Oak Park-River Forest’s Sam Lewis had developed a reputation even before this season as a pure scorer who can pile up points in a hurry with his shot-making ability.
But the 6-foot-5 junior guard has had to do more for the Huskies this season. He’s become a better all-around player and a leader.
“My role has kind of changed on this team,” Lewis said. “It’s different, but I’m getting used to it, and I feel like I’m playing pretty good.
“It was difficult at the start. On previous teams, I was more of just a scorer, and I could play a combo guard spot. This team, I kind of have to be more of a point guard at times and pass a lot, make sure I get my teammates the ball. I’m just handling the ball more, so it’s a different play style.”
Lewis was averaging 14.0 points and 5.0 rebounds a game for the Huskies (13-9) through Feb. 9.
Oak Park-River Forest coach Phil Gary has seen Lewis learning a lot this season, developing his mental game and awareness on the court to go with his physical abilities.
“He’s picked up a better understanding of the game and realized where he can affect the game, and not just by scoring — rebounding, defending, setting your teammates up,” Gary said.
“He’s been better every game, every practice. Watching film really helps us teach them the game of basketball and where they can be effective just with activeness on offense and defense and being a leader.”
That extra studying pays off on the offensive end, as well. Lewis knows when to attack now.
“There are games where he has smaller guards on him, and he’ll take them to the post,” Gary said. “Those little things are starting to register in his head. Now he’s not just settling for an outside shot all the time.”
Lewis has picked up several Division I scholarship offers over the past few months from the likes of Northern Illinois, Southern Illinois, Akron, Eastern Michigan and Milwaukee.
He’s eager to see what comes next.
“I’m excited about the recruiting process,” he said. “It’s been fun so far. Right now, I’m going to keep playing and see what I can get. This summer, I think I can do some big things, and I’ll see where that takes me.”
First, Lewis wants to lead the Huskies on a deep postseason run. They won their fourth straight game with a 91-75 victory against Proviso West on Feb. 4.
Lewis is confident the Huskies are peaking at the right time and can be a dark horse in the Class 4A Proviso West Sectional.
“I feel like we’re sharing the ball a lot better, and every time we play a game, we get better,” he said. “We’re just trusting each other more.
“I feel like our defense has changed in a good way. That was the only thing holding us back earlier in the year. We didn’t have a good enough defense. We’ve made good adjustments. I think with our defense alone, we can beat a lot of good teams.”
Steve Millar is a freelance reporter for Pioneer Press.
