After year at Arizona prep school, Roosevelt (Oregon) star Terrence Hill Jr. returned to his ‘True North’ roots

The Utah State signee made the winning basket Wednesday to send Roughriders to OSAA 6A boys basketball semifinals

PORTLAND — The undeniable emotions of hitting a game-winning layup on the state’s biggest stage Wednesday night was a moment Roosevelt’s Terrence Hill Jr. will never forget. 

A runout from baseline to baseline that lasted all of five seconds made everything worth it in coming back home for his senior season.

The adrenaline was flowing, the fervor in the crowd at the Chiles Center was deafening, and to do it in front of his family, friends and community is a memory that will last a lifetime. 

“True North,” Hill said. “I’m in my community, I’m in my home, UP is right down the street from my house. I feel good, for sure.”

A year ago, things were a lot different. After starring at Roosevelt as a freshman and sophomore, Hill transferred out of state to AZ Compass Prep to join former Jefferson star and current Oregon freshman Mookie Cook. 

It was a growth and development year for Hill. After averaging nearly 20 points per game for Roosevelt his first two years, he received limited playing time in Arizona and averaged 3.1 points and 2.1 assists in 12 games in a talent-rich program.

Hill said he learned a lot, maturing as both a person and a player, over the year.

“I went there with a mindset of, ‘Oh, I’ll better myself in every aspect,’” Hill said. “So, me playing or not playing, I just wanted to be a better person overall. Going out there and getting experience, getting ready for college, that was my main goal. So, I wouldn’t say it was a disappointment or anything like that. I think it bettered me in the long run.”

The 6-foot-3 guard, who signed with Utah State in November, acknowledged he got what he wanted out of it — preparing himself for the next level.

“Just getting my body right,” Hill said. “Playing against those types of guys every single day because I know I’m going to face them in college. It helped me out in a big way.”

But there was still a missing element in his time away from home. And it was mainly playing for everyone who’s been a part of his journey.

“(I missed) being in front of all my family and friends, especially my mom — she didn’t get to see me play a lot last year,” Hill said. “So, just doing everything for her and my dad, too, just playing the best I can for them, for sure. 

“My grandma was here today, too, so it was a great experience to see them in the stands, doing my thing and us getting the win. They definitely tapped into a lot of my games (in Arizona), but seeing them in person and hugging them (after games) is a different experience.” 

After speaking with his parents, Hill said his plan always was to return home to Portland for his senior season and figure out what to do next.

The thought of finishing his high school career at Roosevelt with coach Jamarr Lawson and his fellow senior teammates Chance White and Utrillo Morris, who have been with him since the very beginning, felt right. 

“I’ve been with them since I started playing basketball,” Hill said. “So, just playing with them, entering our senior year the right way because we all decided to go here our freshman year — ending it the right way is the best thing, for sure.”

After Wednesday’s 67-65 thriller over PIL rival Grant in the quarterfinals, Roosevelt moves to the semifinals Friday afternoon against Beaverton — now two wins from that coveted state championship to bring home to North Portland.

“Having dreams about playing here again and hitting a game-winning shot, it’s what I’ve dreamt a lot about as a kid,” Hill said.

Revenge has undoubtedly been on Hill’s mind since a heartbreaking last-second loss to Summit in the quarterfinals two years ago, and it’s what motivated him ever since while taking pride in representing his family, his school and the community. 

“It’s been on my mind in a big way because that’s what took us out,” Hill said. “I felt like we were definitely going to win a state championship that year. It’s a big drive. I think about it every day. Just going to Roosevelt — nobody ever knew about Roosevelt. It was always Jeff was the headline of the PIL, or Grant. 

“So, just bringing a new wave toward this generation and everything. Kids are looking up to me now, so it’s definitely a big thing for our community.” 

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Photos by Taylor Balkom