Senior TJ Griffin Jr. has become the ultimate surprise success story at Stagg, earning a football scholarship to Illinois.
However, as a two-year varsity player in football and a three-year regular in basketball, one thing Griffin has not done much of in his athletic career is win.
He wants to change that in his final basketball season with the Chargers.
“I’ve never won a football game in my high school career, so I’ve always dealt with adversity,” he said. “We haven’t had a lot of success on the basketball court, either, but it’s something I feel like we can really turn around this year.
“With the team we have, this season can be a real game-changer.”
Griffin, a 6-foot-2 guard/forward, is off to a fast start for Stagg (3-4). He made the all-tournament team at a Thanksgiving tourney hosted by the Chargers and scored 19 points on Nov. 30 in a big 66-47 win over Tinley Park.
“I like being a leader on the court,” he said. “That’s why I like having the ball in my hands. If it’s not in my hands, I can still be a floor general. I love being a good defender because defense turns into offense.”
Griffin went from an off-the-radar receiver on a winless football team to snagging a scholarship offer to play safety at Illinois after his senior season ended.
“It’s mind-blowing to be a senior, be unranked by all the recruiting services,” he said. “To go from there to where I am now, a three-star going to play for my home school.”
He briefly questioned whether he should play basketball this season, but the answer was obvious to him.
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“It crossed my mind for a second like, ‘Should I do this? Should I risk my body?'” he said. “But basketball is the sport I fell in love with when I was younger, so I felt like it was only right to finish it out as a three-year varsity player, have a great season and just enjoy it.
“Now I’m not grinding to get to college, I can just play basketball and have fun.”
Stagg coach Marty Strus is certainly grateful to have him.
“Someone of TJ’s talent, especially in this day and age, it would have been really easy for him to find another high school to play at,” Strus said. “He’s gone completely the other way and just embraced being a Stagg Charger.
“There’s not a teacher or coach in this building that doesn’t know and respect TJ. He’s kind of set the bar for everyone here on how to handle yourself, how to get it done in the classroom, how to work hard.”
Stepping up: Davion Lawrence, a 6-foot-6 senior forward, has elevated his game to give Oak Lawn (5-1) an inside presence to complement a strong group of outside shooters.
Lawrence had 21 points and 15 rebounds in Friday’s win over T.F. North and also scored 18 points in a Nov. 1 victory over Chicago Christian.
“Last year was his first varsity season, and he came back from COVID a bit overweight,” Oak Lawn coach Jason Rhodes said of Lawrence. “Now, he’s worked his way back into shape.
“He played both ways for our football team. He has good footwork in the post, good hands and can shoot it a little bit.”
Fellow seniors Johnny McGowan and Nicco Reyes are also having big seasons for the Spartans.
Strong debut: Leo had a bit of a wait for its first game, but the Lions made it count Friday with a 72-62 win over a highly touted St. Ignatius.
Senior guard Cam Cleveland led the way with 24 points.
“This will be a special group that will surprise teams this year,” Leo coach Jamal Thompson said. “We brought back all starters from last year and added two transfers.”
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Steve Millar is a freelance reporter for the Daily Southtown.