As a sophomore late last season, Oswego East’s Dshaun Bolden got a taste of varsity experience that served to whet his appetite. And now, the 6-foot-5 junior wing is feasting on the competition.
He has bolted out of the gate this season, earning his place at the table.
“I got a little time in three or four games and was with the team at the regional,” Bolden said. “With great coaches, a great organization and great players last year, I just knew I had to get better, be consistent and work hard.
“It made me realize I had to earn more minutes.”
Bolden continued to make the most of his opportunity Tuesday night, scoring a game-high 25 points to go with 10 rebounds in a 75-62 win over Romeoville in a Southwest Prairie Conference crossover.
Senior guard Mason Lockett IV, a DePaul recruit and the lone returning starter for the Wolves, added 21 points and five assists for host Oswego East (6-0, 3-0).
Oswego East’s Dshaun Bolden (24) shoots a free throw against Romeoville during a Southwest Prairie Conference crossover game in Oswego on Tuesday, Dec. 9, 2025. (Sean King / The Beacon-News)
Bolden, meanwhile, learned the ropes in the Wolves’ summer program and expanded his game playing AAU. He entered Tuesday leading the team by averaging 21 points and 8.4 rebounds.
“He’s a phenomenal young man,” Oswego East coach Ryan Velasquez said of Bolden. “He understands what it takes to get it done in the classroom. He goes about his business in a workmanlike manner.
“He comes in ready to practice and is a good person ready to compete his tail off when he gets between those lines. He does that day in and day out.”
Sophomore guard Deon Grant and junior guard Jamarri Fears kept things interesting for Romeoville (3-3, 1-2) early when Oswego East threatened to pull away with ease.
Oswego East’s Dshaun Bolden (24) drives to the basket against Romeoville’s Keilan Winfield (14) during a Southwest Prairie Conference crossover game in Oswego on Tuesday, Dec. 9, 2025. (Sean King / The Beacon-News)
The Wolves led by as many as 14 points midway through the second but the Spartans cut the halftime deficit to 41-35 by making seven 3-pointers in the quarter.
“We knew they could shoot but not like that,” Lockett said. “There were some long rebounds and we weren’t boxing out like we should.”
Bolden led the way in the third quarter with seven points and four rebounds as Oswego East extended its lead back to a comfortable 57-47 entering the fourth.
“We have to clean up some things,” Velasquez said. “I can’t wait for practice. I think Mason did a really good job. Sometimes, we need him to facilitate. Sometimes, we need him to score.
Oswego East’s Dshaun Bolden (24) lays the ball in against Romeoville’s Daylyn Porter (1) during a Southwest Prairie Conference crossover game in Oswego on Tuesday, Dec. 9, 2025. (Sean King / The Beacon-News)
“He’s not going to think, ‘It’s all on me.’ He has guys around him and he knows how to make them better. That’s what I love about him.”
Also promoted with Bolden was 6-5 classmate Jacsen Tucker, who now joins him in the starting lineup. Joshua Ankumah-Saikoom, another 6-5 junior forward/center, gives the Wolves a formidable front line.
“I don’t think a lot of people really knew about Dshaun and Jacsen,” Lockett said. “I don’t think they knew what they bring to the table. I think we’re going to shock a lot of people.”
Bolden, whose mother Nashunda played Division I basketball at Howard, has big goals as well.
Oswego East’s Dshaun Bolden (24) drives to the basket against Romeoville’s Keilan Winfield during a Southwest Prairie Conference crossover game in Oswego on Tuesday, Dec. 9, 2025. (Sean King / The Beacon-News)
“I know for me the main thing is being consistent like with everything I do in school,” Bolden said. “Just maintain the habits I have and anything is possible.
“I like to think I bring whatever the team needs to the game. I want to make an impact with rebounds and assists along with scoring. That’s what we get from a great leader like Mason.”
The ceiling for Bolden is very high, according to Velasquez.
“He’s still learning — the kid is so raw he’s barely scratching the surface,” Velasquez said. “I’m lucky to be able to coach him and he takes coaching really well.
“That doesn’t always happen, but he understands how to be coached.”
https://www.chicagotribune.com/2025/12/09/dshaun-bolden-oswego-east-romeoville-ihsa-boys-basketball/
