The Delta Eagles are where they want to be. 

In their last seven games, they are 6-1. That includes two sectional wins. In the first-round, they defeated Centerville (8-14) and in the second, Hamilton Heights (8-15) was no match for them.

One player that has stood out during this stretch is junior Jackson Wors. He led the Eagles with a career-high 27 points in their first-round win Tuesday over the Bulldogs. Head coach Mark Detweiler spoke about the performance the next day.

“He’s had some really good games for us, you know, and again, he just got free last night,” Detweiler said. “I thought he just worked extremely hard. And you know, his effort to get open last night was really good, but you know, I'm not surprised by it because you know, he's just a tough kid and he plays with poise. Never gets rattled.”

But one thing that some might not know is that he has to wear a brace around his right shoulder during games and practices. 

Over the summer, Wors dislocated his shoulder. 

During the Eagles’ (16-9) third game of the season Dec. 12 against Wabash (16-6), he did it again. 

This time, he tore his labrum. The worst part: it’s his shooting arm.

“Sometimes, it hurts really bad, he said. “Other times it's just really gross. It will slide in and out a bunch.” 

After seeing a surgeon in Cleveland, his parents left the decision up to him.

“I thought about it a lot, Wors said. “Being around my teammates and being able to play basketball is a luxury that a lot of people don’t get to have.”

Even with the pain, Detweiler believes that Wors has made the best of the situation.

“It's been aggravating for him,” Detweiler said. “He's dealt with a lot of pain but he's a tough kid. He will never let you know if he’s in any pain.”

Wors has still found ways to contribute to the team. After Monday’s and Friday’s sectional wins, he now leads the team in points per game with 13.7. He also has the best field goal percentage (57%) and is second in rebound per game (4.0). Detweiler believes the injury has helped and will continue to improve his game.

“The end result is, you know, his left hand is much better,” he said. “I think he's gonna come back next year, and he's gonna finish so much better with both hands. In the long run. It might serve him well as a senior because his ability to finish with his left hand right now is tremendous.”

But it is not just Deweiler who appreciates his efforts. His teammates are aware of what he’s gone through for them.

“He's been doing it all year,” junior Jayden Furney said. “He's there for us and that's what's been helping us throughout the year.”

Saturday, the Eagles return to New Castle Fieldhouse yet again as they play in the championship game against the hosting Trojans (14-11). The game begins at 7:30 p.m.

Contact Zach Carter with comments at zachary.carter@bsu.edu or on Twitter @ZachCarter85.

Share