It's been a life-changing decision, one that could catapult Andrew Lyell into the national college basketball consciousness.

But that doesn't mean it was any easier for the former Portsmouth High standout to leave home last fall and enroll at Northfield (Mass.) Mount Hermon School in pursuit of his personal hoops dream.

"I'm getting used to it. Every day that goes by, it's getting better and better. And now that it's basketball season it makes it a lot easier," Lyell said on a recent trip to town.

He continued, "It was like the week before the end of summer when the decision was made. I wasn't ready to leave. It really took me by surprise. I was really upset. I wanted to be here this year."

Lyell left Portsmouth High and friends behind not on his volition, though as things have gone on it appears to have been the right decision.

"In the beginning it was really tough. I was upset with my father for making me leave. I really didn't want to leave. I really didn't think it would matter," he explained. "But now as it turns out, the farther and farther I get into the school year, I realize how much it's helping me out."

The Hoggers are one of the top teams in the region's top preparatory league, the New England Private School Athletic Council Class A, and have produced several major college players over the years.

That fact played a significant role in Lyell's opting to attend the school located in the western part of the Commonwealth.

"I'm getting a lot of looks now from Division One (colleges) just because I'm playing with those kids. It's good for me," he said. "They're getting a chance to see me. I'm getting a lot of looks from D-One schools and obviously I didn't get any (at Portsmouth). That's definitely helping me out college-wise."

Lyell's abilities on the hardwood were never in doubt. He was one of the top players in the state on a Patriots' team that regularly contended for the Division Two title.

No, it was his standing in the classroom that most concerned his parents as they pondered the idea of sending him away to school.

"Personally, I didn't want to leave. But my parents felt my study habits weren't where they needed to be," Lyell said. "Going to a school away from home is almost like college. It prepares you for college, and that's what I needed to do."

Attending NMH has certainly been an education in itself, and it starts in the gym for the 6-foot-4 guard.

"Basketball is a world of difference," said Lyell, who was reclassified as a junior and will attend the school for two years.

"I'm playing with some of the greatest kids in the country, kids who are going to high Division One schools," he added. "I'm just trying to compete, do my best. Because if I don't, they'll leave me in the dust, which is making me try a lot harder."

Away from the floor, learning how to manage his time and his emotions has also been an adjustment.

"Really got a lot more independent," said Lyell. "I'm always on my own. I'm on my own time, and I think that's really helped.

"It makes me appreciate my family and friends a lot more. I really enjoy my time home. I'm not taking anything for granted. And I'm really getting school work done."

Still, it's between the lines where Lyell has gained most, which makes his chances of playing college basketball all the greater by having enrolled at NMH.

"Basketball-wise, it's been huge. Everyday between classes I shoot around. I play ball three hours a day," he said. "Even when we don't have practice, all the guys love basketball so we always hang out together and play ball.

"Between playing and lifting (weights) I'm spending four, five hours a day, so I've gotten that much better than I ever thought I could be."

And that's the ultimate goal - to become good enough to play college hoops at its highest level.

"Definitely, that's biggest reason why I'm going there," Lyell said. "I want to play Division One. And by doing what I need to do in school and in basketball, I think I can get there."

BY MIKE REGO

mrego@eastbaynewspapers.com