MoMo’s Diary #3 – Go Warriors
By Lamont “MoMo” Jones (Player Profile)
Throughout the 2008-2009 season, OakHillHoops.com will feature personal stories from our players.
Posted January 23rd, 2009 — Well, it has been a while since I last wrote due to school projects and all of our games and traveling over weekends & the holidays.
Since my last journal entry a lot has happened. We’ve traveled to NC, WV, KY and WI. We had an awesome trip and tournament championship in Hawaii and then a 3 week break from school.
So far our season has been great. We’ve gelled together as a team and are finally one. We’ve pulled off some close games, like Life Center where we probably should have lost but won by 1. And the semis in Hawaii where we beat LeFlore by 2. We had a double over-time thriller in the championship game in Hawaii that I’ll go over in more detail later.
Right now it is January 14th. We’re back in class and everything is hectic. However, my grades are good. I’ve always tried to do my best in the classroom and I’ve achieved academic success. Since I’m able to get my work done fairly easily every day, I’ve had time to clear my mind and think about all our achievements. Hard work really does pay off on the court and off. And I’m happy to say that it feels good to be back in school and with my other family-my teammates.
Everyone knows we just returned from our Christmas Break. We’ve had an exciting journey and some interesting games. Our highlight by far was our trip to Hawaii. I’ve always wanted to go there but never had the opportunity, but I finally got my wish. It was the greatest trip I’ve ever been on in my life. The weather and the people are beautiful. And everything there is just as you would expect it to be. But of course, we couldn’t take advantage of all that the island offers since we were there to take care of business.
Our first two games against Hawaiian teams were kind of easy, but then we had big challenges in LeFlore and Montrose. Making it through those games showed our team chemistry, character and depth. In the semis against LeFlore from Alabama, we had to face a team with the number one big man in the country. He gave us 39 points but we pulled it out with a 2 point win. That win sent us to the championship game that I know everyone wants to hear about.
In the finals we met Montrose Christian out of Maryland. They were ranked #9 in the nation at the time. The game was close the entire time and it was very physical. We led the whole game and fortunately I was on fire. Then about halfway through the 3rd quarter one of their players simply locked me down and I didn’t score the rest of that quarter or during the 4th quarter. We were forced into the 1st over-time where their defender continued to keep me locked down, but our team kept their composure and didn’t panic and never gave up. We knew what was on the line. With 7 seconds to go on the clock, Coach called a timeout and just told me to get the ball and make something happen. Right then and there I knew that my teammates and coaches trusted me. Not looking at the clock and thinking we were down by two, I hit a deep three pointer. In my mind we had won. I thought the game was over and I jumped up and down only to hear Coach Smith yelling, “What are you doing?! We still have a game to win!!” Then I realized that we were actually down 3 and my shot had forced us to double over-time! Then we pretty much dominated the 2nd over-time where we went on to win by 12 points. I had my career high (40 points) and went 8-13 from the 3 point line.
But those wins are the past. We can’t get caught up in how we started the season. We have to focus on how we’ll finish. Right now we stand 19-0 and are looking to stay undefeated and win a national championship. We have a tough road ahead starting with this weekend against two more nationally ranked teams. We don’t shy away from competition – that is for sure. We play at home tomorrow night and we’d love for everyone to come out and support us.
Thanks to all that do support us. We won’t disappoint you. Go Warriors!
October 15th, 2008 — I’ve been at Oak Hill for over a month and a half now, and so far my experience has been great. I’ve come across the most caring, loving, appreciative teachers in the world at Oak Hill. But the most exciting, overwhelming and interesting thing are my teammates and coaches.
In this first month alone our entire team and coaching staff has formed an unbreakable bond and we’ve created an unstoppable force. I feel that we can’t be stopped. Practice has been going great and smooth. Everybody has been working hard, and even harder as time has gone by.
It is just amazing to me that our coaches hardly scream. I’ve never had coaches like this in my life. And it’s actually cool having cool, calm and collected coaches.
I want to personally thank my teammates, the student body and coaching staff for accepting me into their lives, community and family. And I want to thank my teammate, Austin, and his Mom & Dad for flying me home this weekend so I wouldn’t miss my little sister’s 13th birthday. I appreciate them letting me stay at their home and treating me as if I was their own. And thank you to my Uncle Carl, Jackie & Rich for being there for me over the years & supporting me at every turn. I love you all.
Thank you.
MO MO
Coming to the Hill
October 5th, 2008 — It wasn’t until the actual day I left NYC to come to Oak Hill in Mouth of Wilson, Virginia, that it hit me of how much my whole life was about to change. But this was a transition that had to be made. Even though I was giving up some of my freedom, leaving family behind, and not graduating high school from NY, I was doing this for something I love to do. I knew this new situation at Oak Hill could either make or break my life – depending on how I approach everything.
As I left my mother, little sister, grandmother, uncle, mentor (Keyon), and my girlfriend, I had little regret. They all supported my decision to leave even if they didn’t want to see me go. It was really hard leaving my little sister who is growing up and is almost a teenager. She is looking for guidance, and knowing that I’m not going to be there on her 13th birthday is killing me. But I made a choice and it will help me become a better person, and then someday maybe I can give my family a better life.
In conclusion for this time, I just want to thank my mother (Janeen), Uncle Jared, Wee, Keyon and my grandmother for supporting me through the years and never giving up and turning their backs on me. I also want to thank my father and God who are looking down on me and guiding me. And most of all I want to thank Coach Smith for giving me this opportunity to make something of myself at Oak Hill.
About the Author: 
Kyle | Oct 7, 2008 | Reply
nice write up Mo Mo. hope all is well with you down there, you got a big year coming up. i’ll get those mags to you asap. the bounce one just came out. be safe.
Maralyn Oppermann | Oct 7, 2008 | Reply
You’ll always have my support and love Babyboy
Vince / Marco's Old Man | Oct 7, 2008 | Reply
MoMo, you made the right choice and I am proud of you and all the boys at “Da Hill” and wish you much success this year and in the future! Treat your teammates like brothers because they will be a part of your life forever and remember that you will always have our support and love!
The team needs you to be a leader and a distributor… just remember, a great player is someone who can make their teammates and themselves great!
Good luck, bro!
Marco’s dad, Vince
P.S. – I was a point guard, too! The most important position on the floor, my man!
Maralyn Oppermann | Oct 8, 2008 | Reply
hey bro its ok if things dont work out 4 u to come on mii bday but i will always no u love me and no u want to come and c me and our family.i would rather u stay i oak hill and get wat u need be cause at this point we all need to do dat. momo please dont fell bad cause i dont and u shouldnt
i love u and wish u da best of luck ugly lol
UNCLE JARED | Oct 10, 2008 | Reply
Lamont,words cant explain how proud i am of YOU,not just the basketball player “momo” but you Lamont Jones,the person,grandson,son,nephew,brother,&cuz!REMEMBER that emotion that day we stood and spoke on 27ev.REMEMBER that,that PASSION (and GOD)is whats going to carry you.Keep being Lamont,keep ya passion,ya drive, and ya faith,and your good as GOLD!LOVE U NEPH…..MO BUCKETS,MO BUCKETS,MO BUCKETS!!!PS.MASTER THAT HEADFAKE once they leave they feet… its ya world….ONE…
"Ra" | Oct 15, 2008 | Reply
MoMo, Good Luck this year, and God doesn’t put anything on us that we can’t handle. It was good to see you ehis summer, although u only came to 1 of my workouts. I know that your family is important to you, but based on what you have written it seems that you are taking the right approach. I will defintly be watching and I know you will represent yourself well. PS.. “Don’t forget how important that midrange game is.”
James Carron | Oct 16, 2008 | Reply
Good Luck this year MoMo at Oak Hill. Have you found your new coaches Tan to be distracting at all?
Janay | Oct 16, 2008 | Reply
Since i have known u 1 thing i have come to realize that u are a very strong person…Yea sometimes u get on my nerves, but all the while u are always kind hearted and very loving, and that is what i love so much about you…I believe in you and you can do whatever u put your mind to, just remember stay focused and dnt let the little things get in your way…You have been through so many opsticles and you have made it out without a scratch, so if you can do that then you can do anything!!! Just remember play hard like every game is your last and the rest will come to you…
WUV U PUNK, N C U SOON!!!
Uncle E | Oct 16, 2008 | Reply
Hey, mom told me everything,I knew it would all work out it always does. Everything happens for a reason,right? Anyway, I luv u boy, and u already know im so very proud of u. Just stay focused with the books and the plan, and everything else will fall in place. (u might even be able to beat me when u come home!) (DOnt U BELieve IT) HA HA ! LUV YA E. P.S. u should be proud ,my hands hurt and im still typing.
Maralyn Oppermann | Oct 17, 2008 | Reply
CJ’s at the PC with me looking at you pic…he said “that’s my Momo!’
Po sends his love too.
I see you’re taking that creative writing class seriously (smile)
Love you more than words can say…I’m so-o-o thankful that God blessed me with ‘YOU’ as my firstborn grandson and that He’s blessing you with this wonderful opportunity. Keep being grateful love.
Landon Alecxih | Oct 20, 2008 | Reply
Hey it was alot of fun to have you at our house and I look foward to you coming back soon. Keep lighting em up out there on the court.
Alecia & Peter Alecxih | Oct 20, 2008 | Reply
It was great to be able to get to know you and we are so happy that Austin has such a great friend for a teammate. You are welcome at our home anytime…we will be praying for you.
Michael A. Childs(POP-POP) | Oct 21, 2008 | Reply
Wow! God is truly Great! Everything that has happen in your life, has lead you to this point that you are able grow into your own. I am so proud of you that i can put word to this feeling. I know now that you will Became a fine young man and a Great ball-player. You are always in my prayer, and on my mind. now there are two that i can say, that are the one. Love you always. Be the One! POP-POP!!!!!!
anisah's mom | Oct 22, 2008 | Reply
Hey MOMO,
I am really proud of you and I hope you stay focused and continue to strive for what you love. It’s been a long time since I heard from you and I hope to hear from you soon. You know you have a fan over here so continue to do your thing. Just remember to bust out your classes that’s most important everything else will fall into place.
Love you
Lailah | Oct 23, 2008 | Reply
So 4 years ago, you said you would be at Oak Hill.. and you’re there today. I’ve never been more proud of you and I’m sure you know that. You’ve been a great friend to me, and I’m sure you always will be, no matter how far apart we are. You’ve always told me that we have to grow up and spread our wings and that God will make the path for us. From the looks of things, he’s paving yours with a close eye because he knows we all want the best for you. One day you’re gonna wake up and thank him for all the bumps in your road because they’ve only helped you reach your ultimate goal.
p.S– Remember, whatever you do in life, whether it be basketball, school, or just living, make sure you do it with your head held high and your chest out because CONFIDENCE is key. (I’m sure we all know you have that. LOL)
Chris Hart (The Hill) 127th | Oct 25, 2008 | Reply
Watching you grow up from a little kid to a young man has been a pleasure. I always knew you would be a great ballplayer because your father had great determination and a heart of steel. I just wanted to let you know that everything happens for a reason. So winding up at Oak Hill was God’s plan. So just remember to keep God first and I’m always here if you need anything. I got your back 4ever.
One
Hart
Robert Oppermann | Oct 26, 2008 | Reply
I am delighted to see that after having to change schools for your senior year, you were able to go to such a great school. We all hope you have a great year. We want to take a close look at your schedule to see if there will be an opportunity to attend one of your games. I live in ACC country. You know they play great basketball here. I went to graduate school at Clemson. When North Carolina and Duke come to town we try to go see them. Clemson has a good program now as well. Coach Oliver Purnell is doing a great job. We will be following you.
Uncle Bobby
Michael Radford | Oct 28, 2008 | Reply
MoMo this the guy you gave your shoes to after the game at Surry Community. I just wanted to thank you again and let you know how first class that was. I want to wish you good luck this year going after the National Title and also next year in college. Dude God bless you for what you did and what your doing. Thanks man…
Michael #26 SCC Baseball
Shay Taylor | Nov 4, 2008 | Reply
Hi MO, I had the privilege of watching you play at the surry community scrimmage…you really impressed me! At first I wasnt watching the game at all than after a while I began watching you, and I was blown away! You are really talented…I wish you the best of luck in everything…maybe I can drive up to oakhill and see you play again
ps Im the girl that had on the fur boots!
Michael A. Childs(POP-POP) | Nov 9, 2008 | Reply
What the deal? Have’nt heard from u in a while. It good to hear that Oak Hill fits like a glove. Hope to hear from u soon and remember I Love U !!!!!! POP-POP
Vince / Marco's Old Man | Nov 17, 2008 | Reply
What a weekend (11/14-15), no?! Glad that you guys pulled out some victories. Having a close win will help you and the guys down the line… just stay strong and confident, MoMo… you are the coach on the floor, that is why it is called “Floor General”. Use your teammates’ skills to the maximum, motivate them, regardless if you are on the floor or not… you are surrounded by talent, everyone on the team can play… you have to lead them, in practice and in the games, push them, communicate with them… stay positive and work hard and make them work hard — but, have fun!!!
Take care and remember “don’t force nada – you don’t have to”! Use the talent around you… you’re on “point”!
Much love to ya and the boys, especially my son!
Vince “Marco” Old Man
big cousin | Nov 22, 2008 | Reply
hey lil cousin good job in the tip off tournament
Uncle E | Nov 29, 2008 | Reply
Hey big head,Its uncle E,just shouting u and keeping up with whats going on.Glad to see all is well.Happy belated thanksgiving hope you had a good one.Miss you man,wanna know about those grades too,tell mom or grandma so I can find out k LUV U MAN
Coach Kev | Dec 1, 2008 | Reply
Hey MoMo,
This is Coach Kev. I am writing to tell you how proud I am of you. You have beat the odds. Alot of people really are jealous of your success. How is Oak Hill? Are you guys playing on TV this year? How is your family doing? I bumped into Apache. He was asking about Ashley. I don’t have a number for you anymore. Congrats on signing with Va Tech. You made a great choice. I wish you all the success in the world, you deserve it. Don’t ever give up.
Coach Kev
Nick Parker | Dec 9, 2008 | Reply
MoMo,
You are playing Northern in NC tomorrow and they just came into my school and beat us. Make sure you get a little pay back. Already bought my ticket. Good luck man. God Bless.
-Nick P.
bill kruse | Dec 13, 2008 | Reply
Hi MoMo,I am a friend of your uncle Carl,two years ago I had the privilege of meeting you and your family before a game in the city.I was impressed by your play that evening but what really stuck in my mind was your interaction with your little sister , as I remember we met you in the lobby as your team entered the gym.After you took a few moments meeting myself and another of Carl’s pal’s you turned your full attention to your little sister as she was upset about something (like all 9 yr olds )and you spent about 5 mins inter-reacting with her in a very gentle manner and lo and behold…all was right in her world.That showed me all I had to know about you.Your priorities seemed to be in fine order. Good luck to you and your mates,enjoy your youth and realize what a wonderful opportunity you are getting at Oak Hill. Bill Kruse
Anthony | Dec 14, 2008 | Reply
Momo I was at the game in Milwaukee & you showed me that you had the most complete game of anyone on any team. Where do you plan on playing college ball? I plan on following you for the rest of your basketball career. Goodluck
Mark Messore | Dec 14, 2008 | Reply
Mo Mo, Good Luck in your new school and we know up here in Glens Falls, New York that you’ll have a great year!. We watched you play for Rice in the Federation Tournament and could see what a special player and young man you are. This move you made was just “another” step on the road to greatness for you and know that we here in Northern New York, will still watch and root for you and just remember “Aim for the moon, even If you miss, you’ll land among the Stars”!
Go MO MO Go!
Jerel Scott"5star" | Dec 15, 2008 | Reply
Hope you have a good……. Prove everybody wrong
Jerel Scott"5star" | Dec 22, 2008 | Reply
Whats good Mo Mo, Its Jerel form 5star I hope you have great season and continue to be a great basketball player
Ed | Dec 23, 2008 | Reply
Thanks for giving one of the best performances ever at the 2008 Iolani Classic in Hawaii… People will be talking about your championship game for a long time to come…
mahalo!
Ben | Dec 24, 2008 | Reply
Momo,
Congrats on MVP in the Iolani Classic man. I watched you play a few games and was impressed with your game. 40 points in the final…. that’s mean. Good luck in the future Lamont.
Ben
P Weezy | Jan 14, 2009 | Reply
Dear MoMo,
I sincerely hope you are excited for your trip to Knoxville, Tennessee next Friday. We are extremely eager to see you and your boys “ball hard.” Until then, have fun in life.
Sincerely,
P Weezy
Dan | Jan 15, 2009 | Reply
Congrats on the excellent season so far, MoMo. Rest assured that we Hokie hoops fans have been keeping up with your exploits this year on the court. That 40 you dropped on Montrose Christian certainly got everyone’s attention!!!
Keep up the good work and enjoy your final year of high school. We’re all looking forward to watching and cheering for you in Cassell Coliseum next year. With the talent we have coming back next year, adding some quality play-makers at the guard position with you and Erick Green will transform us from a good team into a great one.
Kevin | Jan 19, 2009 | Reply
YO MO, I was at the game today in greensboro, nc, vs Christ school. I must say,I was VERY impressed with the attitude you have toward driving the ball to the basket, and finishing strong, and I must say the cross-over sets up the drive perfectly. I must say at the beginning of the game
I was like, “He gunnin,” but by mid 3rd quarter, I was like “What is ‘MO MO’ doing out of the game?” Keep it up, I love the way you attact the basket!!!
p.s. Sorry to hear about that Vtech commital, The Blue Deviel
Kevin | Jan 19, 2009 | Reply
The Blue Devils sure could have used you for a few years!!!!
Janay | Jan 23, 2009 | Reply
SO Proud!!! Keep up the good work< k luv ya C u soon!!!***Muahhh***
Brad | Jan 25, 2009 | Reply
Whats up Lamont, you recently just played my high Bearden and beat us by 10. It was a good game and probably the most excited game ive been to. Just sayin gongrats and goodluck the rest of the year
Jarvis | Feb 19, 2009 | Reply
MO MO,I read your journal and it was awesome. I think you made a great choice by going to Oak Hill because it has challenged you in ways others would only being to know. My name is Jarvis and I watched you play ball against Knoxville Bearden High School and I saw that you impact player. I played College Basketball for Virginia Commonwealth and later went on finish at Carson-Newman College ,I have to say myself I saw one to top point guards in the country. My son who is 8yrs old said I want to play like mo-mo when I get older, he said daddy the big crowd did not bother him and he played harder than anybody on the court. I wish you well in evrything in life and always remember keep God in you life first and always make your family priority because they will always be their for you during the up and downs. Good luck on your college career and We wish you the best of luck.
Vince | Feb 19, 2009 | Reply
As the end of the season approaches and some of the members of the team and many of the students all graduate and go their separate ways to various universities around the country (or, globe) I pray that you take a little bit of your experience at Oak Hill with you. You are part of a special place, where boys and girls enter and leave as young men and women.
I wish you and your seniors the best of luck and I am confident that you all will be successful.
And, MoMo… just remember, basketball is basketball, just keep working, keep your “swag” and have fun and you will be just fine… we are all proud of you and your teammates and coaches!
You have many fans overseas in Spain!
See you all soon!
Vince Porcher
Marco’s old man (well, not so old)!
Eric Sornoso | Mar 26, 2009 | Reply
Mo-Mo,
Good luck in the ESPN National High School Invitational.