By Brian Reed-Baiotto, Sports Editor

Finally!

After a year or so wait, and thousands of hours of work, former Muir star Hunter Woods has signed on the dotted line to compete at Elon University in North Carolina.

Looking back, the 2017-18 boys basketball season was a very special year for Pasadena area hoops.

The mighty Pasadena Bulldogs won the Pacific League and earned a spot in the CIF-SS Division 1 finals.

PHS went 5-2 in the postseason that year.

Simaine Stewart’s Muir program had an incredible and historic season of their own, going 12-2 in Pacific League play and finished two games back of Pasadena.

In the CIF-SS Division 2A playoffs, the Mustangs defeated Saugus, La Serna and Walnut, before dropping a six-point affair in the semifinal round at San Marcos in Santa Barbara.

As they did all season, though, and after 12 days off, Muir dusted itself off like they had after every setback, and won a first-round state playoff game over San Marcos of San Diego.

Three days later, their season would end in Brentwood.

Of all the rivalries I’ve had the privilege to cover, and from Long Beach to Orange County, as well as the San Gabriel Valley to the Inland Empire, the PHS-Muir boys basketball rivalry is both special and unique.

Neither program wanted to beat someone more than each other, but at the end of the day, and unlike most high-level competitors, the Mustangs and Bulldogs’ players are genuinely close friends and fans of the other when they weren’t going head to head.

That season saw PHS’ Bryce Hamilton earn his spot at UNLV, Tavian Percy was off to the University of New Mexico and Darius Brown II headed to Cal State Northridge.

Another Pasadena area star, Maranatha’s Chris Austin, took his many talents to New York to compete for Fordham University.

That left Muir’s 6-foot-8 forward, Hunter Woods, as the best player without a spot in 2018-19.

Woods was very lean, but his game was polished and he contributed mightily and nightly in every stat category for the Mustangs.

In his senior year alone, Woods averaged 20 points, 10 rebounds, four assists and three steals per game.

Woods scored 183 points more in 2017-18 than his next closest teammate, which happened to be Haleem Jenkins.

He finished with 236 rebounds, including 69 on the offensive boards, and Woods was second to Tiyon Martin with 100 assists.

Woods shot 78-percent from the free-throw line and converted on 56 more free-throws than Tiyon Martin, who was second with 52.

And after all of that, Woods didn’t have a lot of options at the next level, which confused and frustrated many.

But here’s why this kid is so special.

When Hamilton and DBII and Percy and Austin announced their destinations, Woods was genuinely as happy for his buddies, as would a parent or brother.

Another example of his maturity shined bright after a pair of lopsided Pacific League losses to Pasadena.

Instead of pouting and leaving the gym without talking to people, Woods behaved and conducted himself in a manner that is very rare in adults, let alone high school athletes.

I can remember vividly the Feb. 8, 78-51 beatdown the Bulldogs put on the Mustangs on senior night at Muir.

Haleem Jenkins’ mom was snuck into town to surprise her son in the pregame festivities for the seniors, and those who attended the game had to get there at least as hour early or they weren’t part of that overflow crowd.

After Woods, Simaine Stewart Junior, Tiyon Martin, Tasson Aubry and Haleem Jenkins were dominated, this proud young man stood tall, he took accountability and he said hello and hugged anyone who wanted or needed a hug.

It wasn’t that he didn’t feel the disappointment, it was that Woods was the product of a family, including his mother, Kimberly Green, grandmother Joyce, aunt Gloria Brown and his uncle, Michael Green, just to name a few, who taught Woods to be as impressive off the court as he was on it.

So, fast forward to May and June when Woods graduates and he’s still wanting more than anything to continue his career at the collegiate level, but the interest wasn’t there as much as we all thought it should be.

Woods was working on his body, and he already had the skills, the work ethic, the intelligence and potential to be a very special player at the next level.

While some may have given up or saw their future dimmed, Woods played for a pair of travel ball teams and got better in every way he could, which included putting 15 pounds of muscle on that lean physique of his.

As soon as his prep days were over, Woods reclassified to 2019, which is when he was selected to play for Russell Westbrook’s Nike EYBL team, which is called, “Team Why Not,” and who was coached by Reggie Morris.

They traveled to play on the Nike circuit and made it to the top level Nike Tournament championship, known as the Peach Jam.

It was the first year that Team Why Not was formed on the EYBL circuit.

Unfortunately for Woods and his teammates, they fell in the championship to Team Takeover, in a game that was televised on ESPN.

Woods then went the post-grad route and attended Golden State Prep in Napa, California.

The coaches have helped him develop his game and athleticism.

He played in excess of 40 games during the tenure of the program to help him excel to the next level.

Woods competed in numerous JUCO tournaments as well.

He received strong interest from different schools, but offers came from San Jose State, Drexel, and Elon University.

He went to visit Drexel, George Mason, and Elon and found a home at Elon University.

Woods said he felt a connection right away with the coaching staff and the head coach, Mike Schrage.

You could even say Woods is now smack in the middle of basketball royalty, as both Duke and North Carolina are just 15 minutes away.

In fact, Woods will get the opportunity to compete against both Michigan and the Tar Heels this coming season.

The perseverance in which he’s shown, the class and dignity that he displays in the best and worst of times and the support he has from so many family members, coaches and friends has made this moment so special, including for this writer.

Never once did he complain or make it seem that he was a victim.

Woods just worked his butt off and will finally get that shot at the Division 1 level, where he’s always been destined to be.

Woods’ mom, Kimberly Green, is one of the very best mother’s/people I’ve been lucky enough to get to know.

Over his senior season, and for a team and coach she loves, Green provided so much support, including team meals and even an ear to bend when players or coaches needed to vent.

It is for that reason that this is just as much an accomplishment for Hunter’s mom, as it is for Woods himself.

He is also incredibly grateful to his dad, Tracy Woods, uncle Michael Green, aunt Gloria Brown, grandma Joyce, coach Simaine Stewart, all his teammates, the faculty and student body at Muir, as well as his buddies and competitors at PHS, all of whom are excited that Hunter landed where he should have months and months ago.

Both Woods and his mother wanted to thank coaches Ryan Sypkens and Elimane Diallo, as well as co-director Philippe Doherty and founder Jeremy Russotti of Golden State Prep for playing such a pivotal role in Woods’ ascension as both a player and a young man.

When asked his thoughts on seeing his buddies going off to college, the support he’s received from so many, Woods was true to form, thanking each and every person that has played a part in his life.

Said Woods: “I was happy for everyone and tried not to be impatient. I really worked on my body and put on 15 pounds. I spent countless hours working in the gym (both weights and basketball). I became a lot better because of that hard work and the process was very rewarding, because I know that nothing in life worth having is given to you. I went out and with the help of so many, I earned a spot to play Division 1 basketball.

I want the fans of Elon to know how excited I am to play for them and I look forward to, with the coaches and my teammates to raising the level of the program. There is a lot to look forward to, and I just want to do my part.

I am also very grateful to all the people of Pasadena for always showing support and love for me and my family. I will do everything I can to represent Muir, Coach Stewart, my teammates, and the people of Pasadena in the best possible way.

Lastly, I want to thank my mom, because without her love, sacrifice and devotion to give me the best life possible, I could have never arrived at this moment. I love you, mom, and your role in my life means everything to me. I will continue to work hard to make you proud.”

I can say, without doubt, that the Elon men’s basketball program has instantly gained a lot of fans from Southern California, and that we look forward to all of you finding out firsthand why Hunter Woods is a beloved figure among Pasadena area players, parents and fans.

Hunter Woods is a guy that will represent your program with the highest of character.

And we would be remiss if we didn’t point out one last thing.

While Woods is going to North Carolina to pursue his dreams at Elon, he also intends to challenge himself in the classroom, so when his playing days are over, he’s laid the path for a highly-successful life.

And that’s exactly what he was raised to do.

Quotable:

Muir coach Simaine Stewart: “Elon University got a great player, awesome family and a tremendous talent. Hunter Woods will be the next mid-major player to shock the basketball community.”

PHS coach Tony Brooks: “I am so happy for Hunter to have signed with Elon University. He is so deserving of this accomplishment and I know it took a lot of hard work and perseverance to finally arrive at this moment. It couldn’t have happened to a nicer person. I am so excited for what he is about to experience and I know Hunter will make the most of this opportunity. On behalf of the entire Bulldogs’ basketball program, we wish to congratulate Hunter on his scholarship.”

Maranatha coach Tim Tucker: “Hunter Woods was passed by a lot of schools after high school, but it didn’t stop him. He is a great shooter and basketball player and an even better person. I’m glad someone got it right. He will do great things on the D-1 level. Congrats to Elon.”

PHS assistant coach Darius Brown Sr: “I am so happy and excited for Hunter. I have seen him grow and develop since he was a youngster. He is a high-character and humble kid that is constantly in the gym working to get better every day. The 2018 class in the city of Pasadena was one of the most successful classes and Hunter just added to that list of D-1 players. I’m sure he will bring his work ethic to Elon and they will be happy with this young man for the next four years.”

Former Muir guard Tiyon Martin: “Hunter and I have a different mother and father but we have the same hustle . He is my brother for life. When people gave up on him last year just because he didn’t sign to a school he wanted to go to, everyone thought he wasn’t going to be playing the game anymore. All it did was give him more fuel every day to work even harder than he was already doing. He is a strong believer that we are on God’s time and he does everything for a reason. I’m proud, but we just getting started. He is going to be at Elon and going to be a killer.”

Former Muir guard, Simaine Stewart Jr: “Hunter was a great teammate and friend during our four years at Muir. He worked hard everyday and gave his all every time we stepped out of the floor. I’m happy he’s finally getting his shot, because he deserves it. He’s about to be at a great school, where he can showcase what we been working on for all these years.”

Former PHS/current CSUN point guard, Darius Brown II: “It’s great that Hunter got what he deserved, and I am so happy for him. He is another Pasadena area player repping this city and he does it so well. It’s great seeing him be successful from Impact (AAU team), which we played together, to middle school games against each other. In high school, we played on Rockfish together to our showdowns when Muir and Pasadena battled it out each season. He’s family and I can’t wait to see what he accomplishes.”

Former PHS/current UNLV player, Bryce Hamilton: “I am really happy for Hunter. He definitely deserves this opportunity. It is real good for the city to see all these basketball players in Pasadena play division 1. Hunter will do well at Elon because he is a skilled offensive player that can play multiple positions and is a good defense player with his length.”

Former PHS/current University of New Mexico player, Tavian Percy: “Hunter is a humble, good-spirited kid. And that will take him far, but he’s also a talented player with the tools to be a good college player. He works hard and as long as he keeps up his hard work and keep on the right track, the sky is the limit!”