There are very few boys basketball players in the area who are capable of not only leading their respective team in scoring, but can take over a game and do it despite the opposition’s scheme to stop them.
The exception is Damien High School’s Jeremy Hemsley, who proved game after game over the past few years that the not only can accomplish it under those conditions, but also thrive, helping the Spartans to become the area’s elite team.
For his efforts, Hemsely is Tribune Boys Basketball Player of the Year.
“I thought I had a pretty good year,” said Hemsley, who was area player of the year for the second consecutive season, “There are still some things I need to work on, but I think I led my team to the best of my abilities.”
Hemsley played a major role in Damien’s success, which included winning two December tournaments, going 22-7 and advancing two rounds in the CIF-Southern Section Division 1AA playoffs this past season.
The junior, who averaged 22 points a game, was one of three area players to score at least 20 points a contest. But he was also one of the more versatile players in the area, helping the Spartans with five rebounds per game, while also getting five assists and two steals per game. He was All-CIF-SS for the second consecutive season.
Damien, which won the Division 3AA last season, finished short of its goal in repeating, losing to Great Oak, of Temecula, in the second round.
“I don’t think there was more pressure this year,” Hemsley said. “It really came down to having fun, and I don’t think we had as much fun playing the game as last year. I think that played a big part of us not winning games, like we did last year.”
But after tasting the title in 2013 and falling short this season, Hemsley is already looking forward to next season.
“There’s definitely motivation for next season,” Hemsley said. “That (coming up short) always gets me to work harder and do better than the next person.
“I’m improved on my game this season, but I think there’s some things I still need to work on.”
Next season will also be another challenge for the Spartans, who move from the Sierra League to the more highly-competitive Baseline League, which had all of its six teams make the playoffs and now will include powers Chino Hills and Damien. But Hemsley wouldn’t want it any other way.
“I like that a lot,” Hemsley said. “I like the competition. I’m excited (about the move).”
The exception is Damien High School’s Jeremy Hemsley, who proved game after game over the past few years that the not only can accomplish it under those conditions, but also thrive, helping the Spartans to become the area’s elite team.
For his efforts, Hemsely is Tribune Boys Basketball Player of the Year.
“I thought I had a pretty good year,” said Hemsley, who was area player of the year for the second consecutive season, “There are still some things I need to work on, but I think I led my team to the best of my abilities.”
Hemsley played a major role in Damien’s success, which included winning two December tournaments, going 22-7 and advancing two rounds in the CIF-Southern Section Division 1AA playoffs this past season.
The junior, who averaged 22 points a game, was one of three area players to score at least 20 points a contest. But he was also one of the more versatile players in the area, helping the Spartans with five rebounds per game, while also getting five assists and two steals per game. He was All-CIF-SS for the second consecutive season.
Damien, which won the Division 3AA last season, finished short of its goal in repeating, losing to Great Oak, of Temecula, in the second round.
“I don’t think there was more pressure this year,” Hemsley said. “It really came down to having fun, and I don’t think we had as much fun playing the game as last year. I think that played a big part of us not winning games, like we did last year.”
But after tasting the title in 2013 and falling short this season, Hemsley is already looking forward to next season.
“There’s definitely motivation for next season,” Hemsley said. “That (coming up short) always gets me to work harder and do better than the next person.
“I’m improved on my game this season, but I think there’s some things I still need to work on.”
Next season will also be another challenge for the Spartans, who move from the Sierra League to the more highly-competitive Baseline League, which had all of its six teams make the playoffs and now will include powers Chino Hills and Damien. But Hemsley wouldn’t want it any other way.
“I like that a lot,” Hemsley said. “I like the competition. I’m excited (about the move).”
http://www.sgvtribune.com/sports/20140415/all-area-boys-basketball-damiens-jeremy-hemsley-walnuts-josh-cameron-take-top-honors
Source: Steve Ramirez - San Gabriel Valley Tribune