Hot Shot: Julian Lewis Honored as Top Winter Sports Athlete

Julian Lewis, Homewood-Flossmoor, senior, boys basketball

It takes a lot to get Homewood-Flossmoor's Julian Lewis to back down.

Two seasons ago, two weeks before the playoffs began, Lewis was hit badly in the mouth in a boys basketball game at Bolingbrook. He was hit so hard, in fact, the three front teeth on the bottom of his mouth were knocked 90 degrees backward. The blow dislocated his jaw.

Despite being out for 10 days, Lewis recovered and was a primary factor in H-F’s run to sectionals last spring.

* It was this type of determination and leadership that transferred over to the past season, where Lewis averaged 16.1 points and 6.3 rebounds in leading H-F to a 23-5 record and a berth in the Class 4A sectionals again.

“He was our senior leader. He led by example,” H-F coach Jim McLaughlin said.

Lewis led the team not only by scoring, but by being its go-to defender.

“He was our defensive stopper,” McLaughlin said. “Anytime we needed someone to defend somebody, Julian was our guy.”

* Lewis is a three-year varsity starter, a two-time all conference player and a McDonald's All-American nominee. Five to 10 schools are recruiting him to play next season.

“He’s going to be missed tremendously,” McLaughlin said. “Hopefully, some of the things he brought to table rub off on the younger players.”

When Lewis reflects on the season, he will remember much of what went into the making of H-F's terrific season. “I’ll remember the fun times me and my teammates had off the court and on it as well,” he said.

Reflecting on his career, Lewis said he'll remember the discipline it takes to succeed. “Getting there before practice and being the last one to leave,” he said of what it takes to get better.

“I’ve learned day-in, day-out to always come to work, get there early and stay late. Hard work pays off.”

Lewis said he owes a lot to his brother and father for helping him when times are tough. He said he talks to them daily. His brother played basketball at H-F and then at Lake Forest, while his dad played at Shepard and then Beloit.

McLaughlin raves about Lewis’ character.

“Julian is phenomenal. He has a great personality,” McLaughlin said, adding that he has character everywhere from the hallways and the classroom to the basketball court. “He’s one of the best seniors and four-year program guys I’ve had since I’ve been here."

McLaughlin said that looking forward Lewis will need to continue to develop his jump shot. He added, however, that this task will excite Lewis.

“He’s a guy that takes on challenges,” McLaughlin said. “He’s got the work ethic (to develop his shot). I don’t have any doubt in my mind that his best basketball is still ahead of him.”