Yes, this year’s Roosevelt boys basketball team is that good. It’s as good as last year’s historic squad that made the school’s first trip to the state championship game in 75 years.
While Roosevelt lost four starters from last year, including guard Terrence Hill Jr. now playing for Division I Virginia Commonwealth University, the Riders return state all-tournament guard Owen Nathan. RHS has also reaped a high-profile transfer in all-PIL guard Adrian “Fuzzy” Montague, moving over from Jefferson, giving Roosevelt the top backcourt in the city, if not the state.
“Montague is a [nationally ranked] ESPN 4-star point guard who’ll help us a lot,” said Coach Jamarr Lawton. Returning junior Syrius Owens has filled out his 6’6” frame and has become one of the PIL’s top forwards. Lawton is also pleased with contributions from Omar Eno, a reserve last year who has become the team’s leading rebounder, and football standout Jasmere Davis who played JV last year and brings muscle and hustle to the inside game. “This team is definitely better defensively and athletically than last year’s squad and will make another run for a state championship,” he predicted, “as long as we continue to believe in each other.”
The winner of the Roosevelt vs. Grant game at 2 pm, Saturday, Feb. 8, at Roosevelt will likely decide the PIL championship. The Generals upset RHS 67-60 in the Les Schwab Tournament in December. The Riders have jelled since then, incorporating Montague and other newcomers. They recently gained statewide notice by soundly defeating suburban power, No. 5-ranked Westview, 68-57.
Crowd turnouts continue to match last season’s high attendance. Upcoming home games include Cleveland at 6:30 pm, Tuesday, Feb. 4, and Lincoln at 6:30 pm, Feb. 25. The state playoffs begin in early March. The 6A State Tournament will be at the Chiles Center on the University of Portland campus March 13-15.
Photo by Evan Guerra.