Men’s Basketball:
By Brian Reed-Baiotto, Sports Editor:
Hunter Woods’ life story will resonate with people of all backgrounds.
The soon-to-be 24-year-old is the ultimate success story.
Woods was raised in Pasadena by an amazing single mom named Kimberly Green.
He also received unconditional love and 24/7/365 support from Joyce Green (grandma), Bev Reed (aunt), Michael Green (uncle), Gloria Brown (aunt), Tasha Green (aunt), Eryn Pollard (cousin), and others.
Woods proudly attended his mother’s alma mater, Muir High School, and he made quite the name for himself on the basketball court.
If there were more hours in a day, he’d have likely been a dominant southpaw on the mound for the Mustangs’ baseball program as well.
When Woods walked on the MHS campus for the first time as a student-athlete in 2015, he stood at 6-foot-1, and by the time his remarkable run was over in 2018, this 6-foot-6 skinny and gregarious young man left with his diploma and a 3.25 GPA.
During the 2017-18 basketball season, Muir went 24-9 overall, and they were 12-2 in Pacific League games.
The only Pacific League blotches on the Mustangs resume were a pair of setbacks to their rivals and the eventual CIF-SS Division 1 runner-up from Pasadena.
Six days after their second loss to PHS in the regular season finale, Tiyon Martin, Simaine Stewart Jr., Tasson Aubry-Thomas, Joseph Dolloway, Terrell Meeks, Haleem Jenkins, Nick Moore, Lief Cienfuegos, Jalen Johnson, Ethan Fleming, Jordan Pace, Jalen Harris, Neal Carter and Hunter Woods showed what they were made of.
They claimed CIF-SS Division 2A playoff victories over Saugus (80-61), La Serna (72-47) and Walnut (62-50) before falling, 65-59, in the semifinal round at San Marcos of Santa Barbara.
Again, and to their credit, Coach Simaine Stewart’s program responded well to adversity.
Twelve days after falling to San Marcos of Santa Barbara, the Mustangs traveled to San Marcos of San Diego, and they secured a 58-54 victory in the first round of the CIF State Division 2 playoffs.
Top-seeded Brentwood finally ended Muir’s season, but not before this close-knit group made history.
The 24 wins in 2017-18 continues to be a program-best since at least 2004, as MaxPreps only dates back to 2005.
During Muir’s historic run, Woods averaged 20 points per game, 10 rebounds, four assists, three steals and two blocked shots.
He was the team leader in points, rebounds, steals and blocked shots, and second in assists to the Mustangs steady point guard, Tiyon Martin.
With his size, skills, character and a tireless work ethic, Woods had a number of smaller schools interested in his services.
While Hunter weighed his options, and he patiently waited in the hopes of garnering interest from the nation’s bigger programs, a number of his friends/peers had already signed on the dotted line to continue their careers at the collegiate level.
Pasadena’s Bryce Hamilton, Darius Brown II and Tavian Percy, headed to UNLV, CSUN and New Mexico, respectively.
Another quality young man from the Pasadena area, Maranatha’s Chris Austin took his talents to Fordham University in New York, and the list goes on.
In spite of all the inner turmoil of not knowing what’s next, no one was happier for Hamilton, Brown, Percy and Austin than Hunter Woods.
Instead of pouting, Woods made the decision to spend a year up north at Golden State Prep in Napa.
GSP helps prepare student-athletes for college life.
Woods was initially frustrated.
But after many showcase events and being seen by college coaches, he accepted and embraced the purpose of being at GSP, and his mindset and game changed for the better.
After one year up north and playing travel ball for a number of elite clubs, Woods finally got his first opportunity to play on the big stage.
Woods spent three years playing at Elon University, which is approximately 35 miles from two of the nation’s most storied programs, Duke and the University of North Carolina.
He also got the chance to compete against the Blue Devils and Tar Heels.
Which also meant that Woods got to share a court with the winningest coach in NCAA history, and five-time champion, Mike Krzyzewski, and three-time champ Roy Williams at UNC.
Woods averaged eight points, six rebounds, two assists and two steals during his career at ELON.
Perhaps his shining moment came in a 66-63 upset victory over William & Mary.
Hunter was able to stop the Tribe’s CAA and Defensive Player of the Year, Nathan Knight.
He finished the game with 20 points and 15 rebounds.
At that time, Woods tied the record in rebounds in a CAA Tournament game.
At Elon, his on-court honors included CAA Rookie of the Week, CAA all-Rookie Team, Mr. Versatility and a Team Hammer Award winner.
Woods would finish out his academic and athletic careers by spending the last two years of his college life at Portland State University.
In the opinion of many, Woods didn’t get nearly the playing time or a role that was suited to his skillset as a member of the program.
He did hit this buzzer beater for the Portland State.
Off the court, though, where he had full control, Woods continued to excel in the classroom.
He earned his Bachelor’s in Social Sciences.
And then he went on to earn a Master’s in Student Affairs and Higher Education.
When he travels back to Pasadena next week, Hunter Woods will bring a cumulative 3.92 GPA with him.
Woods has also hired an agent, and while playing in the NBA is his ultimate dream, the immediate future may include stints in the NBA G League or competing internationally.
It’s difficult to accurately put into words just how impressive and significant his accomplishments are in both the classroom and on the basketball court.
But it doesn’t come as a surprise to those who know and love Hunter Woods.
And that’s because of the support system he has at home, and the heroic example set by his mother and others.
Kimberly Green is a UCLA graduate and she’s one of the toughest, hardest working and generous people that one could hope to have in their life.
During Hunter’s run at Muir, she played the role of second mother to many of his teammates, and that included home cooked meals that she provided for the MHS players and coaches.
KG would be the first to tell you that so many of her relatives stepped up night and day to make Sunday’s graduation at Portland State University a reality.
Her selflessness has rubbed off on her only child.
Woods intends to pursue a career in helping the youth of America, especially those with similar backgrounds in preparing for and attaining lofty life goals of their own.
Tracy Woods, the father of Hunter Woods, is already in Oregon to attend his son’s graduation ceremony on Sunday morning.
This story and the video attached with many well-wishers will be a surprise to Hunter, which also means I couldn’t ask him questions for quotes.
But his mom wanted very much to thank her mother/Hunter’s grandma, Joyce Green, for everything she’s done in helping KG raise Hunter.
Said Kimberly Green: “You are always there for everyone in your family. You have been a life saver for Hunter and I’m so glad you guys have a great relationship. I love you for everything you’ve done and continue to do for him. I pray you get back to great health so that you can travel to see Hunter in the next phase of his basketball life. He awaits your arrival to the front row.”
Lastly, it goes without saying that Muir High School is infinitely proud of Hunter Woods, but the admiration line stretches far beyond 1905 Lincoln Avenue.
Congrats to you, Hunter, on this massive accomplishment, and to KG for raising and guiding such an impressive young man to keep his priorities in order and value the things that matter most in life.
JUST BELOW is a surprise video put together for Woods of people wishing him well and then a photo gallery.
Watch this VidDay video for Hunter Woods!
To view a photo gallery of Hunter through the years, click on the Facebook link here: Facebook
Quotable:
Current Muir basketball coach, Brenton Moore: “Omari and Hunter played together as kids, so I’ve been able to watch him grow into the man he is today. We are all super proud of him. Hunter checked all the boxes. He has a great family. He took care of his business on the court. And he took care of his books, as evidenced by his two degrees. We are all rooting for him and supporting him. We are hoping for the best. He’s a great kid with a big smile. He’s a great example for kids and what can be accomplished if you do things the right way.”
Muir AD, Alfredo Resendiz: “Hunter is a fantastic young man with a bright future. I first saw Hunter playing as a baseball player for Central Altadena Little League. As a tall lefthanded pitcher, he was a force on the mound. I knew he played hoops, but I really thought he had a future as a pitcher early in his athletic career. As he matured and got older, it was a pleasure seeing him work so hard on his basketball skill set. He has a very supportive family, and his mother Kim and uncle Mike did everything they could to make Hunter’s hoop dreams come to fruition. From driving across So Cal for practices and games, making team meals for the boys, and pushing Hunter to succeed in the classroom, his family was an integral part of his growth and accomplishments. Hunter isn’t the best athlete, but he’s an extremely hard worker. What he lacked in athleticism and quickness he made up for in other ways. That’s why he was able to play at a high level for a Division 1 program. It’s been an absolute blast to be on the sideline of Hunter’s maturation as a basketball player, and more importantly, as an amazing young man.”
Former Muir AD/current Arcadia High School AD, Milica Protic: “Hunter, I am so proud of the extraordinary young man that you’ve become. This is just the beginning. May your knowledge carry you far and your dreams soar even higher.”
Pasadena coach, Tony Brooks: “As a player, Hunter Woods was one of the most lethal players to ever come out of Muir basketball. Physically, he was imposing, talented and versatile. At 6-foot-7, he can handle the ball, shoot consistently with range, but he can also rebound and play great defense. I had many sleepless nights trying to strategize on how to slow him down. I was foolish to ever think that he could be stopped. As a person, Hunter is a great kid which meant that despite him playing for our heated rivals, we all rooted for him and his success beyond high school. It was customary to see him working out in the summer months with Bryce Hamilton, Omari Moore and Darius Brown. Any coach, teacher or educator would be proud to have Hunter in their school. He is well spoken, studious and humble. All of this attributes to his mother, Kim who has shaped Hunter into the young man he is today.”
Maranatha coach, Tim Tucker: “Hunter Woods is one of the best players that I did not coach, but we had a great relationship. I am so proud of Hunter and all of his hard-earned accomplishments.”
Former Pasadena assistant coach, Darius Brown Sr. “Very proud of Hunter. To see his journey from a kid and follow him through high school and college. And ultimately, the most important thing through all of it is to receive his Masters. I’m very proud of Hunter. Great job and Hunter will be successful in life because of his journey.”
Former Pasadena point guard, Darius Brown II: “I am so proud of Hunter and its always nice to see people from the city and people you grew up with doing well and achieving things. Hunter’s a great dude and deserves all the success. He will achieve a lot of greatness at the next level and in life. Brother for life! He deserves it all.”
Hunter’s mom, Kimberly Green: “Hunter is my only child and I’m grateful for my village (family, friends, mentors) who have helped me along the way to help me keep Hunter on course. My Aunt Bev was always his biggest fan. When Hunter was born, she took him under her wing as though he was hers. She followed and helped me with Hunter no matter the circ*mstance. When my aunt passed away from pancreatic cancer, it was a devastating blow to our family. She passed away on 9/25/2013. Hunter took her death hard and struggled with some life challenges when she passed away. For this reason, he chose to wear No. 25 throughout his basketball journey. He said she would always be with him on the court when he played by wearing No. 25. I can’t thank our village enough for all the encouragement and support that has been bestowed upon Hunter. I will cherish all the memories and especially the support for those who traveled near or far just to see him play. The biggest excitement was when Hunter had approximately 50 people come out to Riverside when we played in the Cal Baptist Tournament. I had shirts made for those who wanted them, and to see the photos of Hunter in the stand was unbelievable.”
Muir Records w/Hunter Woods:
2017-18: (24-9 overall, 12-2 in Pacific League & 4-2 in CIF-SS & CIF State playoffs)
2016-17: (18-10, 10-4 & 1-1)
2015-16: (16-11, 11-3 & 0-1)
