By Jeremy McDonald

jeremymcdonald73@gmail.com

STAYTON, Ore.–  Jace Aguilar had a homecoming of sorts coming back to Stayton to finish up his High School studies and to play with several friends he made before entering High School a few years ago.

It was like a closing of a chapter of his early years as Aguilar signed his Letter of Intent to play basketball at Chemeketa Community College in the Fall Friday afternoon in the Stayton Library.  Friends, family, coaches were in attendance as everyone shared thoughts of Aguilar, who helped Jefferson his sophomore and junior years win back-to-back league championships before helping the Eagles to a 17-8 record and a 4A State Playoff appearance this past Winter. Picking up an 4A Honorable Mention selection along the way in the toughest league in 4A in the Oregon West Conference.

“It’s been a pleasure because it’s just where I started.  Where I started everything, so it’s kind of nice to cap it off and to be back to where I grew up,” Aguilar said of his return to Stayton.

Being able to play with shooters with the Lions like Zach Wusstig, Diego Aguilar and Eli Stelly as well with some size like with Garrett Callsen and other shooters like Gavin Berning has gave Aguilar the tools to be able to adapt to who’s on the court with him as he’ll join a Storm squad that has different style of players coming in.

“Playing with and against a lot of people, so I’m open to new teammates and it’s going to be really easy to go in and get settled.  It’s something I’m used to, so I’m definitely excited about that,” Aguilar said.  “Just go there and compete as well as I can.  Work as hard as I can, it’s what I’m built to do and just continue doing what I’ve been doing.”

Chemeketa went 9-17 overall and 6-10 in the NWAC South Region.

Photos by Jeremy McDonald