Morgan County basketball’s Justice Lewis put pen to paper and signed to play at Truett McConnell University. Lewis inked with the Bears on May 22 during a signing ceremony.
Lewis worked hard during his senior season to attract attention and receive an offer to play at the next level.
“At the beginning of [last] season, my coaches told me what I needed to do to play at the next level,” he said. “I took everything they said seriously. All my coaches have experience in college basketball, so I took their advice.”
Lewis got in the weight room and began conditioning, which led to him performing well on the court.
The 6-foot-4 forward helped his team win a region title and reach the second round of the playoffs this past season.
Lewis started contacting junior colleges, but ultimately, the coaches at Truett McConnell found him. It was also beneficial that Morgan County head coach Cody Anderson knows Bears’ head coach Jon Yeh.
“Coach Yeh reached out to me, and we talked on the phone for about an hour,” Lewis said. “He was just asking me questions that every kid should be asked when they’re going to college. He was getting to know me.”
Lewis thought the conversations went well, and he arranged a visit to the school, which is located in Cleveland. He felt at home during the visit and acknowledged that the coaching staff made him feel like a priority.
“I went on a visit about two weeks ago, and I really loved it. Everything was great. They made it personal for me, with my name on everything, and they treated me well,” Lewis said. “I remember right after the visit, my dad and I got in the car, and we looked at each other, and we both knew that it’s where I wanted to be.”
Lewis also said another significant factor led him to commit and sign to play at TMU.
“My faith was also the most important key,” Lewis said. “Jesus is a model in my everyday life of how I should act and treat others. One could have all the success in the world, but without Jesus, it’s all worth nothing.”
Lewis credits Anderson for convincing him to continue playing basketball. He didn’t get on the floor much in middle school or during his freshman season, but when Anderson was hired in 2022, he gave Lewis an opportunity.
“I remember having a conversation with [Coach Anderson], and I was deciding whether or not I was going to play my sophomore year, because I really lost the love of the game,” Lewis explained. “I’ve played basketball since fifth grade, and after my freshman season, I just really wanted to quit. But thankfully, I didn’t stop. Coach Anderson is a great dude, and he’ll do anything for me and any of the players at Morgan County.”
Anderson was happy to have coached Lewis the past three seasons.
“Justice embodies everything that we are about as a program. Justice is a connector, competes relentlessly, exhibits great composure, and is consistent in his pursuit of his goals,” Anderson said.
“He gained the respect of his teammates and coaches through his work ethic and character. We could not be happier for Justice. Truett McConnell, as a university and basketball program, aligns with what Justice is all about.”
Lewis will begin classes in the fall and start practicing with the Bears later this year.