Is Oswego East junior Jacsen Tucker a diamond in the rough?
Yes and no.
Tucker, a shortstop for the Wolves in baseball, is definitely a gem on the diamond, having already committed to a scholarship offer from Oklahoma State.
On the basketball court, where he’s listed as a wing but still puts in plenty of time in the post, the 6-foot-4 Tucker is getting better and better.
“Jacsen and Dshaun (Bolden) came up to varsity at the end of last year right before the playoffs,” said Mason Lockett, a DePaul recruit. “Really, this game, Jacsen just showed what he’s about.
“He’s an undersized big man compared to what most guys in that position are, but he works harder than everybody. He’s a great scorer and a great defender.”
Oswego East’s Jacsen Tucker (2) rebounds the ball against Yorkville’s Nathan Kubin (24) during a Southwest Prairie West game in Oswego on Friday, Dec. 19, 2025. (Sean King / The Beacon-News)
Lockett could have thrown in strong rebounder, too. Tucker posted a double-double of 16 points and 11 rebounds Friday night in the host Wolves’ 57-37 Southwest Prairie West win over Yorkville.
A 6-foot-5 senior guard, Lockett played his usual prominent role, scoring a game-high 19 points to go with seven assists and four rebounds for Oswego East (7-2, 4-1). Bolden, a 6-4 junior forward, added 16 points and six rebounds.
Tucker confirmed the late-season callup helped prepare him and Bolden for their roles this winter.
“They really overemphasized some things and really coached us in the game of varsity basketball,” Tucker said. “This year, they expect a lot out of us, which is good.
Oswego East’s Jacsen Tucker (2) plays the ball in the post against Yorkville’s Frankie Pavlik (21) during a Southwest Prairie West game in Oswego on Friday, Dec. 19, 2025. (Sean King / The Beacon-News)
“But at the same time we’re still young. They kind of keep us under their wings so we learn with efficiency.”
Tucker cited the difference in the pace of the game from the lower levels.
“It’s different, that’s for sure,” he said. “You have share the ball and play a team game more.”
Injury and illness, meanwhile, have taken a toll on Yorkville (5-4, 3-2).
Oswego East’s Jacsen Tucker (2) shoots a free throw against Yorkville during a Southwest Prairie West game in Oswego on Friday, Dec. 19, 2025. (Sean King / The Beacon-News)
Joey Jakstys, a 6-8 sophomore forward, missed the game with an ankle injury. Senior guard Gabe Sanders, who missed a game last week and several days of practice this week with the flu, retuned and scored a team-high nine points.
Braydon Porter, a 6-5 sophomore forward who missed three days of practice this week, added eight points. Nathan Kubin, a 6-3 senior forward, also scored eight points.
“We’re struggling right now trying to get over stuff,” said Yorkville coach John Holakovsky, who was missing two other reserves with the flu.
Oswego East coach Ryan Velasquez also understands the struggles his young players are weathering.
“These guys are learning varsity basketball,” Velasquez said. “Mason’s the only who had a lot of varsity minutes last year.”
Lockett’s growing connection with Tucker was evident. Lockett hooked up with Tucker on a pass for a layup on the first basket of the game and later on a layup that turned into a 3-point play.
That was followed by a layup and a dunk in the third quarter and yet another layup in the fourth.
“I came out here and tried to give everybody the ball and show everyone our team is not just me,” Lockett said. “It’s the other guys as well.”
Oswego East’s Jacsen Tucker (2) passes the ball into the post against Yorkville during a Southwest Prairie West game in Oswego on Friday, Dec. 19, 2025. (Sean King / The Beacon-News)
On top of that, Velasquez has been pleased with Tucker’s growth.
“He’s a physical presence, tremendous athlete and a great kid,” Velasquez said. “At lower levels, though, you may be able to get away with some things you can’t at the varsity level.
“But I love how he gets on the floor for loose balls. He’s still working on some things.”
That goes for the whole team.
“I want to get more assists, not just from Lockett,” Velasquez said. “We want to get hockey assists, you know, when the passer passes to the guy who scores and also gets an assist.
“We hold the ball too much. We need to make sure we get the ball clicking on the offensive end. It doesn’t have to be a hot potato, but a few more passes makes the defense work more.”