Junior center/power forward Braden Dillon understands basketball can be a hard-knock life for Aurora Central Catholic — figuratively and literally.
The stocky 6-foot-3 Dillon has experienced both with the Chargers, who have already improved upon their four-win season from a year ago but still find themselves in an uphill battle.
“We were younger last year, mostly freshmen and sophomores with one junior and two seniors,” Dillon said. “We’re used to playing kids older than us. We don’t really care.
“We’ll still take it at them and show our best effort.”
Dillon, who normally starts, came off the bench Saturday and gave ACC a spark in his first action since missing six games while in concussion protocol.
In the nightcap of the second annual Jeremy Izzo Shootout, Dillon scored a team-high 15 points for the Chargers in a 69-52 loss to Joliet Catholic. The event is hosted by the school to honor the memory of the late brother of ACC coach Josh Izzo while raising awareness of Marfan syndrome.
Aurora Central Catholic’s Braden Dillon (40) calls for his teammate to cut toward the basket against Joliet Catholic during a Jeremy Izzo Shootout game in Aurora on Saturday, Jan. 3, 2026. (Jeremy Toney / The Beacon-News)
Jeremy Izzo was diagnosed with the genetic connective tissue disorder at age 14 that often affects tall, lanky athletes, ending his budding playing career. He rose to head manager at Illinois, working for coaches Lon Kruger, Bill Self and Bruce Weber before starting his coaching career on the staff of Weber’s 2005 Final Four team.
Preparing for his second year of coaching at Joliet Catholic, Jeremy Izzo collapsed at home in 2010 and died at age 29, leaving a wife and infant daughter.
“I’ve always wanted to honor how he lived his life to the fullest,” Josh Izzo said.
Nazareth, the Izzo brothers’ alma mater, beat IC Catholic 59-35 in the opener.
Aurora Central Catholic’s Braden Dillon (40) goes up for an open layup against Joliet Catholic during a Jeremy Izzo Shootout game in Aurora on Saturday, Jan. 3, 2026. (Jeremy Toney / The Beacon-News)
“We’re still super young,” Josh Izzo said of ACC, which features one senior, 11 juniors and two sophomores who get significant playing time. “These are good games for us to be in, playing teams that we’re probably going to see down the road in Class 2A. Guys are competing.”
Dillon led the way Saturday, just missing a double-double with nine rebounds to go with two steals, one blocked shot and one assist while matched up with JCA’s Elias Passehl, a 6-8 junior center.
Eventually, Dillon fouled out in the fourth quarter for ACC (7-8).
The Hilltoppers (9-4) led 18-7 after one quarter but the Chargers responded with a 12-3 run to open the second quarter, fueled by seven points from reserve junior guard Ben Bohr, a putback from Dillon and a 3-pointer from junior guard Marcos Pena in making a game of it at 21-19.
Aurora Central Catholic’s Braden Dillon (40) reacts at free-throw line against Joliet Catholic during a Jeremy Izzo Shootout game in Aurora on Saturday, Jan. 3, 2026. (Jeremy Toney / The Beacon-News)
“It felt great going on that run,” Dillon said. “We didn’t really care how tall they were. We just wanted to fight, get rebounds, push the floor and make shots.
“I had watched film and knew (Passehl) was on the thin side and tried to use that advantage.”
Passehl finished with six points, four rebounds and three blocked shots, but senior Jayden Armstrong came through with 21 points to lead three guards in double figures for Joliet Catholic.
Pena and Bohr ended up with 10 points apiece.
“I know they want to do well,” Josh Izzo said. “It’s the slow starts that get us. Right away, we’re down 10 and we have to fight to get back.”
Aurora Central Catholic’s Braden Dillon (40) finishes off a strong post move against Joliet Catholic during a Jeremy Izzo Shootout game in Aurora on Saturday, Jan.3, 2026. (Jeremy Toney / The Beacon-News)
After winning the Elmwood Park Thanksgiving title and five of their first six games, the Chargers have gone 2-7 in their next nine games.
Dillon feels the team needs to continue to build confidence, especially on offense.
“In my opinion, our offense leads to our defensive flair, helps us play harder,” he said.
The Chargers won’t quit, according to their coach.
“They have heart and understand the expectations,” Josh Izzo said. “We’re the epitome of a .500 team. We’re looking for that one win that finally says, ‘OK, we can play ball with them.’
“Just one of those wins against a team we’re not supposed to beat.”
