Lewis to Bevill
- Updated: April 14, 2025
Oxford basketball standout stays loyal, makes it official with signing to play for Bevill State Community College.
By Joe Medley
East Alabama Sports Today
OXFORD — There’s a word that first comes to Joel Van Meter’s mind when it comes to Jayden Lewis.
“Very loyal,.” Oxford’s boys’ basketball coach said about his senior forward.
Loyalty was a hallmark of Lewis’ recruitment, and he made his commitment to Bevill State Community College official by signing with the school. Oxford held a ceremony to celebrated Lewis’ signing Monday.
Lewis, a perennial All-Calhoun County player and one-time MVP of the county tournament, made his intentions clear to coaches who reached out to him.
“I didn’t really accept offers,” Lewis said. “I set aside Bevill, and I let other coaches know that Bevill was heavy on my heart.”
Lewis said Bevill “felt like family” on his visit, and coaches there stayed in contact during his recruitment. BSCC coach Billy Conner attended Lewis’ signing ceremony.
“I’m all about family, and I’m all about being close,” Conner said. “The relationship Jayden and I made when we first met is, this is only my second year coaching at the JuCo level. It’s hard, but we try to bring the family atmosphere to our kids.
“We love our kids. We hug our kids. We tell them we love them.”
Lewis said his role at Bevill State will start as a defensive specialist while he develops as a shooter and ball handler. He’ll defend the opponent’s best scorer.
Lewis passed the 1,000-point mark for his high school career as a senior.
“He’s a great practice player,” Van Meter said. “He’s a great game player. He’s probably one of the best teammates that I’ve ever coached, in terms of wanting others to do well.
“He’s just a great example of our program and what it stands for. I couldn’t be happier for him and his family, Coach Conner is getting great player who’s going to work his tail off every single day.”
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