Throughout the 2011-2012 season, oakhillhoops.com will feature personal stories from our players.

One Goal

So far we are 28-0. We have been playing really well. Our team has so many weapons. In my opinion, no one has a better back court in the country. We have started the same three guards every game. With Jordan Adams and D’Vauntes Smith-Rivera on the wings, everything comes much more easily for me at the point. Having them on either side of the court helps me to be better.

D’Vauntes is our leading scorer and makes buckets in a variety of ways. He is also the guy we go to when we need our defense to lock down our opponents best offensive player.

Jordan Adams seems to do it all on the court. He is a great leader who always keeps his composure. He is second in scoring, but leads our team in rebounds and steals.

Our big guys have also been playing very well. Starting with Darion Clark and AJ Hammons – Darion is a solid defender and consistent rebounder. AJ is one of the most complete big men in high school basketball this season. And our bench is also producing and bringing good minutes when they are called on. RJ Curington is a player who is averaging double figures.

Our coaches are very supportive, and they want to see us succeed. Our goal from the beginning of the year has been to finish the season as national champions. This is one of the reasons I decided to attend Oak Hill. I wanted to get better as a player and have an opportunity to achieve something very special – like having a championship ring on my finger.

We have the honor of playing for the greatest high school coach of all time. It was really cool to see Coach Smith in the Hall of Fame in Springfield this past weekend. I have so much respect for Coach Smith. Before I even decided to come to Oak Hill, I came to talk to Coach Smith, and he talked about all that he thought I could do to help our team be the best, and it has all come true.

It would be really be great to win another championship for Coach Smith. We have 16 more games and we plan to play every game like it is our national championship game. Here’s hoping – Oak Hill Warriors 2012 National Champs!!!

-Tyler

Throughout the 2011-2012 season, oakhillhoops.com will feature personal stories from our players.

My Team and My Life on the Hill

Life on the Hill is pretty isolated, but I’m getting used to being on my own.  I do feel homesick sometimes and miss my family, but I guess you can say this is part of becoming a man.

Every day I am eager to see how Coach Smith will prepare us for the games.  The coaching staff is very supportive and drives all of us to be better every day.  I am pushed a lot more on the court than when I was at home.

We have a good team; everyone is different which is good.

First we have AJ Hammons, who is the biggest kid I know.  We knew each other growing up in Indiana and have somewhat of a similar background, so I think that’s why we get along so well. Then there’s Montarius, who is the most sentimental guy on our team.  He listens to Usher more than he listens to the coach call out the plays!  He is a country boy who just wants to learn and get better, but he’s fighting an injury right now.

Now there’s the sole white guy on the team, Tyler Lewis…that’s my little brother.  He is one of the best point guards in the country. He is one of the most unselfish people I know and that’s how I want to be, so I think that’s why we get along so well.  Tyler wanted us to go to college together.  That would’ve be nice, but I can’t do it….I’m headed to Georgetown, but my brothership with Tyler is gonna help the team a lot this year because we are the backcourt.

Next is Jordan Tebutt.  Jordan is a quiet person; he doesn’t socialize too often, but he is a very responsible, good Christian kid.  Then, Victor, aka “Greece,” he’s the foreign guy on the team…and is very calm.  He’s still trying to find his place and I am certain he will soon will find his role.

Ike Iroegbu (I still have trouble pronouncing his last name so I ask one of my teamates just to get it down) he’s the underclassman I’m closest to because of our position.

Let’s not forget RJ Currington, “The Microwave,” who is also still finding his role.  He will be just fine when he learns to be patient and knows he never has to be in a rush.  He loves the attention though…maybe that’s why he dresses so well!

Now Darien Clark, he brings a lot of energy and excitement to the team. He is very humble and down to earth. Jordan Adams, aka “B-Mac,” he’s hilarious, and always has a positive attitude.  He’s one of those people you can either love ‘em or hate ‘em because of his silly character, but he’s like my brother.

Lastly we have Damien Wilson – that’s my boy.  He’s a person I respect for his honesty. He doesn’t tell you what you want to hear all the time, but what you need to hear. This helps the team a lot and so does the energy he brings to the team.

All in all, I think we have a great group and solid bond between one another.

Life here at Oak Hill Academy is becoming better each day, and I’ve made a lot of new friends.

Throughout the 2011-2012 season, oakhillhoops.com will feature personal stories from our players.

10-0

Dear OHA Fans:

It has been a while since my last entry. Update – leading into Thanksgiving we are currently 10-0. The team has been playing very well. Everyone seems to be getting along off the court and it’s paying off on the court. My favorite game so far was against Quality Education just because I got to go back to my hometown and play in front of all my fans.

So far six of our eight seniors have signed their letters of intent. Nov. 9th was a big day for all of us because we knew we had reached our dream of playing basketball in college.

The school year has gone by extremely fast, especially since we have played a lot of games and have been working really hard in practice every day. I feel like we have the best team in the country. No team in the country has more weapons than we do. If we play to our true potential every night out, no team can beat us. 2012 National Champs – Oak Hill Academy!

-Tyler

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

Throughout the 2010-2011 season, oakhillhoops.com features personal stories from our players.

The Last One

Seniors Daniel Gomis, Quinn Cook and Keith Hornsby

It’s been a while since my last entry, and a lot has happened. Although we fought hard in the ESPN/Rise Tournament, we didn’t come out on top. That loss (double OT) wounded us deeply, but in the end we all felt we needed a break (our season started in October). We ended the season 29-4, still ranked #4 in USA Today, after playing the toughest high school schedule in America.

Spring time at Oak Hill is a pleasant time that moves at a leisurely pace. Every player is eager to work on their game and prepare for the road ahead of them.  However, school on the Hill is the hardest in the spring, so we are all trying to stay focused and finish strong. The end of the school year is within our grasp, but we haven’t arrived yet (exams this week), so no letting up can be done in the classroom.

For me, Daniel and Quinn, graduation is coming and we are awaiting it with much anticipation. Our time at Oak Hill has been time well spent, and it has prepared us for a successful future at the college level.

Graduation will be a happy end and a sad time because the “family” will be departing for good. It is always sad to leave your teammates because the year living together creates a strong bond that will hopefully last a lifetime.

This will probably be my last entry…thank you for reading this season!! It’s been a great year.

-Keith

Throughout the 2010-2011 season, oakhillhoops.com will feature personal stories from our players.

Continuing the Quest

It’s been a while since my last entry. A lot of things have happened. After celebrating an exciting championship at the Iolani Classic in Hawaii, everyone returned home for their lengthy Christmas Break. As I thought, everyone was in the gym maintaining their shape and working on their game. Despite injuring my ankle during the semi-finals in Hawaii, I continued to work hard like everyone while I recovered.

The team hit a bit of a road bump after suffering three frustrating losses. I know we are a mature group and we will bounce back and continue the quest for #1. We have some big games coming up throughout the next month. But I’m not worried because after the wake-up call that was the losses, we now only play harder and with more passion.

The weather at Oak Hill has been pretty dreary lately. We’ve had some ice cold days and nights with snow, and presently we have snow falling. This is a tough time to stay focused in school, but once again, I have no worries. We have a good group of guys this year than know how to stay focused and balance their work.

Hopefully, we will continue to stay in the zone and not get satisfied. Until next time, go Oak Hill!

P.S. It has been good to see Sidiki back in practice. He is still recovering from his injury, and slowly, but surely he is becoming ultimately healthy.

-Keith

Throughout the 2010-2011 season, OakHillHoops.com will feature personal stories from our players.

Three Month Report Card

We’ve now been up on “The Hill” for about three months.  It doesn’t seem like I’ve been gone from St. Louis that long at all.

My senior year is going really well.  I just didn’t realize it would all come this fast.  In just three short months, being in this new environment has helped me a lot both on and off the court.  I feel like I’m getting ready for my start in the real world.

My communication when meeting new people has improved, and I’m definitely learning to be a better student and player.  I’m also now able to better focus on my goals and know how to actively pursue them.   I know I’ll have a lot of opportunities in life, and being here was the best decision for me.

So our basketball season is also going really great so far.  We are 6-0 heading into the Thanksgiving Break!  Next game is December 3rd on the road.

I’m trying really hard every day…can’t wait until that big day when I graduate from Oak Hill – my family will be so proud of me.

-Ben #23

Throughout the 2010-2011 season, oakhillhoops.com will feature personal stories from our players.

Taking Flight

The season has taken off, and needless to say, we are maintaining flight.  We are 6-0, and by the way we have been playing, I can’t see anyone contending with us.  Through tough practices and tough lessons on the court, we have not only become a better team, but we have also grown even closer, becoming a family.  Every player on the team has maintained their strong work ethic, and it is great to see everyone improving their game.

Off the court, school has kept us all busy and everyone has learned how our academic system works.  The schedule and routine for everyone is now second nature.

It was nice last week to see three of my teammates (Sidiki, Daniel and Quinn) sign their NL of Intent with me.  It was a moment I will probably remember for the rest of my life.

Everyone is looking forward to taking a break and going home for Thanksgiving this week, then it’s back to work!  Until next time…

-Keith

Throughout the 2010-2011 season, OakHillHoops.com will feature personal stories from our players.

A New Experience

Hi.  This is Ben McLemore.  This is my first year here at Oak Hill Academy, Class of 2011.

When I first arrived, it was a long drive, but I knew I was home.   At this point I’m a little over a month into school, and it has been going really well.  All the teachers are great, the students are awesome and so are the players on both the boys and girls basketball teams.

I’ve met a lot of people and made some new friends.  I’ve got a feeling that this year is going to go great.  I am really loving this new environment.  I pray every night for my family and friends at home and for Oak Hill Academy.

I know this experience will better me in life.
Ben McLemore #23

Throughout the 2010-2011 season, OakHillHoops.com will feature personal stories from our players.

We’re Back!

I must say I’m excited to be back at the Hill this year.  I have much anticipation for the upcoming seaon, and I have already set some solid team goals to reach.

I’ve loved meeting all my new teammates.  Being the only returning player from last year’s team, I must admit I was a little nervous about meeting a whole new group of guys, but I couldn’t be more at ease with them.  They are all really good people who seem eager to work hard and get that national championship ring.

We have only been here for about a month as a group and we are already like family.  At first the school days seemed to be trudging along like a tortoise on land, but now that everyone has gotten into a routine, it seems the days are passing by faster and faster.

It has been an exciting start to my senior year, and our workouts have become tougher than last years.  Coach got us running shoes so we could run some miles and do other vigorous conditioning activities.  And the team continues to grow closer with one another.

To end, I can say that I am thrilled with our team connection and can’t wait for the season to start.

Keith Hornsby #4

P.S.  We were all heartbroken about Quinn Cook’s unfortunate injury and we all hope he has a complete recovery.  We know he wants to be out on the court with us.