HS BASKETBALL SUPER SENIOR: McKenzie’s Oglesby has goals set high
McKENZIE – The boys’ basketball teams from District 13-A took a big step forward last year as two reached the Region 7-A semifinals, when there have been years in recent history when 13-A was swept in the quarterfinals.
One of those teams was McKenzie after the Rebels won the District 13-A championship. McKenzie is led by senior guard Breshaun Oglesby.
“Last year motivates us a lot,’ Oglesby said. “Last year, we had to prove ourselves, and now we have confidence going into the season. Everyone has gotten better over the summer.”
For Oglesby, the sport of basketball has grown in McKenzie over the last couple of years, and that has helped the team.
“Before Coach [John] Wilkins, we were not a basketball town,” Oglesby said. “We have now had two 20-win seasons, and he has instilled in us that we can compete with the better teams in West Tennessee.”
Oglesby averaged 13.6 points and 3.7 rebounds last season as a junior. But he is not satisfied at that level.
“I have worked on my explosiveness and getting to the rim,” Oglesby said. “I am a student of the game, and I want to beat people physically and mentally.”
McKenzie coach John Wilkins said Oglesby leads by example.
“Breshaun is an unquestioned leader, and he does it with his actions more than words,” Wilkins said. “He is first in the gym to run sprints. He is in the gym before school, and some of the other guys have joined him. He puts in the time and works on his craft.
“He plays great defense, as he leads us in rebounding, and he has the ability to score the ball. He is well-rounded and does about everything for us.”
For Oglesby, there is no need to set goals low, he would rather set them and strive to be the best.
“Last year was a big step, but unless we reach Murfreesboro, it would be a failure in my opinion this season,” he said.
The smaller goals are important too.
“We most definitely want to win our district and win the region, but our main goal is getting to state,” Oglesby said.
The future is unknown right now for Oglesby as he decides if playing basketball in college is right for him.
“I am still going back and forth,” he said. “Right now I am focused on this season. After it is over, I will sit down with Coach [Wilkins] and look at my options.”
Michael Odom, 425-9754
Continuing series
This is the 11th in a series of 18 where we will highlight the top nine boys and nine girls that will be seniors heading into the upcoming high school basketball season. The series will alternate between male and female and go in alphabetical order.