Jul 18

Jul 18 Liles, Reid excited about next steps, will play collegiate basketball

{Contributed photo/Matthew Liles}

Two friends, who are more like brothers, are fully entrenched in preparing for the next chapter of their lives. Matthew Liles and Javien Reid, recent graduates of Lexington Senior High School, are headed to college in the fall. Not only will they be taking classes to further their educations, they will also be playing basketball. Liles has committed to Greensboro College; Reid will suit up for Davidson-Davie Community College.

This dream now turned reality became a goal of the players during their middle school years. Liles stated he began to believe in the possibility of playing at the next level when he was a junior. Reid noted the passing of his grandmother in 2016 as a driving force for him to become more serious about the game.

Both players were born and raised in Lexington. They became friends at a young age, drawn together by their love of sports. For a few years, Liles and his family lived in Winston-Salem. Although he was young, his time spent in the neighboring city was impactful.

“I grew up around a more urban lifestyle and got to experience some things most people who live in Lexington may not experience. Living in Winston was beneficial for my growth as a human being and a student athlete because I was able to make some connections with people that you don’t just come across every day.”

A few connections that standout for Reid include former teammates.

“My freshman year, I played alongside Derrick Dearman and Alex Holt [a forward at High Point University]. I learned a few things from them my freshman and sophomore years at Lexington.”

In getting to know more about their path to reach this milestone, I asked both a few questions.

1. When did you start playing basketball?

Liles – “I can’t give you an accurate age or time but for as long as I can remember.”
Reid – “I started playing basketball in first grade when I was at Pickett Elementary.”

2. What do you enjoy about basketball?

Liles – “In my opinion, basketball is like art. Trying to get as creative as you can be with your game and bringing your own unique style to the court while playing the game the right way to me is beautiful basketball.”
Reid – “I enjoy a lot about basketball. The few things I enjoy is how relaxed I can be when playing and the creativity it brings.”

3. How has playing basketball and being a student at LSHS prepared you for this next step?

Liles – “I think all the coaches I’ve had during my time at Lexington set me in the right direction just because of the fact they all played at the next level, whether it was JUCO, division 3, or professional. I feel like with them sharing their knowledge of the game and the experiences they went through was helpful to me and I plan to keep those lessons with me for as long as I live.”
Reid – “Playing basketball and being a student at Lexington taught me a lot of lessons not only as a player but as a young man. The most important thing I’ve learned is it takes a wise person to stay locked in and focused on your goals. It’s so easy to get distracted and lose focus these days.”

4. Who have been key role players in helping you achieve this goal?

Liles – “I’d have to say my parents and my siblings have always been my biggest support group. They all have always kept me humbled and always motivated me to keep going when I was feeling down, so most definitely them.”
Reid – “I’ve had help from my mom, all my coaches throughout the years and my teammates.”

5. What are your basketball goals?

Liles – “I want to continue playing no matter where, and hopefully, it leads me to the NBA.”
Reid – “My goals, of course, are to make it as far as possible. Or become a coach or just analyze the game.”

6. Why did you choose to play at your respective college?

Liles – “Greensboro just felt like the best decision for my family and for me personally. From the phone call when they offered to me taking my visit, I could feel the family environment they have in that locker room and campus. Every coach on the staff is good people and I feel as if I can learn a lot from them to pursue my next dream of making it professionally.”
Reid – “I felt like DDCC fits my style of play best and they’re one of the best JUCO’s in the nation.”

One common aspect Liles and Reid are looking forward to during their college experience is the growth they know awaits them. Their head coach at LSHS, Adrian Lee, believes they’ve been equipped to handle this next step.

“Javien Reid is a very dedicated humble young man who is driven by being the best student and athlete he can be. It has been a true blessing to coach him this year and watch his continued growth academically and athletically. Mr. Reid has unlimited potential and a very bright future.”

Lee also shared thoughts about Liles.

“Matthew Liles is a very intelligent cerebral student athlete. Matthew is a 3.0 academic student blessed with creative skills in computer technology. It has been such a blessing to coach him this year. Matthew is so well rounded academically and talented athletically, his future is very bright.”

In June, Liles hosted his initial basketball camp at LSHS’ gymnasium for students in grades sixth through twelfth. Food and beverage were provided. All proceeds from registration fees were given to the boys basketball program at LSHS.

“My reason behind starting the camp was to give the kids in the community some knowledge I learned from my past coaches and received from attending different camps while growing up, playing travel basketball and playing high school ball. I feel as if I’m a person in the community youth look up to a lot with my social media following. To be able to let them know that I was once in their shoes and they can one day have their own camps and clinics, I think that’s what’s it all about which is giving back. We had a great turnout for the first time. We had up to 43 campers plus major support from people in Davidson County. Also, some Forsyth County people donated money to help sponsor some of the kids. I do plan to do this every summer. I, also, plan to start having different workout sessions for kids in their respective grade levels to help them grow their game.”

While both will be leaving “The Hive” to start down new pathways, they do so knowing the place they’ve called home has created a foundation of success for them.