Osbourn Reflects On Another Great Season

Osbourn High School's boys basketball team entered the season this year with extremely high expectations. Not only were the Eagles' players and coaches confident they could compete for a state title, but so were the fans.

After all, this year all five of the team's starters, along with the sixth man, were seniors.

The Eagles won the first few games of the regular season without playing their best basketball, as some of the guys were still getting into basketball shape following football season. As the season progressed, the boys continued to play better and better. It was one of the most balanced basketball teams to ever play in the area.

It seemed as though a different player was the leading scorer in each game for the Eagles. It was also routine to see four, or even all five, of the starters score in double figures. Offense was not the only major strength for this Osbourn team; they were a great defensive team that created many turnovers and used their speed and athleticism to wear opponents down.

Osbourn point guard Cedrick Delaney was one of the best in the area at his position. With his extraordinary speed and quickness, Delaney could slash to the basket with the best of them. It became normal to see Delaney pull down a defensive rebound and dribble past everyone on the court for an easy lay-up at the other end. He also displayed very good passing skills and played solid defense for the Eagles.

Shooting guard Jay Lane was one of the best all around players in the area as he was strong in every aspect of the game. Lane played exceptional defense to go along with one of the sweetest left-handed jump shots in the state. He definitely left his mark on Osbourn's basketball program as he became a member of the 1,000 point club.

Robert Carter played on the opposite side of Lane and he possessed a very versatile game as well. Carter could get hot and take over a game, scoring at will against any defender. He was a player that had the killer instinct needed to put the team on his shoulders in tough situations. Carter also became a member of the 1,000 point club this season.

Corey Bedford is a player that took on multiple roles this season. There were times when Bedford played in the paint as a big man and there were times when he played on the perimeter as a guard. He possesses a very complete game with the ability to knock down long jumpers while also being strong enough to back defenders down on the low block. He was a very good rebounder for the Eagles and one of the best at running the floor.

Raphael Edwards took on the role of the "big man" this year as he took over for fellow senior Jahaan Roberson who suffered a knee injury. Edwards stepped up in Roberson's absence and routinely put up double-doubles for his team. He showed he is capable of scoring in the paint while also showing off his solid rebounding skills. Roberson also had a great career before going out with the injury. He possesses a skill set that will hopefully allow him to play at the next level once he is healthy.

Landon Dufrene is the final senior on the team. Dufrene was the sixth man for the Eagles this year, and was vital to their success. When he was on the floor, he played harder than anyone and it showed. His hustle, tenacity and will to help his team succeed shined through during his high school career. He was a great defender, very good rebounder, and had his fair share of hot streaks offensively.

The six seniors have all left an everlasting mark on Osbourn's basketball program. These seniors have many positive experiences to look back on as they made it to the state tournament in consecutive years. It was a group of guys that really put Osbourn High School on the map when it comes to basketball.

The younger Osbourn players know they have big shoes to fill in the years to come. There is plenty of young talent coming up,  but only time will show if the returning players will be able to carry on the everlasting legacy left behind by these six seniors.