Tyler’s Times: The Early Days
By Tyler Lewis, Senior
Throughout the 2011-2012 season, oakhillhoops.com will feature personal stories from our players.
Early Days
Before my arrival to Oak Hill Academy I was very anxious, but at the same time, I was really excited. I could not wait to arrive on campus. I was thinking that this is the best opportunity I have ever had in my life.
Since my parents dropped me off, my life has completely changed. Moving in was very exciting because I knew I was going to live on my own. I had the opportunity to meet everyone on the team right away, as we all live together in one dorm.
I feel like everybody on the team is getting along very well. Since I already knew D’Vauntes Smith-Rivera, Jordan Adams, Damien Wilson, AJ Hammons and Ike Iroegbu, they were the main guys that I started hanging out with. Then right away that day, I met RJ Curington, Jordan Tebbutt, Victor, and Montarious Hall. From the very beginning everybody on and off the court seems to be cool with one another.
Basketball has been absolutely amazing. I am so lucky Coach Smith gave me a chance to come to Oak Hill. We have been working really hard by playing pick-up games and doing drill work every day. Also, we have been lifting three days a week and running a mile twice a week. Everybody has been improving each day.
We have the good fortune to be coached by the best coach in America. However, our team goal this year is to help him reach his eighth national championship. In my opinion we have one of the best, if not the best, high school team in the country this season. The first week of school Darion Clarke from Atlanta joined our team. And Jordan Adams, who is UCLA bound but currently hurt, will be back soon. He is a pure shooter and can score in a variety of ways. Damien Wilson, who will sign with Memphis, is probably one of our best athletes. He is a great slasher who can get to the rim on anybody and can also fill it up from the outside. D’Vauntes Smith-Rivera, from Indiana, is a great combo who can play either guard position at a very high level. He is also a great defender and fantastic scorer. AJ Hammons, who is also from Indiana, is a high Division I prospect. He is a smooth big guy with a great touch around the basket and can step out and hit the jump shot. Ike Iroegbu, from California, is one of our three juniors. He is a great player in transition and he is definitely the fastest player on our team with the ball. RJ Curington, junior, is a really good player who has a sweet shot and plays very smooth. Darion Clarke is one of the hardest workers on our team. He plays with a high-motor all the time. He always seems to come up with the loose balls. Montarious Hall, from NC, is also a very good big guy who has a good shot from the mid-range and can sometimes step out and hit the three. He also surprises you by getting a lot of put back dunks. Jordan Tebbutt, from Portland, is a really great player and an even better person. He is always trying to make sure we are all doing the right things. He has a very smooth game and attacks the basket very well. Victor, another junior, is our only international player. He is from the island of Cyprus. Vic is a very nice basketball player who is a good slasher and shooter.
The 2011-2012 National Champions will be the “OAK HILL WARRIORS”!
-Tyler
About the Author: 
