Larkin’s Yesenia Escobar has been on varsity for four seasons and a starter for three.
But when longtime boys coach Deryn Carter took over the girls basketball program this season, he felt there was more to unlock in Escobar’s game and made his expectations to her clear.
Carter told the senior guard that he needed her to be an all-conference player for the Royals, something that initially surprised Escobar. Over time, though, that’s exactly what has happened.
“His confidence has grown mine,” Escobar said. “I feel like I’ve grown as a player and really expanded my game, not just shooting, but driving. It feels really great, especially after last season.
“We had a couple injuries, so coming into this season with a new opportunity, it feels good.”
Escobar was better than good Thursday night, putting on an epic senior night performance with a game-high 22 points for host Larkin in a 59-31 Upstate Eight West victory over West Aurora.
Stepping up to be the second scoring option to Chicago State-bound senior guard Mia Carter, Escobar shot 6 of 6 from 3-point range in the first half as Larkin (17-9, 10-2) pulled away early.
Kenira Johnson and Mackenzie Wemken added eight points apiece for the Royals. Aniyah Stewart paced West Aurora (7-16, 4-7) with nine points.
When one of Escobar’s first 3-pointers hit the rim, bounced 10 feet into the air and still found the net, it was obviously going to be her night Thursday.
“She can get it going, man,” Deryn Carter said of Escobar. “She can make some shots for us. She just adds such an element for us.”
The blistering-hot first half caught Escobar off guard.
“It felt really good,” Escobar said. “I surprised myself because in warmups none of my shots were falling. When it happened in the game, I was like, ‘OK.’”
Five of her 3-pointers came while Larkin built a 23-6 lead in the second quarter. An 18-1 run put the game away.
Escobar and Mia Carter have played together since fifth grade. Mia knew this would be possible.
“I feel like we tried to instill as much confidence in her as possible,” Mia Carter said. “I feel like that also came from her within. She started gaining more confidence as well.
“I played with her for years. I like to say I knew it was in her all along.”
Mia Carter is the playmaker and focal point for the Royals. One of the program’s all-time greats, she has helped Escobar reach her potential as well.
Carter’s ability to draw defensive attention her way and her court vision and willingness to create for teammates have helped Escobar shine.
“I don’t know if it’s our Junior Royals chemistry or what,” Escobar said. “I love playing with Mia. She always finds away to get us open. I don’t know. This season, our chemistry has grown a lot.”
Carter has a bond with the whole team. She only attempted two shots Thursday and was held scoreless, but it was for a reason on senior night — illustrating her style of leadership.
Carter dished out five assists, grabbed seven rebounds and tallied two steals.
“I feel like everybody should have an opportunity to score, not just me,” Carter said. “I know I’m going to the next level, but some of these girls, this is their last time playing basketball.
“I just figured that I would try to get everybody involved.”
Carter’s playmaking — along with the ability of Escobar and Wemken to hit from the outside — has helped the Royals reach another level.
A win Wednesday over South Elgin would give the Royals their first conference title since 1979.
“With Yesi’s ability to shoot and Mackenzie’s ability to shoot, it’s hard,” Deryn Carter said. “If we put people in the right places and Mia makes the right plays, those girls are going to get open shots.”
Paul Johnson is a freelance reporter for The Beacon-News.