Andrew Ortiz is an 18 year old High School Basketball Players. He's won championships with Sadie Vernon High School and recently participated in the King James Summer League in Ohio.
That's where scouts took notice of him as a basketball and even an American Football prospect.
And why not? He's tall, strong and quick, and now he's going to pursue his athletic dreams in the US - where he's been accepted as an exchange student at a High school in Ohio.
He left the country today and we found out about his big athletic adventure:
Rosco Reese - Trip Organizer
"Well basically, Andrew Ortiz will be going to St. Peter Chanel High School in Cleveland, Ohio. We received a one-year scholarship to finish 4th Form. Now, at that level, it's very good experience for him because in high school is the majority of recruiting is to go to a 4-year college."
Andrew Ortiz - Exchange Student
"I feel good, but inside, I am leaving behind my family. I am going to a good family also."
Rosco Reese
"When we went to Cleveland in April, we stayed with a family by the name of the Sobouders. Mrs. Betty and Mr. Mark Sobouders were the host family for about 8 or 9 of us in Cleveland. They fell in love with Andrew, his hospitality and his manners. He conducted himself excellently, and that is what really drew their attention to want to give him this opportunity to study in the states."
Andrew Ortiz
"It makes me feel good because it wasn't because of Coach Bernie Tarr, nobody would have seen that Belize has talent, and that most of us, youths, try to stay off the streets because they are crazy right now. I just feel good because they allowed us to go to Cleveland, different high schools and different colleges to show that Belize has talent."
Rosco Reese
"Being able to go to the King James Classic in Cleveland, Ohio, is where this opportunity really manifested. Andrew played excellently at the King James Classic. A lot of eyes were on Belize when the team played in the classic because we have a lot of talent here in Belize."
Jules Vasquez
"Are you proud to say, 'I will go represent for Sadie Vernon,'?"
Rosco Reese
"Yes I am proud because so many people look at Sadie Vernon as a bad school. I feel good because 2 of us from Sadie Vernon got a scholarship, Kashief Thomas and me. The 2 of us worked hard, showed leadership, and I just feel good."
Rosco Reese
"What we should be hoping for is that through this opportunity, we will get scouted, and get a scholarship to a 4-year college. And once you get to a 4-year college then the doors open more to professional sports, like if he wanted to go to the NBA or NFL, the sky is the limit for him."
This year, there are four other junior basketball players who have been recruited by US schools.
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