Overstreet leads on and off court during season of challenge

Averaging 19.2 points per game, Jacquez Overstreet has put the Wildcat boys basketball team on his back in his senior season. Overstreet has played varsity basketball all four years of his high school career, playing his freshman year at Appleton North before moving to West as a sophomore. This year however, the season has been a little different. At one point, there was skepticism that winter sports could even be played due to COVID-19. However, compromises were made to play this season, such as a mask mandate on the court. 

“It’s definitely something that is a challenge; everyone was always spoiled with being able to play without covering our airways,” Overstreet said. “In the beginning, it was extremely hard to play with them because it was just uncomfortable and awkward.”

Beyond the pandemic, the team has had its ups and downs. They started the year off a little slow, losing their first four games. 

“The start of the year our team was very separated and nobody was comfortable with each other,” Overstreet said. “We have a very young team, but everyone works hard and pushes each other everyday. I am playing better than my junior year statistic wise, but I don't worry about my stats. I concentrate on the group as a whole and how everyone is feeling and how we are playing as a team.” 

This season, Overstreet has had to take a leadership role, being only one of three seniors on the team. Teammate and junior Ethan Shefchik appreciates his teammate’s leadership.

“Jac is a leader, not only because he has experience, but because he pushes us just as hard as he pushes himself to improve everyday,” he said. “He's constantly coaching us and talking to us as if he is our teammate but acting as a leader at the same time.”

Sophomore Alex Schlichting has also been enjoying playing with Overstreet this year, knowing that his influence affects the team very positively. 

“We definitely play together as a team,” he said. “We know that Jacquez will lead us, set us up for success, and allow us to play our game.”

The team ended up finding its groove, winning seven out of their last 11 games, including an impressive win over a highly ranked De Pere team where Overstreet made a clutch bucket and foul to give the Wildcats the win. Senior teammate Nick Pohjola recognizes how Overstreet has improved significantly over the last year.

“If an opposing team were to scout Jac, they’d say he’s THAT guy on our team,” he said. “He’s the best scorer, a great defender, and a great rebounder as well.”

Basketball demands a substantial amount of commitment. With COVID restrictions, the team wants as little chance of players getting the virus as possible, so they want players to have limited contact with people outside the program as possible. Practicing every day, as well as staying on top of school work, is a big test, but Overstreet has stepped up to the challenge. 

“Basketball for me has always been a commitment, but once we got quarantined and the pandemic started, I really began to focus on basketball,” he said. “I started working out three to four times a day, and I would do that at least five times a week. I took this offseason way more seriously than any other offseason because this is my last opportunity to get noticed by schools.”

Since his move from Appleton North, Overstreet has been grateful for support from students, teachers, family members and friends.

“The biggest difference from coming from Appleton North is definitely the fans,” he said. “At West, fans were always at the games no matter if it was a home game, or if it was a game 30 minutes away.”

Overstreet has his eyes on playing at the next level, whether that be Division 1-3, JUCO, or a prep school. He wants to improve his game and push his ceiling higher and higher, but he and his teammates have a season to finish first. 

“For the rest of the season, I just want everyone around me and everyone on the team to feel welcomed and feel like they are improving as a basketball player,” he said. “I hope everyone on the team has a great season and continues to play next year and keep the same end goal in their minds.”

By Drew Lasky

January 29th, 2021

Oshkosh West Index Volume 117 Index 4