Oswego East Student-Athlete of the Week-Darren Oregon

Oswego IL

18 February, 2022

11:03 AM

Description

The boys' basketball team is having a historic season. They have already eclipsed the school record for wins with a current 30-1 record, went undefeated in SPC play, and are currently the number 1 seed in their sectional heading into the playoffs. This level of success requires buy-in to a team mentality and the physical efforts and talent in both practice and games. While Darren Oregon is not the statistical leader for the Wolves, his leadership and effort to do all the little things is why he is this week's Oswego East student-athlete of the week. Darren, and his twin brother DeVon, began their basketball career at an early age. "Me and DeVon self-taught ourselves the game of basketball," says Darren. Darren and DeVon have had the opportunity to learn from one another and challenge each other to improve. "Darren and DeVon are very close," says DeeDee and Grayson Oregon, Darren's parents. They go on to say, "They are also very competitive, which challenges them to be better every day in everything they do. Because they are twins, they have had to handle a lot of adversity growing up, which has made them stronger individuals." Although twins, Darren's path was different than his brother's. Darren also competed on the football team as a defensive back, which has helped him with his anticipatory skills. Darren also grew 7 inches between his sophomore and senior year, allowing him to compete against bigger and faster athletes. Basketball has allowed Darren to shine, as his leadership and effort are a big reason why the Wolves have been so successful. "Darren is a crucial part of the team's success," says Ryan Velasquez, head coach of the Wolves. He goes on to add, "He brings senior leadership with his voice and actions. Darren is our glue guy, as he brings so much energy to the floor makes us better every day in practice. He is a fierce competitor." Darren has started every game for the Wolves this season, averaging 6 points per game, 3.5 rebounds, and 1.7 assists. However, it is on the defensive side where Darren proves as a vital cog to the Wolves' success. "Darren is one of our best defenders," says Velasquez. He adds, "We are comfortable with Darren out on the floor because we know that he will make great decisions to help his team. He has a great basketball IQ." Not only does Darren fill-up the stat book and serve as a lockdown defender, but his leadership skills have also helped keep the Wolves atop the standings. "Daren leads in many different ways," says Velasquez. He goes on to say, "Darren leads by example, and with his voice. I also believe he is a servant leader and puts others and the team first." Being a leader and contributor for the basketball team is even more impressive considering Darren works out as a member of the football team, works a part-time job at Maccianos, and prioritizes his work in the classroom, evident by his 3.7-grade point average.John Miller, Darren's Computer Programming teacher, has witnessed Darren's commitment to the classroom, saying, "Darren works hard, especially when things get tough or hard. He also has a passion for his chosen field." Computer Science or Data Analytics is something Darren is planning on studying in College, where is also hoping to continue being a two-sport athlete. "I'm looking for a D2, NAIA, or D3 school where I can play both football and basketball, but if I had to choose it would most likely be basketball," says Darren. The Wolves have garnered plenty of well-deserved attention as the season has gone on, having already broken the school record for team wins and positioning themselves for a long run in the state tournament, which Darren said is one of the team's goals. Making it downstate would be a first in school history, but the Wolves are well-positioned as they have already defeated the other top seeds in their sectional this season. However, Darren and his teammates understand nothing comes easy, and they will have their work cut out for them if they hope to make school history. While Darren concentrates on finishing the season strong, as a leader both on the court and in the classroom, he has advice for future Wolves, saying, "even though you are going to a bigger school, don't be afraid to ask questions and make new friends." As the Wolves march into the postseason, Darren, and the other seniors on the team, will be unafraid to give it everything they have and hope their talent and effort will yield school history