Prospect Watch: Jake Messer (2017)
Class of 2017 guard Jake Messer of Lafayette is following a nice family tradition of talented wing players who have worn the Lancers’ uniform. Jake’s eldest brother, Michael Messer, was a standout player at Lafayette from 2006-08 who went on…
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Continue ReadingClass of 2017 guard Jake Messer of Lafayette is following a nice family tradition of talented wing players who have worn the Lancers’ uniform.
Jake’s eldest brother, Michael Messer, was a standout player at Lafayette from 2006-08 who went on to have a good collegiate career at SIU-Edwardsville. Nate Messer, a 2014 Lafayette graduate, is now a sophomore at Truman State. Jake is the last of the Messer brothers and he has done his part to keep the Lancers winning ways going.
“Growing up and playing against my brothers has made me a better player,” Messer said. “They just kind of pushed me to be the best player that I can.”
Like his older brothers, Jake Messer will be playing college basketball next season. He already has an offer from Division III Wheaton (Ill). He has also received high interest from schools such as University of Chicago, MIT and Millikin and medium interest from Truman State and Colorado School of the Mines.
The 6’0″ Messer also shares his brothers’ ability to shoot the basketball, but he is also very effective on the drive. His muscular build enables him to attack the basket with strength and finish through contact. As a junior, he averaged seven points a game as a starting guard for the Lancers, who finished with 21 victories and won a Class 5 district championship a year ago.
“We’re hoping to get as far as we can this season,” he said. “We would love to make it to the state tournament if we can. I worked hard on improving my quickness and ball handling during the summer. I’ve been working harder so I can be better at finishing at the rim. I just want to be the best player that I can be.”