. Junior forward Terrence Smith scored 15 points to lead the Blackhawks (16-8, 9-2). Senior guards CJ Savage and Jordan Brooks added 13 and 12 points, respectively.
“We’re tight — that’s my guy,” said Brooks, who transferred from Oswego following his sophomore season. “We were a year apart but always around each other, same friend group, and we talk a lot.
“I told Dasean when the season was getting started it might not be the brightest, but he had to go out there and do what he can do. He’s a helluva player. Me, CJ and Terrence were giving him a hard time. It’s fun.”
Savage, who transferred from East Aurora following his sophomore season, topped 1,000 points for his varsity career at the two schools combined after coming into Tuesday’s game with 999.
The 6-4 Smith, who is also a standout wide receiver in football, announced Wednesday morning on X he had received a scholarship offer from Minnesota. It’s his seventh Division I football offer but first from a Power Five conference school.
Oswego, meanwhile, kept Tuesday’s game close throughout the first half before the Blackhawks erupted for a 30-14 lead in the third quarter to take control.
“I’ll take that anytime,” West Aurora coach Michael Fowler
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said. “We weren’t really satisfied with how we played in the first quarter and first seven minutes of the second, but the kids responded in the first three minutes of the third quarter.”Patton, of course, was a factor.
“He’s a tough guard,” Fowler said of Patton. “He is gonna try to get his shot, try to force things. He gave us a little fit, made some moves and got to the free-throw line. He’s a good player.”
The Blackhawks hold a half-game lead over Oswego East (17-9, 9-3) for the conference lead. They meet Friday at Oswego East, having split Thanksgiving tournament and earlier conference games.
“Despite our team not winning a lot, Dasean has really put up some impressive numbers in games this year,” Oswego coach Chad Pohlmann said. “He’s had a couple 30-point games and multiple 20-point games.
“And it’s all with the other team knowing he’s like our first, second or third option.”
Patton is a capable 3-point shooter with a midrange game, attacks the basket and draws plenty of fouls. He struggled with a wrist injury in early December but has come on strong since Christmas.
“He’s gotten stronger from last year, and he’s not done yet with his physicality,” Pohlmann said. “His leg strength is better and he’s dunking the ball easier.
“His athleticism has a ways to go, but another year in the weight room will help.”