By Rick Lewis
James Lewis Jr, More than Basketball
Player: 6’7 James Lewis Jr.
Class: 2016
Twitter: @j_lewis_jr
High School: Gaston Day
GPA: 3.85
AAU: Upward Stars 16U
Highlight Video: http://www.hudl.com/athlete/3498294/highlights/152711375
Statistics: PPG: 14 RPG: 11 Blocks per game: 3 17 Double Doubles
In our recent Phenom Hoops high school preseason tour, we visited Gaston Day school and had the pleasure of getting to know James Lewis Jr. just a little better. Lewis has been a regular at the NC Phenom 150 camps and had an outstanding sophomore season at East Gaston prior to transferring to Gaston Day. First of all, we at the Phenom Hoop Report completely “blew it” when it came to our NC Top 80 event held this past March. He was completely omitted from our camp and shame on us!
While Lewis was nursing a shoulder injury at practice, I was able to work with him for a few minutes. After a short conversation with his young man, I was completely blown away by the maturity and courtesy displayed by him toward me. Everything was yes/no sir and thanked me for taking the time to work with him and offering advice. As I walked away, I couldn’t help but think of the humbleness Lewis displayed. His maturity and thoughtfulness were advanced beyond his years.
When we speak about student athletes, one has to put James Lewis Jr. at the top of the list. He sports an impressive 3.85 GPA and is involved in the community and with his church. Lewis is an active member of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. He is a tireless worker on and off the court, but more importantly is well grounded. Lewis definitely has his priorities in order and will become a hot commodity on the recruiting trailer sooner rather than later. Now, let’s take a closer look at James Lewis Jr. the player.
Lewis is a quick and slender face up four. He has excellent footwork in the post and utilizes the jump hook with either hand. Lewis was able to catch the ball on the low post and immediately make an outside pivot move that allowed him to face directly to the basketball. Once in the face up position, he was able to make strong moves to the rim. His footwork and ability to use ball fakes were impressive. Lewis does have a high release point on his jumper, but could fine his technique slightly. Lewis will have surgery at the end of the month which will limit him early in the season, however with his work ethic, don’t be surprised to see him back on the court quickly. He currently holds three D1 offers, but look for that to change.
Game Highs 2013-2014:
27 points /7 rebounds against Olympic (2013 NC State Champions)
20 points/14 rebounds against Hopewell
24 points/12 rebounds/4 blocks against Ashbrook
Current Offers: Furman, Radford, and Winthrop
Basketball Honors: 2013 and 2014 NCHSAA Scholar-Athlete; 2014 All Conference Big South 2a/3a conference; 2014 East Gaston Basketball MVP (led team in blocked shots and rebounding and co-leading scorer); East Gaston Defensive Award 2013; Dave Telep Challenge 2013
Academic Honors: NCHSAA Scholar-Athlete 2013 & 2014; 2014 Chemistry Award; Honor Roll every semester in High School; Honors Courses (Algebra II; Civics and Economics; Geometry; English II; and World History)
Clubs: Fellowship of Christian Athletes
Community Service: Youth Media specialist for youth at his Church; East Gaston Boys Basketball Christmas Visit to Levine’s Children’s Hospital
Personal Information: James is a faith centered young man who enjoys music, dancing, fishing, history, and spending time with his family. His goal is to become Physical Therapist and design sports equipment.
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