Owasso senior Elijah “EJ” Lewis is sharing the values he has learned playing basketball.

The point guard was destined to play the sport after picking it up at five years old.

“I played football until the fourth grade,” Lewis says, “but it was never basketball. Basketball was an escape for me. It helped ease my mind and, just overall, it was a stress-reliever.”

The lessons he has learned since dedicating his life to hoops – the “sense of camaraderie” – have been integral in his life; so much that he became active on the OHS athletic leadership council.

“You can’t play basketball on your own. It’s a team sport, and this means you get to interact with others, both on your team and the opposing side,” Lewis says.

While playing under OHS coach Brian Montonati, the point guard has also participated in the Rams’ summer basketball camps as a mentor.

“Just being able to be with the young kids and to interact with them is just amazing,” Lewis says. “The kids really look up to some of us, and it’s nice knowing you can make an impact on the younger kids without even knowing.”

When Lewis straps up his shoes, he’s no slouch on the floor. Scouts praise his adherence to opposing ball-handlers in the full court, not to mention his jarring first step and crafty playmaking.

Lewis is known for getting all his teammates involved in the game, but none has been a greater inspiration to Lewis than freshman forward Jalen Montonati.

“Just seeing (Montonati’s) work ethic makes me want to do more for myself and for the team,” Lewis says.

VYPE: Which teammate has the worst music taste?

EJ Lewis: Honestly, everyone pretty much has the same taste in music to me, but I definitely has the best. I’m the most versatile. . . Frank Ocean, Lil Baby, SZA, Lil Wayne and BabyTron.