A.J. Field, Hamilton Heights senior, has signed a letter of intent to play basketball for the Lincoln Christian University Red Lions in Lincoln, IL this fall. Lincoln University is a member National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA), National Christian College Athletic Association (NCCAA), and Association of Independent Institutions (AII). He is the son of Rob and Tricia Field.
“I really loved the LCU atmosphere,” said AJ Field of his visit to the university. “I felt an instant connection to the coach and players,” he said. “Academically, earning my Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from LCU will help me to make a difference every day as an educator.” After graduating, Field would like to work as a sixth-grade teacher and coach high school basketball.
Field began playing basketball in first grade and became really passionate about the sport in the fifth grade. He been working on upping his game ever since. “I have trained with multiple trainers including Jace Thompson and Justin Curry,” said Field, who would start his day at 5 a.m. shooting hoops 500+ times before school his freshman through junior years. His hard work paid off earning Field several school records: Most 3-Pointers in a season (80) and High 3-Point percentage (47 percent). In addition, he earned the JV Mental Attitude Award and was named to the 2018-19 All Conference Team.
Field, who is actively involved at Northview and Acadia Christian Churches, credits his dad as being the one who has always pushed him to get better in the classroom and on the court helping him to keep on task with his work ethic.
“A.J. epitomizes what we want in HS athletics,” said Chad Ballenger, Hamilton Heights Boys Head Basketball Coach. “He is a great role model who has worked extremely hard to achieve his goals. He has worked so hard and I believe he is going to get better. His senior year was one for the record books. He set two school records in 3’s made in a season at 80 and 3-point percentage at 47. He is going to be successful not only on the court but in life because he has his priorities in line. I am super excited for him and can’t wait to watch him play next year.”
“A.J. has worked hard to earn the opportunity to play at the next level,” said Kurt Ogden, Hamilton Heights Athletic Director. “He has committed himself to the game which allowed him to leave his mark on the record books of Hamilton Heights Boys Basketball. Obviously, his offensive game improved tremendously over the past two years, all due to his hard work in the off-season. We’re excited for him to get the opportunity to continue to play the game he loves at Lincoln Christian University.”
Hamilton Heights senior AJ Field has signed a letter of intent to play basketball for the Lincoln Christian University Red Lions in Lincoln, Illinois this fall. Field (center) is pictured with Chad Ballenger, Hamilton Heights Boys Head Basketball Coach and Coach Randy Cremeens, Lincoln Christian University. (Photo provided)