The college recruiters were well represented at the seventh annual Big Apple Challenge, a basketball classic, matching teams from the public against their counterparts from the Catholic schools in New York City, at Manhattan’s Baruch College.
In addition to the recruiters, the players’ friends and their parents were on hand.
One of the many parents on hand was Pansy Lewis, the mother of Chavaughn Lewis. Pansy was cheering her son on to continue to make those shots as he was hot from the floor. A 6-6 senior at St. Mary’s High School of Long Island, and one of the better forwards on Long Island which includes schools from the public schools as well as the Catholic ones, Lewis received praise from his mother while tossing ‘em up during part of the Big Apple Challenge of five games.
“Lewis loves to play the game of basketball,” Pansy said.“He is dedicated, motivated and works hard.”
Pansy along with her husband Edgar Lewis, both came from Jamaica, West Indies, ane eventually landed in Laurelton, Queens.
Since cricket was the main sport or activity, it was Edgar’s sport in Jamaica. And Edgar was quite good at it during his high school days. He also played soccer as these two were the major sports in Jamaica. Edgar had attended Manchester High School.
When they settled in Flushing, Queens, Chavaughn started playing the hoop sport at the age of eight, played CYO ball with Nativity, and eventually saw action in outside ball with such teams as AAU, Nike, MSG Varsity’s Metro Classic, and the Wheelchair Games.
For high school ball, St. Mary’s, located in Manhasset, was Lewis’ choice.
Now residing in Laurelton, the student athlete has a long trip everyday to school from his home, but manages it very well. He is still doing it.
He can certainly put the ball into the hoop. A starter, Lewis scores from the inside, rebounds, block shots, and drives in.
For instance, against Wadleigh of the PSAL he scored 28 points 7 of 16 from the field and 13 of 17 from the free throw line, took down 18 rebounds, including 16 off the defensive boards where he looked very strong. However, he comitted eight turnovers in 37 minutes of action.
In addition, he passes off well to his teammates and has good court vision. For has accomplishments during the game against Wadleigh, the classic committee named him Most Valuable Player of the game.
The spectators, his teammates, and recruiters certainly went home raving about the next super star if he continues to keep it up. He’ll go far in college. He hasn’t decided about his college choices as yet.
Lewis’ was only part of St. Mary’s championship team of last year.
