January 20th, 2009 — With nearly half of the season under my belt, I reflect from a team standpoint and realize that things could not have gone much better than they have to this point. We have fought and grinded our way through close, physical games. We have battled injuries, fatigue, and even time zone changes. And most importantly, we pulled together and showed that we were a true team when we needed to be the most.

The sum of all this has led us to a 19-0 record and a number two national ranking. This of course was in no way easily accomplished. After our narrow escape against Life Center, we had to be careful not to look ahead to the shootout at Marshall County because there were still games to play before the contests there. We were able to maintain our focus and reel off three more wins with an average margin of victory of around 20 points. It was then time to turn our concentration to the next two games which would be played in Kentucky.

Everyone, including me, was very excited to show our true potential against nationally recognized teams Duncanville and Chicago Simeon. Upon arrival to the host school, Marshall County, we were swarmed by fans eager for our autographs. It was very thrilling to see first hand the type of attention Oak Hill receives nationwide. It was all business, however, when we took the court. Duncanville seemed ready for a battle early in the game. They stayed with us throughout the first half. But as Coach Smith reminded us at halftime, if we play our game and work hard, there is no one who can play with us. His inspirational words struck home and we headed back to the hotel that night with a 14 point victory over a team ranked #1 in the pre-season polls. Chicago Simeon played us very tough, but in spite of their scrappiness, we left KY with a 6 point victory and our winning streak in tact.

Following the games in KY we headed to NC where we defeated local powerhouse North Guilford HS. A plane ride later, we found ourselves on the freezing campus of Marquette University facing off against Whitney Young. They were talented, but a 2nd half explosion from us sent them back to Chicago disappointed. It was time to come back home and face Ridgeview from SC. We came out very strong in front of our supportive crowd and student body and ended up winning the game by almost 50 points.

Following this victory everyone hit the books in preparation for our final exams. I managed to survive mid-terms in CC Calulus, CC English and Psych. Now with our work well in hand the time had come for us to leave the snowy mountain landscape of VA and replace it with the warm sun, palm trees and sandy beaches of Hawaii. I can’t describe the anticipation and excitement I felt as I packed my bags for what promised to be an amazing trip. I had always wanted to got to Hawaii but had never had the opportunity. Here was my chance, and I was extremely eager to get there, and most importantly, win all our games.