By By KEVIN TRAVIS
Sports Editor
Chris Hill is ready to put on a show for the fans inside Northside High School.
Hill, a highly-recruited star, and his Stevens Prep Academy Golden Griffins will take on the Mychal Parker-led Miller School Mavericks in tonight’s first showcase game of the 30th annual WDN/PotashCorp Aurora Holiday Tournament (the second game features The Miller School facing South Central on Saturday night). The game will tip off after the conclusion of the Northside-Perquimans game at approximately 9 p.m.
“When the lights are on, it’s time to perform,” Hill said. “I want to perform at a high level and get a lot of ‘oohs and ahhs’ from the fans.”
The 6-foot-8 wing is getting some big-time looks from some big-time schools. Hill said he would love to play for the University of Connecticut, because his favorite player is former UConn great and current Memphis Grizzlies’ star, Rudy Gay.
Other top choices are Arizona, Kentucky and West Virginia, while Hill said he’s also looking at Memphis, Maryland and Duke.
Hill, who is averaging 30 points, 13 rebounds, five assists and four blocks per game, said he has plenty to offer a school.
“My versatility and my athleticism (are my strong points),” Hill said. “I can play anywhere between the two and the five (position), and I can run the point if needed.”
Hill, who can score in bunches as evidenced by his outbursts of 50, 45, 42 and 40 points earlier this season, said he’s not satisfied with his game just yet.
“I would give myself a B right now,” he said. “I still have a lot more to work on. I think I can get a lot better.”
Hill led Stevens (9-4) to a 78-64 win over Pamlico in Wednesday night’s championship game of the Pamlico Christmas Classic, erupting for 44 points to go with 13 rebounds, four blocks and three steals.
He’s looking for another solid game against the Mavericks tonight. Hill is also ready to face Parker again.
“He’s a very smart player and very athletic,” Hill said of Parker. “If it gets into an open game, you are going to have high-flying dunks. He’s the leader of that team.”
While he may be the focal point, Hill said the Golden Griffins are a solid unit.
“We have a lot of quality players,” Hill said. “We’re very well rounded. We’re very competitive and every player but one can dunk.”
Hill has been surrounded by basketball his entire life. His godfather is Jerry Stackhouse, a former great at Kinston High School and the University of North Carolina, who is now with the Memphis Grizzlies.
Hill is a cousin of Amare Stoudemire, a star with the Phoenix Suns.
“I used to love to compete and try to live up to what they did,” Hill said. “Now that I’ve matured, I don’t let that (comparison) get to me. I don’t like to brag about them. I’m going to be my own person.”
Do they ever offer Hill any advice?
“They just told me to put up or shut up,” Hill said with a laugh. “I can’t just talk about it. I have to show it on the court.”
Hill certainly has the skills to play at the next level. Some people may question why he’s moved around from Oak Hill and Laurinburg Prep to Stevens Prep, but Hill said he wants to prove all the doubters wrong.
“I’ve been very focused this year,” Hill said. “Some people are saying I can’t qualify for college and that’s why I went prep. I went prep to get better off the court with my academics, and to face better competition.
“I’m just using that all as motivation. I want to prepare for the next level and stay a step ahead of my opponents. I have a love for this; this is what I’m going to get paid for.”
Hill said he wishes more people would know the Chris Hill away from the court.
“I want to let them know I’m very humble,” Hill said. “I’m very blessed with God.
“I love hard work and dedication, and I’m very loyal.”
Tickets to the game are $5 at the door.