Growing up, Shepard’s Amari Williams wasn’t really into sports. He didn’t play anything until sixth grade, when a growth spurt combined with boredom during the pandemic prompted him to give basketball a shot.
Now, the 6-foot-8 forward is one of the state’s most promising freshmen.
“Coming out of quarantine, I felt like I wanted to get something started in my life,” Williams said. “I figured I’d try basketball and it’s coming along in my life really well.”
It sure is. Williams has been a starter since before his first day of high school.
On Monday night, he helped the Astros pick up a playoff win. Williams scored 10 points and pulled down 10 rebounds as host Shepard earned a 56-53 victory over Stagg in a Class 4A Romeoville Regional quarterfinal in Palos Heights.
Aurion Lee-Barnes scored 19 points and Jovan Thomas finished with 15 points and 16 rebounds to lead the 16th-seeded Astros (14-18), who advanced to play top-seeded Homewood-Flossmoor (27-3) at 6 p.m. Wednesday in a regional semifinal. Aaron Arrambide contributed 11 points.
Illinois-Springfield recruit Domas Narcevicius, who recently returned from an injury that sidelined him for most of the season, scored 17 points and pulled down 10 rebounds to lead 18th-seeded Stagg (1-29). Isaiah Jimenez and Dovydas Zuperka added 10 points apiece.
The Chargers rallied from down nine at the start of the fourth quarter and had multiple chances to tie the game in the final minute but could not convert.
Ultimately, Shepard’s inside duo of Williams and Thomas was too much to handle. Thomas, a 6-9 senior, has been Williams’ mentor, according to first-year Shepard coach Corey Wolf.
“Jovan has been kind of the bigger brother, teaching him stuff,” Wolf said. “Jovan came down with a broken leg in April. Amari was starting for us in the summer and Jovan was instrumental even then even when he was on crutches, hopping around.
“He kept saying, ‘When we’re out there together, we’re going to be able to do this.’”
The pair’s connection has grown throughout the season, and Williams thinks they’re clicking now.
“I feel like as we play together, we learn how to play off each other more,” Williams said. “I know if he misses, I’m going to be there waiting for the offensive rebound. And I know if I get it, he’s going to have my back if the ball doesn’t go in.”
Thomas has certainly been impressed by Williams.
“I helped him a little bit, but he’s a player that developed quick,” Thomas said. “For him to come from eighth grade to varsity and actually do damage on varsity, that’s a good thing to have.
“He’s getting used to varsity already. By his senior year, he’s going to be top in the country.”
Williams opened eyes in the summer and came into the season with a ton of expectations. Wolf knows some looked at the freshman as Shepard’s savior.
“I think it was tough on him, being a freshman and having the pressure of a program on your shoulders in a way,” Wolf said. “I think he’s dealt with it really well. He’s a fantastic kid, and he’s a hard worker who consistently puts his best foot forward.”
Aided by five 3-pointers from Lee-Barnes, Shepard maintained a narrow lead through most of the game.
Williams, meanwhile, was certainly ready for his playoff debut. He scored six quick points in the first quarter.
“At first, I came in and there was a lot of pressure for me,” Williams said. “But as the season went on, I got used to it and I just help my team win games.”
Wolf is confident that the future is bright for his freshman star.
“To be honest with you, you haven’t seen anything yet from him in terms of how talented he is,” Wolf said. “And he’s going to be able to grow.”
