Editor’s note: Athlete of the month is released by ASB a week after the month ends. Stories on each athlete are delayed for this reason. 

With the ball in his hands as the game comes down to key possessions, Tevaris Green (12) became a “reliable presence” for the school’s varsity boys basketball team. His consistent play and leadership in December led to his selection as Athlete of the Month.

According to Green, the recognition represents one standout month built on years of work.

“It means a lot,” Green said. “I’ve worked really hard, so it’s good to be recognized for that hard work, and I appreciate it.”

Green competed in the Torrey Pines Holiday Classic, a national tournament that drew nearly 80 teams from across the country. His all-around performance earned him All-Tournament Team Honor, placing him among just 20 players selected from the entire field.

“There was just a surge of confidence [after the holiday classic tournament],” Green said. “I started playing better, and I kept playing better. It felt good all around.”

Assistant Coach and English 10 College Preparatory teacher Jake Gilliam (‘17) explained Green’s impact during the tournament extended beyond scoring.

“He was exceptional,” Gilliam said. “He rebounded well, passed well, defended and scored in a variety of ways.”

“He does a little bit of everything,” Gilliam said. “Technically, he’s a guard, but we’ve asked a lot of him, and he’s played just about every position on the floor.”

As a senior, Green took on added responsibility, impacting the younger players who were pushed into larger roles.

“I’m in more of a leadership role right now,” Green said. “A lot of guys were sick, so the younger guys had to step up, and being one of the older players, I had to teach them and show them the way.”

Teammate Alejandro Ovies (12) expressed that Green’s leadership is most noticeable in his communication and intensity on the court.

“When he’s guarding, he’s very energetic and loud,” Ovies said. “He talks to his teammates and holds everybody accountable.”

Green also delivers in high-pressure moments, including a game-winning three-pointer against San Marcos High School and a “clutch shot” to force overtime in another close matchup against La Jolla Country Day High School.

“He’s not afraid to shoot the ball with the game on the line,” Gilliam said. “I always feel good about the shot he takes.”

According to Ovies, his confidence helps steady the team late in games.

“When the ball is in his hands at the end of games, he knows what needs to be done,” Ovies said. “That confidence spreads to everyone else.”

Off the court, Green balances basketball with academics. A California Interscholastic Federation Honor Roll student, which recognizes student-athletes who earn at least a 3.5 GPA, he applies the same mindset to school.

“[School work] needs to be done one way or another,” Green said. “If I want to play basketball in college, it has to be done to get where I want to go.”

Looking ahead, Green has clear goals for the remainder of the season. Individually, he hopes to reach the 1,000-point milestone while also helping lead the team through league play and into the postseason.

Gilliam credited Green’s growth to the work he puts in outside of scheduled practices.

“He’s a self-made player,” Gilliam said. “His development has come from the work he does when no one is watching.”

His teammates praise him for his grit and commitment to continuous improvement on the basketball court. 

“He’s really clear about what the goal and standard is,” Ovies said. “He tells people what they need to hear, whether it’s easy to hear or not.”