From Classroom to Courtside

Welcome! Down in the County is a publication that focuses on the folks and history of Pamlico County, N.C.

Today we are featuring a story written and photographed by Quamori Miller, a 15 year-old journalist who is a freshman at Pamlico County High School. He currently lives in Aurora and is a YNTO Snapshot.

Coach Nicholas Lewis brings his players into the locker room. It’s just before the Pamlico High School boys varsity basketball game, hosted by Swansboro High School. The room has lockers on the walls, benches all around. The light is dim and yellow. It feels crowded and tense. 

The players look nervous. They shift their weight, fidgeting.

“It’s okay to not be perfect,” says Coach Lewis after going over a few plays. He looks at his team. “Let’s not overthink this game. Just encourage each other. And play hard.”

They fist bump each other and head to the gymnasium floor to warm up. Basketballs hit the floor. Players whisper to each other, building each other up. 

At the end of the first quarter, they are up 18-3. Coach claps with support even when the other team scores.

At half time, they lose their lead. Usually half-time locker rooms are full of yelling. But this room is buzzing. The Hurricanes are talking, each player giving input, sharing their ideas on how to fix it. 

Days before, I interviewed Coach Lewis after school. He is a Pamlico County native and the new boys varsity head coach for PCHS.  He teaches History during the day at the school. 

I asked him about his inspiration for coaching. He told me that, for him,  middle school wasn't so great, at first. But his coach, Coach Novach at Chicod School in Greenville, N.C., changed it for him. “He just genuinely cared about us and knew the game,” said Lewis. 

Because Coach Lewis has helped previous coaches, his current players said they have been excited to play for Coach Lewis since they were in middle school. Lewis is known for his upfront, funny, and caring attitude. One of his coaching colleagues, Keith Reese, Sr., said of Lewis, "A very solid and honest dude. Straight forward. Loves the kids and is willing to do just about anything to help them in their future."

At the end of the interview, I asked Lewis about the outlook for the season. "On paper we look great. The main goal is to control every game,” he said.

 Now, more than halfway through the season, the Boys Varsity is sitting at 10 wins, 8 losses. Four wins, one loss, in the conference.

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Down in the County has its own Instagram page! Check us out @downinthecounty or on Facebook here. You can see more of Quamori’s work on Instagram at @quamori_.m.