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Animated Oshodi energizes Central

Tuesday, March, 11 By David Willis
Staff writer

BOSTON | Central Catholic star guard Billy Marsden grinned widely at the mention of teammate KB Oshodi.

"I love that kid," said the junior. "All he does is bring high energy and intensity to the team whether it's a game or practice. He can shoot and he's athletic. He's just the best."

Last night, Boston College High School did not share the same positive feeling about him.

The senior sparkplug came off the bench with his blazing speed and aggressiveness worthy of an NFL free safety to torture BC High and give his Raiders the energy they needed to pull off the 54-44 victory.

"I said it on the first day of practice," Oshodi said. "My job is to energize the team. I'm not the top scorer and I'm not going to block shots. But my job is to get the team to play better."

Oshodi did just that. His relentless pressure on the Eagles guards, who were a bit shaky throughout, caused countless turnovers that led to Central points at the other end.

"He is always in the opponents' faces screaming and shouting," said Marsden. "It definitely demoralizes the other team. They don't want KB on them."

Oshodi's defense was impressive enough to draw attention from the crowd. The Central Crazies chanted his name just before the start of the fourth quarter, which he answered with a smirk.

"KB never knows when his time is going to come," said Raiders coach Rick Nault. "He played a long stretch in the second half and made the most of hit. He effects guys and just disrupts what they want to do."

That has been the reputation for the stellar sub, who is averaging 5.1 points a game this season. Chase the defender with the speed that made him a two-time Eagle-Tribune All-Star in soccer and the area's top triple-jumper with a 43-11<1/2> last year. Then outwit them with the mind that made him the senior class president.

"KB is one of the most enthusiastic and energetic players I have every played with," said senior forward Adrian Gonzalez. "He's always positive. When guys are getting down, he goes over and says, 'Hey, head up.' He's athletic and provides the spark we really need."

The 6-foot-2, 175-pounder also found time to block a shot, grab a rebound, score four points and run the point while starter Wilfredo Pagan was on the bench.

"He knows his No. 1 priority is to get things done on defense and he takes a lot of pride in that," said Nault. "With him and Wilfredo out there, it's impossible for the other team to set things up. Tonight he played a huge role for us."

Marsden also made sure to chip in with one other key thing about his friend.

"He is probably the funniest guy ever," he said. "He is always laughing and joking. It helps the team out a lot."

Conceded Oshodi, "I'm a bit of a character."

Additional stories:

• Power surge: Central heats up late, wins EMass. title
• Desrosiers proves himself against the best
• A defensive dissection of the defending champs