Basketballs pounding, sweat dripping, the sight of two hard-nosed basketball teams going head-to-head. With energy high and the crowd roaring, Joseph Trigueros scored his 15th point of the night, dominating Lisle High School in a huge win to open the 2024-25 basketball season.

Like most high school sports teams, the Varsity roster at West Chicago Community High School is made up primarily of seniors and juniors. Joseph was an exception—by his senior year, he had already been on the Varsity roster for three seasons. Not only did he make Varsity as a sophomore, but he also started on the team that year. Over the past three years, Joseph has been a major contributor to the WEGO basketball team, but his journey to this point has been a long one. His father, Jose Trigueros, has been his biggest motivator—not just in basketball but in volleyball as well.

“Joseph is such a hardworking kid. He never complains about practicing and actually likes to practice. Not many kids like practice, so it was nice to see him rewarded for his hard work. Every time I see him on the court, it just warms my heart as a father,” Jose said.

Not only has his father contributed to his passion for basketball, but he has also influenced nearly every hobby Joseph has today. As he got older, Joseph picked up fishing and video games—both interests he inherited from his dad. Jose bought him his first gaming console, a Nintendo Wii, which “sparked” the hobby. It later became a way for them to bond, playing together on their PlayStation 3 and then their Xbox 360.

“Finding time to, you know, hang out with friends or stay home and play some games is what gives me a bit of a breather,” Joseph said.

While his father has played a major role in his life, his mother and two sisters have also had a strong influence. Being a twin has taught Joseph many lessons, but the most prominent is patience. Though he and his twin sister, Jasmyn, share a bond, they are not identical in personality, and like all siblings, they sometimes frustrate each other.

“She’s like my older sister too. You love them to death, but sometimes they can get on your nerves,” Joseph said.

“Being a twin with Jojo is really helpful because he always understands me and is willing to help me with anything,” Jasmyn said.

As much as family is important to Joseph, basketball holds nearly the same significance. By the time he was 5 years old, he was already dribbling and shooting a basketball. Now, with more than 13 years of experience in the sport—whether playing or watching—basketball remains a central part of his life. It has created some of his best memories, both directly and indirectly.

“It’s the sport I’ve had the most fun playing. It’s where I’ve made the most friends, where I’ve met the most people, and I’ve had the best time just playing basketball,” Joseph said.

Joseph’s leadership on and off the court has not gone unnoticed by his coach, Roy Ramos.

“Joe is one of our senior captains. He was a captain last year, too, and he’s Mr. Reliable,” Ramos said. “He doesn’t just lead by example—he does what the coaches ask, and he actually performs. True leaders bring out the best in others, and Joe has really grown in that way.”

Joseph’s father has influenced not just his athletic and personal interests but also the way he carries himself.

“He was the one who really instilled respect when I was younger. My mom did too, of course, but he’s the one who would always really get on us about respecting others,” Joseph said.

“I make sure to let him know the importance of giving his all in everything he does, whether it’s playing sports or taking a test in school. I tell him that you have to give yourself the best advantage you can in life and to give it your all so you won’t have any regrets. Joseph is not just a great athlete—he is an even better person,” Jose said.