Sure, junior guard Mason Lockett
can take a hit for Oswego East, but it probably would be in his team’s best interests for him to avoid such encounters in the future.
The 6-foot-5 Lockett ended up missing the first four games due to a concussion suffered in the preseason. He plays a far too important role to miss significant time, if it can be avoided.
Senior guard Andrew Pohlman,
his teammate, pointed to that impact for the Wolves
“Last year, Mason was a really good point guard for us,” Pohlman said. “This year, he’s taken on that role of scorer, and he’s really excellent in that. He was out the first four games, but I have to believe he’s our leading scorer average-wise.
“He’s a really good scorer but can do even more like throw assists, be a playmaker and play great defense. He’s just an all-around player.”
Lockett’s talent was evident Friday night, especially in the second half, as he led Oswego East back from a 10-point halftime deficit for a 52-48 Southwest Prairie Conference win over Yorkville.
”At the start, we were just trying to get used to their zone,” Lockett said. “We were trying to get everybody involved. In the third quarter, I felt something had to change. I had to go.”
Go Lockett did, scoring 12 of his game-high 17 points and coming up with all four of his steals in the second half for Oswego East (5-3, 3-1). He also finished with four rebounds and three assists.
Oswego East’s Mason Lockett (24) shoots a floater in the lane over Yorkville’s DJ Ingemunson (5) and Christian Harrell (11) in a Southwest Prairie Conference game at Yorkville on Friday, Dec. 13, 2024. (Sean King / The Beacon-News)
Reggie McWaine
and Michael Rembert
came off the bench to put up nine and eight points, respectively, for the Wolves, who outscored the host Foxes 30-16 during the second half.
Senior forward Taelor Clements
did his best to keep Yorkville (5-2, 1-3) in it, scoring nine of his team-high 11 points in the second half when he also grabbed eight of his game-high 11 rebounds.
“We kind of lost ourselves a little bit,” Yorkville coach John Holakovsky
said of the second half. “They were changing and using four different defenses, making our guys see the floor a lot more and react to double teams.
“They were pretty much man-to-man in the first half and we got what we wanted. They did a great job of adjusting.”
DJ Ingemunson
and Gabe Sanders
added nine points apiece for Yorkville. Both teams would struggle at the free-throw line, with Oswego East making 7 of 14 and Yorkville 6 of 16.
Yorkville’s Taelor Clements (21) leaps in the air to save the ball from going out against Oswego East during a Southwest Prairie Conference game at Yorkville on Friday, Dec. 13, 2024. (Sean King / The Beacon-News)
The Wolves matched that mark from beyond the 3-point line, however, making 7 of 14 as the Foxes went 2 of 12.
“I felt like we were cutting to the basket better in the second half,” Oswego East coach Ryan Velasquez
said. “We did miss a lot of layups in that first half.
“You’re not gonna make everything, but man, put yourself in position, go up strong, shoulders square to the basket. And we stayed with it.”
Lockett remembers the preseason collision, knocking heads with a teammate during a rebounding drill. Despite early headaches, he could work out while avoiding any contact and stayed in shape.
Oswego East went 2-2 without him, and the transition back to full-time duty has been smooth.
Oswego East’s Michael Rembert (33) shoots a 3-pointer over Yorkville’s Braydon Porter (22) during a Southwest Prairie Conference game at Yorkville on Friday, Dec. 13, 2024. (Sean King / The Beacon-News)
“To be honest, it’s been a quick return,” Pohlman said. “He’s been tremendous for this team. He’s really allowed us to get to the next level.
“Obviously, he’s a big part, but I feel like the culture at OE is next man up. I feel like we had some people step up those first four games, and it’s carried on after Mason’s return.”
Velasquez looks to Lockett for more the rest of the way.
“We try to challenge Mason every single time he steps on the court,” Velasquez said. “We want him to be his best version. We don’t want him to play passive. We want him to play aggressive.
“I thought he did more of that in the second half, getting more touches in the middle, catching and facing up. He’s a long player and can finish at the rim. We’re gonna get him the ball.”
The planets are pulling our attention every which way today. The Moon is in mercurial Gemini, magnifying our ability to see both sides of things. We can be very receptive when the Moon trines Venus in Aquarius, though we may get a bit cagey when the Moon then squares Saturn in Pisces. Still, there will be cosmic positivity on offer as the Moon conjoins expansive Jupiter at 1:43 pm EST before locking into a supportive sextile with Chiron in Aries, encouraging emotional catharsis.
Aries
March 21 – April 19
Listen up, Aries, because there is something important to hear! The Moon is conjoining lucky Jupiter in your 3rd House of Debate, so there is a good chance that you could come across an interesting bit of information or have a discussion that changes things very much for the better. Jupiter loves to bring you opportunities, so be sure to chat up anyone and everyone you come into contact with — and touch base with your close friends or siblings while you’re at it.
Taurus
April 20 – May 20
Go ahead and make it rain! The Moon is strolling through your 2nd House of Earnings, where it will be conjoining bountiful Jupiter, turning your gaze toward modern ways to increase your net worth and make your life that much more comfortable. If you’ve been on the lookout for a new gig or another way to earn, this angle should help you ferret out the perfect opportunity, so get your resume ready for circulation. A little indulgent spending may also be in the cards.
Gemini
May 21 – June 20
Your clever sign has gained an undeniable shine. The Moon is flying through Gemini, giving you an extra special spark. That seed will grow into something beautiful and blazing as the Moon aligns with expansive Jupiter, reminding you that this is no time for limitations. The cosmos has faith in you and your dreams, so follow through on its faith by pursuing your passions with unbridled enthusiasm. Jupiter is in your corner, making your goals more attainable than you might expect.
Cancer
June 21 – July 22
Approach life at your own pace. You’re allowed to move along gently as the Moon aligns with Jupiter in your hidden 12th house — their conjunction invites you to take a step back and enjoy a bit of cocooning. This same sector is very inspirational, so if you feel the urge to write a poem or a song, be sure to let it out. You can create something truly beautiful. Otherwise, make an effort to nurture your body with some much-needed rest and relaxation.
Leo
July 23 – August 22
People can hardly seem to get enough of you. You are undeniably popular as the Moon conjoins excitable Jupiter in your communal 11th house, energizing you to jump up and take the role of ringleader — go and get the gang together! You could call up the usual crew, but you’ll probably have more fun if you open things up to a few fresh faces, such as acquaintances or friends-of-friends. Today’s motto is “the more the merrier,” so don’t stick to your smallest clique.
Virgo
August 23 – September 22
This is no time for dawdling. There is a big emphasis on achieving as much as you can as the Moon marches along through your 10th House of Ambition. Plus, this energy gets turned all the way up as the Moon conjoins can-do Jupiter in this same sector. Jupiter wants to make the most of the opportunities on offer, so the more you put yourself out there and do the work, the more you can get in return. Show everyone how capable you are!
Libra
September 23 – October 22
The skies are perfect to stretch your wings. The Moon in your adventurous 9th house is conjoining impressive Jupiter, making it easier than ever to break beyond everyday barriers and explore your world to the fullest. Let your curiosity lead you, because it should boost your capacity to comprehend refreshed ways of living and thinking that change your worldview for the better. The more open you are to the unfamiliar and unusual, the more fulfilling this day will be for you.
Scorpio
October 23 – November 21
A little intensity can yield wonderful results. The Moon is pressuring your extreme 8th house, which can force you to deal with a lot of hot-button issues. While here, the Moon will align with Jupiter, energizing you to look for the silver lining in even the most difficult situations. This can be especially beneficial when it comes to financial matters, so if you’re in the market for a loan or a new line of credit, you could find the perfect option very soon.
Sagittarius
November 22 – December 21
This is no time to handle life by yourself. Three’s not a crowd, so reach out to your buddies as the Moon in your relationship-focused 7th house reaches out to your sign’s ruler Jupiter. Helpful people could be all around! These people can impact your life in all sorts of ways, be it through business or pleasure, so don’t confine people to your premeditated expectations. Don’t be shy about initiating such connections. Someone will likely be very grateful that you took the time to connect.
Capricorn
December 22 – January 19
Small steps add up to big leaps. The stars are encouraging you to take things one at a time as the Moon trots through your economical 6th house, but you can still make massive moves forward as the Moon aligns with boundless Jupiter. You can achieve way more than originally planned! A co-worker could prove especially helpful, or perhaps you’ll discover a unique way of doing things that saves you a lot of groaning. Focus on working smarter, not harder.
Aquarius
January 20 – February 18
You can play your cards right without worry. The Moon is making bets in your fun-loving 5th house and inviting you to do the same. The odds are very much in your favor when the Moon conjoins lucky Jupiter in the same sector. This is a wonderful combination in a wonderful sector, so put a premium on enjoying yourself and pursuing your pleasures! Few things in life are guaranteed, but there’s practically no way you can go wrong at a time like this.
Pisces
February 19 – March 20
Open your door and let in the world! This is a lovely day to play host as the Moon aligns with bountiful Jupiter in your domestic sphere, sprinkling your surroundings with a generous dash of fun and frivolity — one which other people are all but guaranteed to enjoy. That doesn’t mean you need to host a rager, but you should feel especially good in your space with a few of your favorite people around you. Don’t be stingy with your invite list.
Junior point guard Noah Mister
craves being in the biggest moments for Mount Carmel.
He’s a vital playmaker, someone the Caravan relies upon consistently in the clutch, and when every sequence has those outsized consequences, he wouldn’t have it any other way.
“I do whatever my team needs, and I knew we had to make a play,” Mister said, nodding after another nice victory. “We were down one, and I knew I was the guy to get it done.
“I believed I was the guy, my coaches believed it, and my teammates believed it.”
Believe to achieve was on display Friday night as Mister’s late 3-point play propelled host Mount Carmel’s comeback for a 66-63 Catholic League Blue victory over De La Salle in Chicago.
Senior forward Cameron Thomas
scored 14 of his game-high 25 points in the second half for the Caravan (6-0, 1-0). Grant Best
added nine points and Dylan Fulbright
contributed seven.
Junior forward Charles Barnes
scored a team-high 22 points for De La Salle (6-2, 1-1). Carlos Cueva
hit five 3-pointers in producing 17 points, while Morgan Travis
added 16 points.
Mister, meanwhile, scored 11 of his 21 points in the fourth quarter. His driving 3-point play put the Caravan up 64-62 with 1:14 remaining. His two free throws with 25.6 seconds left sealed the win.
Mount Carmel’s Noah Mister (2) brings the ball up the court against De La Salle during a Catholic League Blue game in Chicago on Friday, Dec. 13, 2024. (Vincent D. Johnson / Daily Southtown)
He also had seven rebounds, four assists and three steals.
“It just shows that, even though he’s a junior, he just steps up and he is the team leader,” Best said. “Nobody else was doing anything. That’s what he can do as a point guard.
“He has definitely matured and elevated his game, and he can take the game over.”
Mister, Best and Thomas are three returning starters from Mount Carmel’s Class 3A state runner-up last winter. As a sophomore in his first full season as a starter, Mister averaged 14.8 points.
Now, the 6-foot-2 Mister is bigger, stronger and faster, along with having two years of elite varsity experience. He combines size and speed into a dynamic package.
“Honestly, nobody in the state can guard him, so just get him the ball and let him go to work,” Thomas said. “He can dribble, shoot and pass, but his best quality is his IQ for the game.
“He knows how to get to the basket and finish around bigger guys.”
Mount Carmel’s Cameron Thomas puts up a shot over De La Salle’s Charles Barnes (14) during a Catholic League Blue game in Chicago on Friday, Dec. 13, 2024. (Vincent D. Johnson / Daily Southtown)
Mister’s game vibrates with confidence, skill and poise, especially in key situations. He answered every roadblock the Meteors threw in his path.
“My jump shot wasn’t really going and I had to find other ways to affect the game,” Mister said. “No matter what, my mentality is that I always want to take the big shot.
“I always want to take the game over.”
Mister’s father, Terry
, was a standout at St. Joseph who played in college at Loyola Marymount. Older brother Joshua
, who played at Whitney Young, was his other dominant influence.
“My brother makes music now, but he played in high school and he was a good player,” he said. “He was four years older, bigger and stronger, and he always pushed me when I was younger.
“That’s what made me and gave me this mentality and this highly competitive spirit.”
Mount Carmel’s Noah Mister (2) takes the final free throw to clinch the win against De La Salle during a Catholic League Blue game in Chicago on Friday, Dec. 13, 2024. (Vincent D. Johnson / Daily Southtown)
As an extension of Mount Carmel coach Phil Segroves
on the floor, Mister is tasked with processing information and making all the pieces come together.
The first part of the equation is knowing what works and what adjustments have to be made.
“Segroves gives me all the rope I need and he lets me do it,” Mister said. “I’m always going to let the game come to me.
“I’m not going to force it. I’m going to get my teammates open and help my guys make shots. When it’s my time to get buckets and make plays, that is my moment.”
Patrick Z. McGavin is a freelance reporter for the Daily Southtown.
High school and local college results and highlights from the Southland, Aurora, Elgin, Naperville and Lake County coverage areas.
Email Daily Southtown results to southtownsports@gmail.com, Beacon-News, Courier-News and Naperville Sun results to tribwestsports@gmail.com and News-Sun results to newssunsports@gmail.com.
FRIDAY’S RESULTS
HIGH SCHOOLS
BOYS BASKETBALL
Bartlett 67, Elgin 28
Benet 74, Marist 66 (OT)
Benet (7-1, 2-0 ESCC): Blake Fagbemi 19 points. Jayden Wright 19 points. Colin Stack 14 points. Daniel Pauliukonis 13 points.
Marist (7-1, 0-1): Adoni Vassilakis 24 points. Rokas Zilys 15 points. Karson Thomas 10 points.
Highland Park (7-1, 2-0 Central Suburban North): Simon Moschin 22 points. Hayden Kach 10 points.
Hinckley-Big Rock 68, Somonauk 42
Hinckley-Big Rock (5-1, 2-0 Little Ten): Martin Ledbetter 30 points, 7 rebounds; became school’s all-time leading scorer. Max Hintzsche 25 points, 5 rebounds, 4 assists.
Lincoln-Way Central’s Korey Cagnolatti
was hot under the collar at halftime Friday night.
The senior guard was assigned to Andrew sharpshooter Athan Berchos
, and that didn’t work out too well as Berchos, also a senior guard, ended up with 20 points in the first 16 minutes.
And Cagnolatti didn’t appreciate that at all.
“It didn’t sit well with me,” Cagnolatti said. “Nope, nothing sits well giving up 20 points in a game, especially in one half.”
That changed dramatically in the second half as Berchos was held to only one shot and four free throws as the Knights pulled off a 55-51 SouthWest Suburban Conference win over host Andrew.
Cagnolatti also was a menace on offense in Tinley Park, finishing with 15 points, six rebounds and four steals for Lincoln-Way Central (5-3, 2-2). He scored 10 points during the second half.
Lucas Andresen
added 12 points and 10 rebounds, including three big boards in the final 22 seconds. Drew Woodburn
, who had 15 points off the bench, hit a pair of key free throws with 4 seconds left.
Berchos, who scored 33 points on Dec. 4 against Argo, paced Andrew (3-5, 0-3) with 24 points. Scott Dinnon
added 13 points and seven rebounds for the Thunderbolts, who led 29-27 at halftime.
Lincoln-Way Central’s Korey Cagnolatti (21) pushes the ball up the court against Andrew during a SouthWest Suburban Conference game in Tinley Park on Friday, Dec. 13, 2024. (Troy Stolt / Daily Southtown)
For Cagnolatti, however, it was a matter of putting a rough first half behind him and then working even harder for the Knights in the second half.
“The first half, our game plan was to try to not let him take over,” Cagnolatti said of Berchos. “But he came out and knocked down his shots.
“The second half was to play him straight up and strictly deny the basketball. My teammates helped out in the gaps and that made it easier on me. I made it my sole mission to stay in front of him.”
Lincoln-Way Central coach Brian Flaherty
, of course, liked Cagnolatti’s play on both ends of the floor, but he raved about the defensive effort a little bit more.
“It’s a huge credit for Korey to be unselfish with what we asked him to do,” Flaherty said. “(Berchos) is a very good scorer, and after that first half, we had to find a way to limit his touches and make somebody else put the ball through the hole.”
Lincoln-Way Central’s Korey Cagnolatti (21) takes a shot against Andrew during a SouthWest Suburban Conference game in Tinley Park on Friday, Dec. 13, 2024. (Troy Stolt / Daily Southtown)
Andresen’s rebounding also was huge.
The 6-4 junior forward is coming off a long football season as a receiver, and Flaherty predicted Andresen could be a Division I prospect in that sport.
Even though he started playing basketball in third grade and football in high school, Andresen said his football skills have helped him during the winter.
“I just react,” he said about rebounding. “It’s second nature because I play receiver and it’s a matter of tracking the ball.”
“He’s athletic and he brings the height to get dunks and get the boards,” Cagnolatti said of Andresen. “He’s a bully.”
Andresen, Woodburn and Nolan Morrill
are just getting back into basketball shape after a football season that saw the Knights make it all the way to the Class 7A state semifinals.
Lincoln-Way Central’s Korey Cagnolatti (21) goes up for a layup against Andrew during a SouthWest Suburban Conference game in Tinley Park on Friday, Dec. 13, 2024. (Troy Stolt / Daily Southtown)
In basketball, heading into Friday night, Lincoln-Way Central’s losses were to defending Class 4A state champion Homewood-Flossmoor (7-0), Perspectives Leadership (6-1) and Lincoln-Way East (5-0).
It’s why Flaherty thinks the Knights are in good shape.
“We’re starting right now to gel,” Flaherty said. “The football players came in after we were teaching everything and they were getting their legs under them.
“All three of those guys who came back from football made key contributions.”
But the 6-foot Cagnolatti is also making a difference for the Knights.
“Korey is an incredibly selfless player,” Flaherty said. “He accepted the assignment, and what he did in the second half won the game for us.”
Jeff Vorva is a freelance reporter for the Daily Southtown.
