Zach Ausburn turns into force inside for Warren. Surprised? The 6-7 center ‘always believed I’d play a part.’

Senior center Zach Ausburn probably wouldn’t have been on many people’s lists of reasons for Warren’s lofty prospects this season.

After all, the 6-7 Ausburn was used sparingly during the Blue Devils’ run to a Class 4A sectional title last year, and several key players returned.

“I didn’t get many opportunities in 2024 to perform,” he said. “But I always believed I’d play a part moving forward. I fully believed in my ability. I just had to polish up a few things.”

Sure enough, Ausburn begins 2025 in a much different situation.

During the recent Proviso West Holiday Tournament, which Warren (10-2) won for the second straight season, Ausburn averaged 13.5 points and 12.4 rebounds. He grabbed 20 rebounds against the host Panthers in the semifinals and had 18 points and 15 rebounds in the Blue Devils’ 59-58 win against Lincoln Park in the championship game on Dec. 28.

“After we won, there was a moment where I took time just to enjoy it without the stress of those games,” Ausburn said. “I’m just super happy that I was able to be a big part of us winning.”

Warren coach Zack Ryan couldn’t have predicted that. He figured Ausburn would have a role this season but didn’t know what it would be.

“I was optimistic going into the season because of how much time he had put in during the offseason, especially working around the basket,” Ryan said. “Every year, you always have surprises going both ways, and he’s been one on the positive side. I didn’t really anticipate the production he’s given us.”

Indeed, Ausburn begins the new year as the Blue Devils’ top rebounder and second-leading scorer. He made an early statement in November, when he was named all-tournament at Mundelein’s Thanksgiving event, and he has continued to build on that.

“That was one of my biggest confidence boosts, putting on a good performance in those first few games,” Ausburn said. “When the opportunity came, I wanted to make sure I was ready to step in and take advantage of it. One of the huge things personally was seeing everyone have trust in me.”

On a team that features a major Division I prospect like sophomore guard Jaxson Davis, two other high-level guards in junior Braylon Walker and senior Javerion Banks, and versatile senior Jack Wolf, Ausburn gives the Blue Devils something else: a significant post presence.

Ausburn, who is also a standout baseball player, has proved to be a load in the paint, and he provides a rare commodity as a back-to-the-basket center.

“There’s a mix of things I feel comfortable with, like tip-ins, putbacks and going one-on-one down low,” he said. “Me being down there helps elevate the perimeter guys’ games. It helps open the floor and creates more space because they can’t always double them.”

Ausburn’s importance was amplified recently with both Walker and Banks sidelined. The fact that shorthanded Warren still won at Proviso West is bad news for opponents.

“Being relied on more allowed me to step into a bigger role,” Ausburn said. “I’ll do whatever I have to do.

“Rebounding is all in your mind. I have that drive to always get to that rebound. I know that I want the ball and will bring energy.”

By bringing that energy and making such significant strides this season, Ausburn has earned the respect of his teammates. His production is an easy selling point, but his efforts behind the scenes stand out too.

“His work ethic is unmatched,” Warren senior guard Andrew Watson said. “He’s always 10-15 minutes early for practice and always gets his shots up. He does everything he can to get better. Even when he was sitting, he was always grinding to make sure he would be ready.”

Ausburn is ready to help the Blue Devils keep winning.

“Of course, I have to feel good about myself for how I’ve played and getting recognized for it,” he said. “But what’s most important is the type of team we become. Hopefully I’ll be a big part of it.”

Steve Reaven is a freelance reporter.