Recruiting Report: Kason Lawrence (2016)
Class of 2016 power forward Kason Lawrence of Gideon is proud of being a self-made basketball player. “I was blessed with height, but I was not naturally blessed as a basketball player,” he said. “Even in junior high, I was…
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Continue ReadingClass of 2016 power forward Kason Lawrence of Gideon is proud of being a self-made basketball player.
“I was blessed with height, but I was not naturally blessed as a basketball player,” he said. “Even in junior high, I was still coordinated and average on the court.”
Fast forward to the present and what you have is a 6’5″ prep standout who helped tiny Gideon High make history by advancing to the Final Four of the Class 1 state tournament for the first time. A willingness to put in the work in the gym and in the weight room has propelled Lawrence into being an All-State performer.
The 6’5″ Lawrence has received collegiate interest from schools such as NAIA power Freed-Hardeman, Crowley Ridge, which he has an offer, and Central College in Iowa.
Lawrence has been a pillar a strength in the Gideon program, which finished third in the state tournament. Lawrence averaged 20 points and eight rebounds a game as he was one of the most dominant post players in the Missouri Class 1 ranks.
“It was a surreal experience going to state,” Lawrence said. “Since we were in fourth grade,our dream has always been to go to state, but it never truly felt like a reality. Our group of guys stuck together since elementary school and put in the work and it was so rewarding to see it pay off in front of our eyes.”
Lawrence has a variety of post moves which made him so difficult to handle around the basket. He set the tone for an outstanding senior season when he scored 45 points in a 75-70 victory over Senath-Hornersville in the opening game of the year. He saw more than his share of double- and triple team defenses, which allowed him to display his passing skills. He was very good and hitting the open cutter to the basket and passing out to an open shooter.
“My team trusted me enough to make me the No. 1 option on offense,” Lawrence said. “But, to me, nothing feels better in basketball than setting up your teammates with a good pass. I worked hard to have a complete game and focus on every aspect as a player.
As he prepares for the college level, Lawrence wants to expand his game and become a more versatile player as he will see more players his size and bigger on a more regular basis than he did in high school.
“I would like to improve on my defense, especially on the perimeter,” he said. “I have normally guarded big guys, but if I play in college, I am going to need to guard guys who are quicker than I am. I would also look to improve my outside shot and ball handling ability.”