Osbourn Park Girls Defeat Woodbridge to Win Second Straight Regional Championship

 

Osbourn Park head coach Chrissy Kelly celebrates with her team and coaching staff following their second straight regional championship. (photo via InsideNova)

Fresh off their regional semi-final win over Freedom South Riding, the lady Yellow Jackets looked to keep things rolling on the road at Woodbridge in the final. They would do just that, winning 52-42. The win extends their current streak to eighteen games and puts them at 24-1 on the season. 

The two teams would engage in a bit of a feeling out process for the better part of the opening quarter. Osbourn Park junior Alana Powell would break the ice at the 3:53 mark with a layup. Minutes later, freshman center Alex Brown would be fouled and make the shot. Junior Kori Cole would add on, going coast-to-coast and giving OP a 6-0 lead. 

With :25 left, Woodbridge senior Reina Washington got her team on the board with a long three-pointer to cut the Yellow Jackets' lead in half. The visitors would answer with a three-pointer of their own. Kori Cole found Hailey Kellogg for a three-pointer just before the quarter ended with OP up 9-3. 

Woodbridge senior Amani Melendez was held scoreless in the opening stanza, going 0-7 from the field. With 6:12 to go in the half, she'd make the most of her first trip to the free throw line by hitting both shots. Melendez finish the game with 23 points. 

The rest of the second quarter played out like a heavyweight slugfest with neither team backing down. Reina Washington would hit another deep three to cut OP's lead to a point at 9-8. 

Osbourn Park junior Kori Cole finished with a team-high 14 points. 

(photo via InsideNova)

Osbourn Park answered Woodbridge's run with one of their own as Alana Powell found Kori Cole to put their team up 14-8. Not to be outdone, Melendez hit two more free throws to knot things at 14 with just over three minutes left in the half. Powell found Cole again- this time from behind the arc- to go up 17-14. Woodbridge's Washington was scorching hot, draining her third three-pointer to tie the game at 17 with just over a minute left in the half. A free throw by Osbourn Park gave them an 18-17 lead after two quarters. 

Woodbridge would take their first lead of the night when Amani Melendez scored five straight in the opening minute. Despite the surge and raucous home crowd, the Vikings would only hold the lead for a total of a minute all game. 

Hailey Kellogg would connect with Alana Powell, but a Melendez three-point play knotted the game at 25. The Yellow Jackets would get momentum at a pivotal time via a 4-0 run, followed by a charging foul on Woodbridge. Down 31-27, the Vikings countered with a three from freshman Elawnie Wilkins. OP sophomore sharpshooter Angie Yann came into the game and immediately swooshed a three. Osbourn Park headed into the final quarter up 36-32. 

The road team got off to another stellar start to open the fourth after a three from Kellogg then a steal and layup by Powell. Woodbridge would call a timeout, down 41-33 with 6:22 to go in the game. 

Amani Melendez seemingly answered coming out of the timeout with a basket- but it was nullified when a ref called her for a charge on OP's Alex Brown. 

Yellow Jackets junior Danielle Darfour guarded Woodbridge's sensational Amani Melendez for a majority of the game.

(photo via InsideNova)

Osbourn Park junior Danielle Darfour scored her only basket to give her team a 43-33 lead. She'd also go 2-3 at the free throw line and gather 3 rebounds- but her most important contribution was her stout defense all night on Amani Melendez. Darfour constantly stayed with her and in front of her, never being close to getting in foul trouble. 

After a timeout at the 4:10 mark, Hailey Kellogg threaded the needle and found Alex Brown for a basket. Amani Melendez countered to keep her team within nine points at 47-38, but a Woodbridge turnover led to Kori Cole finding Brown to put OP up 49-38 with 1:25 left in the game. 

The rest of the game was academic with Osbourn Park hitting 5 of their final 6 free throws. Hailey Kellogg, Alex Brown and Alana Powell led the Yellow Jackets with 6 rebounds a piece. Kori Cole led the team with 14 points, 5 rebounds, 2 assists and 2 steals while going 5-6 from the charity stripe. Other double-digit scorers for the blue and yellow included Kellogg (13) and Powell (11). Another key stat would showcase Osbourn Park's offensive discipline as they only totaled 4 turnovers.

Cedar Run District Player of the Year Hailey Kellogg was one of three Yellow Jackets in double digits (13) and grabbed 6 rebounds with 2 assists and 3 steals. 

(photo via InsideNova)

I spoke to Yellow Jackets head coach Chrissy Kelly after the game. 

"It feels great. I'm exhausted, tired- but completely filled with pride for a group of kids where only one experienced this last year...and that was Hailey. To be able to handle all that comes with being in that moment, I'm just ridiculously proud."

With the win comes a whole week off for Osbourn Park, and Kelly is rewarding the team.

"I gave them the day off tomorrow. They need rest. We find out who we play, and take it literally one day at a time."

When I asked her how she would celebrate the momentous occasion, the Osbourn Park head coach put everything in perspective. 

"Not watch film. Not practice plan. Not a lot of people know, but my sister's terminally ill. Basketball season takes me away from her. I'm going to spend the weekend with my sister. If she could be here, she would be. She was a huge supporter of me growing up. She's fought the last six years and she's my inspiration."

Osbourn Park will host their first round match-up against James River Midlothian (20-3) next Friday, March 4th. James River Midlothian is coming off a 44-38 loss against Thomas Dale in the Region A championship. The loss snapped an 11-game win streak for the Rapids. The Rapids enter the state playoffs averaging 53.9 points per game. 

For more on the Osbourn Park girls, follow them on Instagram @OPHSWBB. 

Osbourn Park Girls Headed to Regional Final After Win Over Freedom SR

Chrissy Kelly continues to get the most out of her team as Osbourn Park returns to the regional final Friday night at Woodbridge. 

(photo via Pierre Cannon)

The Osbourn Park ladies continued their winning ways Wednesday night when they hosted Freedom South Riding in the regional semi-finals, outlasting the Eagles 49 to 35. It was the team's seventeenth win in a row to put the Yellow Jackets at 23-1 on the season. 

The lady Yellow Jackets have been known for their swarming defense all season, and Freedom immediately felt their presence by turning the ball over on an inbounds play. Despite the pressure, Freedom would eventually kick off the scoring with a layup by junior Grace Farrar. 

Osbourn Park junior Kori Cole would break the ice for the home team, scoring a layup while getting fouled. She would miss the free throw, a problem that plagued OP throughout the game. As a team they would finish 5-14 from the charity stripe. 

With 3:52 left in the first quarter, senior guard Hailey Kellogg would blow by the Eagles' defense and draw a foul. Soon after, junior Alana Powell would steal the ball and find senior Kacey Kelly for an easy basket. OP would have an early 8-4 lead with 2:30 to go. Sophomore Angie Yann would hit the team's first three-pointer immediately upon entering the game, bumping up the lead to 13-8. The Yellow Jackets would lead 15-10 after one quarter. 

Junior Alana Powell led OP with 10 points, 5 assists, 5 rebounds and 3 steals. 

(photo via Pierre Cannon)

OP would pick up right where they left off when junior Danielle Darfour found freshman center Alex Brown for a basket. Brown and Alana Powell would lead the Yellow Jackets with 10 points each. Powell would then find Kacey Kelly again as their team stretched the lead to 19-12, spurring a Freedom timeout. Powell would lead all players with 5 of her team's 12 assists on the night.

Hailey Kellogg took her turn at finding Kelly for a slashing layup off a fast break a minute later. Danielle Darfour left her mark on the game, completing a three-point play the hard way as OP built a twelve point lead at 26-14 with just over a minute left in the half. 

Senior Chloe Wolfe-Pullen would get in on the action, finding Kori Cole for a two points with 20 seconds to go.  OP went into the half up 28-15. 

Kacey Kelly would connect twice with Alex Brown in the third quarter to give OP a 32-19 lead. Freedom turned the ball over on their next possession, allowing for Chloe Wolfe-Pullen to dish it to Alex Brown for a bucket. Chloe would be on the receiving end of a basket just a minute later courtesy of Alana Powell. 

Junior Kori Cole would chip in 5 points, 5 rebounds and 2 steals.

(photo via Pierre Cannon)

OP would make their second three of the night once again via Angie Yann from Alana Powell to go up 30-23. Freedom did a great job at limiting open looks for OP, especially midrange jumpers. The Yellow Jackets did not make a mid-range jumper all night, scoring off a variety of layups, free throws and four three-pointers. Freedom would head into the final quarter trailing 39-25. 

Freedom would threaten to close the gap in the fourth, getting to within twelve points. OP was having none of it and broke away to a 49-31 lead via two three-pointers from Kellogg and Powell with the two alternating on the assist and shot each time. Freedom would once again turn over the ball on an inbounds play. OP would force 18 turnovers throughout the game. 

I caught up with OP head coach Chrissy Kelly after the game. 

"I'm proud with the constant effort. They really were resilient when Freedom played a tremendous game. They punched us in the face and had us stumbling, and when that happened we still had the ability to trust in each other. Every game gets harder as you move forward. Freedom read the back screens."

Kelly spoke to the team's 5-13 effort on free throws, too. 

"I preach it all the time. The reality of it is the deeper you get, free throws become a critical part of the game. We put ourselves in foul trouble by putting them in the bonus early in both halves via undisciplined defense."

Osbourn Park now heads on the road to face a stout Woodbridge Vikings squad only four days after the boys' season ended there.

"At this point, you have to win on the road. Championships are won on the road. My focus is fixing some defensive breakdowns and preparing the best way possible to play a team that has a ton of momentum like they do."

Momentum is also on OP's side as they ride a 17-game win streak with 15 by 15+ points, 14 by 20+ points and an average margin of victory of over 27 points. 

Tipoff is at 6:30 pm at Woodbridge high school. For more on the Osbourn Park ladies, follow them on Instagram @OPHSWBB. 

Osbourn Park Bested by Woodbridge in Regional Opener

Osbourn Park head coach Jeremy Coleman strategizes with his team during a timeout. 

(photo via Amber Bonner)

After an opening round loss in the Cedar Run District playoffs, Osbourn Park hoped to right the ship by beating Woodbridge in opening round regional action this past Monday. Woodbridge would "defend The Bridge" and beat OP in a close game, 47-45. 

Both teams would start the feeling out process for the first few minutes with Woodbridge up one basket, 8-6. They'd jet out to a 15-8 lead thanks to a 7-2 run. Junior big man Cam Portis would be called for two early fouls and sit out the rest of the quarter. 

OP would call a timeout after a three-pointer by Vikings sophomore forward Riley Jacobs. Woodbridge would lead 16-11 after the first quarter. 

Osbourn Park would draw first blood in the second quarter with a layup by senior guard Logan Dwyer. Junior Yellow Jackets center Josh Okuadido would pick up his second foul with 5:44 left in the half. Freshman forward RJ Jones would knock down a three via a Tay Faison assist to get within a point, 19-18.  

Senior guard Logan Dwyer led OP with 16 points in his final game as a Yellow Jacket. 

(photo via Amber Bonner)

Moments later, sophomore guard Trey Terrell would rise up for a beautifully-timed block on a Woodbridge center. Unfortunately for the OP faithful, a referee would deem it a foul and award the Vikings two free throws. Woodbridge would have possession and turn the ball over on a travel. Osbourn Park would take advantage immediately when Trey Terrell was fouled, putting his team in the bonus. He'd knock down both free throws to knot the game at 20 a piece. 

Vikings senior guard Monte Gabriel would put his team ahead with a layup at 22-20. Woodbridge would go into the half up 24-20. 

The Vikings would kick off the second half on a 6-2 run. Logan Dwyer would find Tay Faison with a great pass down the court for a three-pointer to get their team within five points at 32-27. A few plays later, RJ Jones would find senior Daniel Salguero for a three of his own. Salguero would reward Jones a minute later after stealing the ball to tie the game at 34. He found Jones one more time with 20 seconds left in the quarter as Osbourn Park carried a 36-34 lead into the fourth quarter. 

Junior center Joshua Okuadido with a key block late in the game. He'd finish with 6 points, 10 rebounds and 2 blocks. (photo via Amber Bonner)

Woodbridge would once again start the fourth quarter on another run (this time 6-0) to go up 40-36. Osbourn Park called a timeout with 6:46 left in the game. Two minutes later, Trey Terrell found Josh Okuadido for a bucket off a stellar pass inside to tie the game at 42. Logan Dwyer would hit a jumper to take the lead, but senior Vikings guard Brian Jackson would answer with a three-pointer to put the home team up, 45-44 with 3:23 to go in the game. 

Josh Okuadido would tie the game at 45 with a free throw. He'd then steal the ball and find Tay Faison who was called for an untimely charge. With 1:25 left in the game, Osbourn Park took a timeout to regroup. Coming out of the timeout, Osbourn Park would have a lengthy possession, not attacking until there were under 25 seconds to go in the game. 

Woodbridge senior point guard Malik Hunter would poke the ball out of bounds, giving OP another possession with 18 seconds to go. OP would find RJ at the three-point line. His miss would go long and ignite a Woodbridge fastbreak. Senior guard Michael Cooper would find himself with the ball and an open layup to put his team ahead 47-45 with 2.1 left in the game. OP would come out of a timeout and hope for a miracle. Tay Faison caught the inbounds pass and launched it from three-quarters court to no avail, as Woodbridge would win and move on to the next round of regionals versus Battlefield. 

I caught up with an emotional Logan Dwyer after the game, his final one in a Yellow Jackets uniform. Dwyer finished the game with a team-high 16 points on 6-10 shooting (2-4 from 3). 

"I felt like we played a really solid game and had great energy the whole game. We made some mistakes but we didn’t get down about it and kept going. I hate how it ended but I know that we have it our all. I was happy with how I played. I felt like it was the perfect way to go out. It was one of my best shooting nights and just overall decision-making. I wish I could have that feeling every time I play."

Finally I asked Logan about this being the final chapter in his Osbourn Park basketball career.

"Basketball has been a huge part of my life for so long and knowing that this was my last season was hard. I gave it my all and hoped for the best and while it didn’t end the way I wanted it to, I was happy to have such a great experience playing the sport that I love. I will always miss playing basketball at the high school level but I know the memories will always be with me. Basketball will never truly be gone from my life."

I also was able to get Osbourn Park head coach Jeremy Coleman's thoughts on the game.

"Their effort tonight was astounding. They executed the game plan. Zone was uncomfortable for them- but it gave us an opportunity to be there in the end. I trusted who I had in the game. RJ had a good look at the basket, it just didn’t fall. I’m proud of the defensive effort after the missed bucket and our hustle back."

I then asked about losing the senior trio of Logan Dwyer, Daniel Salguero and Malcolm Bilal. 

"Logan was a four-year varsity starter. His high IQ and defense as a freshman is what got him on the team. He challenged the seniors that year and won. We'll definitely miss his leadership. Daniel is a great kid and only had him one year. I wish I had more time with him. He would calm our team down when things got out of control. Malcolm started off with adversity via an injury freshman year, but ever since then he always came to work and had a positive attitude no matter what."

While these recaps are never about me, I would just like to state it's been a blast covering this team this season through the highs and the lows. I've enjoyed getting to know the team, staff and players' families as well as the Prince William high school sports community as a whole. (Thank you Alex Khu!) 

I would like to thank Amber Bonner for her stellar work all season as well as Pierre Cannon who takes pics of all sports throughout Prince William County. Without them, these pieces would not come to life like they have. Lastly, I would like to thank Jeremy Coleman and Keith Lane for the opportunity to cover the team and all the coaches who made me feel welcome. 

See ya'll next season and enjoy the various high school tournaments. 

Osbourn Park basketball would like to thank their sponsors of the 2021-22 season:

USMC Memoriam - Joseph Dwyer

 

Osbourn Park Girls Defeat Patriot for Second Straight District Championship

Osbourn Park coaches and players celebrate back-to-back Cedar Run District championships.

(photo via Pierre Cannon)

Fresh off their 44-37 win over Gainesville, the Osbourn Park girls looked to attain consecutive Cedar Run district championships against Patriot on Wednesday night at home. They would come away successful, beating the Pioneers 58-36 to go 21-1 on the season. 

Patriot kicked the game off with a 4-0 start, but OP stormed back to take a 7-6 lead following a three-point play from junior Alana Powell and a three-pointer from senior Hailey Kellogg with 4:40 remaining in the quarter. The score remained low as the two teams jostled for momentum with OP leading 10-8 after one. 

Senior point guard Hailey Kellogg led OP with 19 points including five three-pointers. 

(photo via Pierre Cannon)

The Yellow Jackets would create separation immediately in the second quarter after a quick 5-0 run made the score 15-8 with just over six minutes to go in the half. Scoring came in bunches for the home team. Powell blew by the Pioneer defenders for a layup to put OP up 22-12, and a five-point surge via a jumper and three-pointer from Kellogg extended their lead to fifteen. The Osbourn Park ladies used a 19-4 second quarter to head into the half up 29-12. 

OP would refuse to let up on the gas pedal in the third quarter, using their swarming defense and hot shooting to expand their lead. OP head coach Chrissy Kelly took a timeout with 4:46 left in the third to refocus her team despite a seventeen-point lead. 

Immediately following the timeout, Hailey Kellogg hit another shot from deep. On their next two trips down the floor, she and Alana Powell traded assists and three pointers to open up the game to 42-16 with just over three minutes to go in the third quarter. 

Junior guard Alana Powell was second in scoring with 14 points and led the Yellow Jackets with 4 assists.

(photo via Pierre Cannon)

The two scoring dynamos combined for 33 points. Kellogg would finish 7-11 (5-8 from beyond the arc) for a game-high 19 points with 3 rebounds, 2 assists and 4 steals. Kellogg was also named Cedar Run District Player of the Year on Friday. 

Powell would tally 14 points, going 5-11 (2-3 3P) from the field with 2 rebounds, a team-high 4 assists and 2 steals. 

They'd head into the final period up 44-19. Patriot had their most competitive quarter in the fourth, outscoring OP 17-14. They were led by junior Addisyn Banks with 12 points. OP sophomore guard Angelina Yann would cap off the Yellow Jackets shooting from deep with a beautiful high-arcing three to put her team up 27. 

Osbourn Park used their trademark defense to the tune of 16 steals, forcing 21 Patriot turnovers. They'd also finish the game going 8-13 (61%) from beyond the arc. Freshman center Alex Brown had a team-high 11 rebounds with 6 off the offensive glass.

Under Chrissy Kelly, Osbourn Park has won the Cedar Run district championship four out of the last five seasons.  

(photo via Pierre Cannon)

I caught up with Chrissy Kelly after the game as she reflected on winning Osbourn Park's second straight district championship. 

"This is a big one. This is a group that really had to make a decision after losing the amount of kids we did coming into the season. This group had zero experience in regards to being in this moment. For them to rise to the occasion, I'm just extremely proud. I love this group. They're just a really great group of kids."

On the horizon for Osbourn Park stands a first round regional playoff game against Forest Park on Monday night at 6:30 pm at home. 

"One day at a time. We have to work on tomorrow. We have to get Alana's ankle healthy. We just have to keep working on the little things that keep you playing for a long period of time."

For more on the lady Yellow Jackets, follow them on Twitter @GirlsOPHS and Instagram @OPHSWBB. 

Osbourn Park Avenges Loss Versus Unity Reed in Opening Round

Osbourn Park used homecourt advantage to beat Unity Reed in opening round action on Thursday night.

(photo via Amber Bonner)

Osbourn Park's regular season ended on a sour note last Monday when they lost to Unity Reed, 79-68. They looked to right the ship Thursday in opening round playoff action and did just that, winning 69-56 at home.

Jeremy Coleman's Yellow Jackets were aggressive from the start. Not even thirty seconds in, senior guard Logan Dwyer completed a three-point play. Dwyer would later find freshman guard RJ Jones  for a three-pointer to put OP ahead 11-2, forcing a Unity Reed timeout with 3:32 left in the first quarter. 

Osbourn Park's home crowd brought the energy all night long, including support from the the 19-1 girl's team. 

(photos via Amber Bonner)

Sophomore guard Tay Faison returned after a one game absence and was a factor all night for Osbourn Park on both sides of the ball. Unfortunately for OP fans, he'd collect a technical foul early on after an interaction with a Unity Reed player. Senior Lions guard Sean Scott would hit both free throws to make it 11-4. Unity Reed's first eight points would all be off free throws. 

With just over a minute to go, senior guard Daniel Salguero would find freshman guard Jalen Proctor for a three-pointer to go ahead 18-10. The quarter would end with the home team in control, up 20-10.

Proctor would return the favor early in the second quarter when he assisted on a Salguero three. Junior center Josh Okuadido would build off that momentum with a baseline dunk to push the lead to 25-12. Unity Reed would burn another timeout. 

Things would not improve for the Lions as Logan Dwyer timed his steal perfectly off an errant pass, dashing to the other end for two points and giving OP a 15 point lead, 27-12. OP's three-point barrage would continue via Proctor and Salguero to give the Yellow Jackets a 20 point lead at 36-16. They'd shoot 8-17 (47%) from beyond the arc. 

Ball movement was a key ingredient all night long, a great display being when Salguero stole the ball, passed to junior big man Cam Portis who found Logan Dwyer for a layup giving OP a 22 point lead. Dwyer realized the significance heading into the night, and even more after the win. 

"I thought we came out with great energy and maintained it throughout the game. We played a great team game with lots of people scoring. Overall it was a great way to start off the playoffs and even sweeter as a senior because I want to leave the program right and I think we are on the path to do that." Dwyer would also lead OP in assists with 6. 

Those Logan mentioned scoring included himself (11) and four other players in double figures: Tay Faison (11), Daniel Salguero (10), Okuadido (17), Proctor (10). 

Portis would pick up his second foul when he'd collide with Sean Scott later in the half. Scott would stay down and come out of the game, but gather himself to return soon after. Osbourn Park would go into the half up 41-23. 

The Yellow Jackets would have five players score in double digits: Josh Okuadido, Logan Dwyer, Tay Faison, Daniel Salguero and Jalen Proctor. (photos via Amber Bonner)

OP would find more success early in the third and extend the game to their largest lead of the night of 24 points at 52-28 following two Josh Okuadido free-throws. OP would take advantage of the charity stripe, shooting 11-14 (78%) on the night. 

They would then hit their roughest stretch of the night as Unity Reed went on an impressive 15-3 run to get within 12 points at 55-43 following a jumper from Sean Scott and a three-pointer from junior forward Charles Pargo. Yellow Jackets head coach Jeremy Coleman would call a timeout with 3:54 left in the game. 

Immediately after the timeout, sophomore guard Trey Terrell would pass it to Tay Faison who connected with Okuadido for another dunk. Okuadido would have a double-double that included 17 points and 10 rebounds. He'd go 5-7 from the free throw line and have a season-high 6 blocks. He'd dazzle on the baseline all night long with a variety of dunks and even a reverse layup for good measure. I spoke to Okuadido after the game. 

"Our loss against Unity Reed shouldn't have happened. We had to set the record straight when we came out to play them. I've been putting in more work on my movement on offense and it's been paying off in recent games."

He continued, "I want us to have the same energy tonight on Monday when we face Patriot and do our thing."

Josh Okuadido led the Yellow Jackets with 17 points, 10 rebounds and 6 blocks. 

(photos via Amber Bonner)

I caught up with head coach Jeremy Coleman after the game. 

"Tonight we came out with lots of energy and were determined to limit their open looks. We knew we'd have to rebound the ball well. Josh was tremendous in leading the effort in all facets of the game. Cam Portis also provided solid defense. Jalen Proctor hit some key long balls off the bench, too. This is a great victory for these young men and the program and I'm proud to be their coach."

Osbourn Park gets a few days off prior to their semi-finals matchup versus 20-0 Patriot on the Pioneers court. They are 0-2 against them on the season, last playing on January 24th. Tipoff is at 7 pm. 

For more on Osbourn Park basketball, keep it tuned here and follow them on Twitter @OPJackethoops. 

Osbourn Park would like to thank their sponsors for the 2021-2022 season: 

USMC Memoriam - Joseph Dwyer

Buzzworthy: Tavyahn Faison

(photo via Amber Bonner)

Osbourn Park recently wrapped up their regular season, securing home court in the first round of the playoffs versus Unity Reed Thursday night at 6 pm. Take a look at a big piece to the puzzle this season for the Yellow Jackets- sophomore guard Tavyahn Faison.

1. When did you become interested in basketball? 

I started playing basketball at the age of three in Oxon Hill.

2. Do you or have you played any other sports? 

Of course. I played football until I was 12 or 13. I also played soccer and tee ball when I was younger.

3. Players you follow or influence the way you play? 

Sharife Cooper and Kyrie Irving

4. You can certainly score the ball, but you're also a very good defender. What do you credit that to? 

Knowing that defense wins games. Playing defense is the easiest thing to do on the court.

5. How would you discuss the team's energy in general? 

We have good days and bad days, but I look at my team as a brotherhood and what matters most is that we keep working hard together as a team.

6. What do you see as your role this season? 

I'm the piece of the puzzle here to encourage my brothers to play at their highest potential individually and as a team. I'm big on assists to make sure everyone is included. Basically, when they score I score and we're playing as a team. MBK (My Brother's Keeper)..something my dad has always instilled in my heart and I will forever live by, on and off of the court.

7. What does it mean to you to be a sophomore on varsity? 

It means that my hard work is paying off. I train with the best in the area (Chauncey Beckett - MVM), constantly study film and clips, and play competitive basketball with the VA Legends during my off-season.

8. Goals before the season started? And have they changed at all? 

A personal goal for me was to be the top defender in the area. I believe that I have proven that I can defend and shut down the best of them this season. 

9. What would success be for this year's Yellow Jackets? 

I believe we have already succeeded when you compare our record from this season to last season. For this season, the greatest success would be bringing the championship home to Osbourn Park.

10. Switching gears- favorite class and why? 

PE. Because I can run around and ball and not think about additional stress. While I'm learning, I still get to wind down.

11. Least favorite class? 

Spanish

12. What were your goals in the classroom heading into the school year and have they changed since? 

Coming from a very tough year of virtual learning, my main goal was and is to try to stay focused and do the best I can.

13. Any hobbies/talents outside of basketball? 

I really enjoy fishing and going to the Outer Banks in North Carolina. It's so peaceful.

14. Favorite pre-game meal? 

Chick-Fil-A. Two chicken sandwiches and an eight count nugget meal.

15. How do you stay sharp when not practicing with the team? 

I either go train with my trainer (Chauncey) or I find a basketball court to put in some work with my dad and my boys.

16. Thoughts on the team's record this season? 

A lot of the games we lost, we shouldn't have. The coaches and players have been learning together to adjust. 

17. Favorite moment so far this season? 

That feeling of getting my first in-game dunk at the NZone.

18. What was your mindset heading into the recent stretch of four games in four days? 

Take it one game at a time, work in the moment and be the best on the court. Get plenty of rest and try to stay hydrated.

Osbourn Park would like to thank their sponsors for the 2021-2022 season:

USMC Memoriam - Joseph Dwyer

Osbourn Park Loses to Unity Reed in Regular Season Finale

Osbourn Park gathers right before tipoff. 

(photo via Amber Bonner)

Coming off two road wins in a row against and Unity Reed and Osbourn, the Yellow Jackets looked to make it three in a row in their final regular season game against Unity Reed- this time at home. Unity Reed would not be lion lying down for OP and won, 79-68. 

Unity Reed jumped out to a quick 13-3 lead forcing Osbourn Park head coach Jeremy Coleman to burn a timeout early. The Yellow Jackets would rally behind a trio of three-point shots- two from freshman guard Jalen Proctor and one by senior big man Malcolm Bilal. Unity Reed would be in firm control after one quarter, 20-12. 

Sophomore Trey Terrell led OP with 20 points. 

(photo via Amber Bonner)

A three pointer by Lions senior guard Sean Scott would give his team a 14 point lead in the second quarter at 31-17. OP sophomore guard Trey Terrell would soon after get a steal and a layup. Unfortunately for the home team, they were never able to build off positive plays for a majority of the night. Terrell would lead all OP scorers with 20 points adding in 5 steals, 3 assists and a rebound. 

Senior guard Logan Dwyer would try a layup, but get fouled by Unity Reed junior Armond Kenbeng. Kenbeng would be caught by officials staring down Dwyer and earn himself a technical foul on top of the personal foul. Trey Terrell would make both technical free throws to bring OP within 8 points at 31-23.

Osbourn Park freshman guard RJ Jones would be called for a charge with his team down 37-25, but on their next possession Dwyer would find senior center Cam Portis for a bucket to pull within ten points at 37-27. Portis would finish the game with 11 points, 9 rebounds (6 offensive), 2 blocks and 2 steals. 

Junior Cam Portis had one of his best games of the season with 11 points, 9 rebounds, 2 steals and 2 blocks. 

(photo via Amber Bonner)

Lions junior forward Charles Pargo would nail a three-pointer to extend the lead to 42-27 just as the half ended. Unity Reed would be hot all night and finish with 13 three-pointers made. 

The Yellow Jackets biggest run of the night would come in the third quarter when they scored 13 unanswered points to get the score within a basket. During that run junior Josh Okuadido would finish a three-point play, Cam Portis would hit two free throws and Trey Terrell would get another steal and easy layup. 

Despite that run for the home team, Unity Reed would get back to their hot streak from beyond the arc while also using the offensive glass to get easy second chance baskets. Pargo would drain another three but was countered by OP senior Daniel Salguero's three-point play to end the quarter. The Lions would be up 58-45 after three. 

Unity Reed closed out the fourth strong with more three's from Pargo and junior forward Malachi Smith. A three-point play by Sean Scott put them up 70-53. The closest OP would get was within ten points after a 7-0 run to 70-60. 

Osbourn Park will be hosting the first round of the playoffs Thursday night at 6 pm against Unity Reed. It will be the teams' third matchup in four games. 

For more on Osbourn Park basketball, keep it tuned here and follow them on Twitter @OPJackethoops.

Osbourn Park basketball would like to thank their sponsors for the 2021-2022 season:  

USMC Memoriam - Joseph Dwyer

Osbourn Park Beats Osbourn For Second Straight Win

 

Osbourn Park secured home court advantage in the first round of the playoffs with their win over Osbourn on Friday night.

(photo via Amber Bonner)

The Yellow Jackets were riding high after their road win versus Unity Reed Thursday night, looking to take that momentum into their matchup versus Osbourn on Friday. They did just that, winning the pivotal conference game 60-54. 

I immediately observed Osbourn's impressive introduction of the starting lineups, featuring the lights going out then a spotlight on the Eagles side of the court as the starters run down a gauntlet of staff/cheerleaders. Eagles fans fed off that and were a true sixth man to the team all night long. With it being Senior Night, an all senior lineup started the game for Osbourn.

The game started off in one of the most unique ways possible. OP won the tipoff when junior big man Josh Okuadido tipped it to sophomore guard Trey Terrell. Terrell collected it and looked to set up the half court offense. But before they could get into it, the Osbourn Park coaches frantically told Terrell to go towards the other basket. Terrell obliged, and ran towards it for an easy layup. After a pause in the game to discuss it, the refs counted the basket and play resumed with both teams facing their correct basket. I asked Terrell about that play after the game. 

Osbourn Park took advantage of an error on the opening tip-off. (photos via Pierre Cannon)

"At the beginning of the game I was so confused at first when everyone was telling me to run the other way until I realized what was really happening."

OP replicated Thursday's 6-0 run to open the game. Osbourn would sub in their usual starting lineup and eventually tie things at 8. The Yellow Jackets would end the quarter on a 7-2 run, highlighted by a Jalen Proctor three-pointer off one leg right before the quarter ended. Proctor would come off the bench to score 12 points on 5-6 shooting, going 2-3 from behind the arc. He'd also add two steals and a rebound. Senior guard Logan Dwyer would also have 12 points on 4-8 shooting, going 2-5 from three. Dwyer would chip in two rebounds, one assist and one steal as well. 

Freshman guard Jalen Proctor would give OP 12 points off the bench.

(photo via Amber Bonner)

Osbourn sophomore center Brandon Ahlers would nail a three pointer to get within four of OP at 17-13. Osbourn Park would call a timeout at the 5:13 mark of the second quarter, but wouldn't find much success in the next few plays with turnovers resulting in a Teyvien Barbour three-pointer and another ending in a Ahlers jumper giving Osbourn an 18-17 lead with just over four minutes left in the half. 

OP would eventually get hot from beyond the arc when senior Daniel Salguero hit one from deep off an assist from junior Cam Portis. They'd force an Eagles turnover resulting in a Logan Dwyer three via RJ Jones.  Fans would experience deja vu as Jones found Logan again from three on their next possession as OP went up 26-22. Osbourn Park would head into the half up 28-24. 

Things would start rocky in the third quarter when Barbour would steal the ball and convert a layup and additional free throw to cut the OP lead to 28-27. The talented sophomore would cap off a 17-11 run with a three to take a 44-39 lead with 2:30 left in the third quarter. Osbourn Park would answer with a Proctor layup followed by a Salguero steal and assist to Proctor. Both teams would have 46 after three quarters. 

Senior Logan Dwyer would score 12 points against Osbourn. 

(photo via Amber Bonner)

Salguero would find RJ Jones for another assist and an and-one opportunity early in the fourth quarter. Jones would be the team's third double-digit scorer with 11 points on 4-7 shooting with two assists, two steals and a perfect 3-3 from the charity stripe. 

Teyvien Barbour would go down with an ankle injury with three minutes left in the fourth quarter. He'd limp off under his own power and would eventually return a little over a minute later. He'd lead all scorers with 22 points. Senior Diego Aviles would have 17 points. 

The final stretch of the game was amplified by both crowds bringing the energy all night long. OP would get called for palming. On their next possession they'd look for an inbounds but have to call a timeout. Coming out of the timeout, Osbourn's stifling defense forced a turnover as OP failed to get the ball inbounded. 

Osbourn would inbound the ball after a timeout but Trey Terrell would jump the pass and convert to make it 58-54. Two more free-throws from Okuadido would seal the deal for OP. Terrell would elaborate on his mindset heading into that key defensive play.

"I kept telling myself I have to run really fast if I want this steal. I just timed it perfectly. Luckily I was able to grab the ball for an easy layup."

I spoke with Osbourn Park head coach Jeremy Coleman after the game. 

"It's always tough to get a win at Osbourn. Between the band and the cheerleaders, it felt like the whole city of Manassas was here tonight. We knew we'd never stop Tey, but we had to limit his open looks. Diego was also a difference maker for them. But Trey got the steal at the end because he's a blur and big time players make big time plays. Jalen was also a force for us off the bench and provided incredibly efficient minutes."

I also asked him about having homecourt for Thursday's playoff game. 

"I can't recall the last time OP had homecourt for a playoff game. Certainly long before I got here. It's a tremendous accomplishment because playoff atmosphere is different. But before we get there, we cannot overlook Unity Reed. Rolling into the playoffs on a three game win streak would be huge."

The win brings Osbourn Park to 10-10 (6-7) on the season before their final regular season game against Unity Reed (8-13, 4-9) at home on Monday at 7:00 pm.

For more on Osbourn Park basketball, keep it tuned here and follow them on Twitter @OPJackethoops. 

Osbourn Park would like to thank their sponsors for the 2021-2022 season: 

USMC Memoriam - Joseph Dwyer