Prospect Spotlight: Syon Blackmon (2020 Eastside Catholic HS)

<p>Eastside Catholic has gotten off to a quick start so far this season, including a runner-up finish at the Les Schwab Invitational over holiday break. While the Crusaders are very talented in the junior class, there are some seniors that are providing much needed leadership. Case in point is <strong>Syon Blackmon</strong>. The all-around 6-foot-1, 175-pound combo guard is looking good coming off a summer of healing and he's hoping that college coaches are watching him this season.</p> <p>"My guys push me every day in practice and I push them - we work well together," Blackmon said. "I've been feeding off my defense. And my guys give me wide open shots all game - Nolan (Hickman) and Shane (Nowell) do a great job. My pull-ups, my open threes have been good."</p> <p>At the Les Schwab Invitational, Blackmon had a solid four days of competition averaging 8.0 points, 2.5 rebounds, and 2.3 assists. He hit open shots, showed some athleticism getting to the basket, and playing a great complimentary role to Eastside Catholic's star players.</p> <p>Because he tore his ACL last spring, Blackmon didn't get to play AAU basketball so he's still somewhat of an unknown commodity. Nevertheless schools like Puget Sound, George Fox, and University of Calgary have all placed early offers/roster spots on the table and others such as Seattle University has also shown some interest. A high-academic performer, Blackmon is keeping all of his options open as he plays out his senior season.</p> <p>"I'm hoping to get something this year," Blackmon said. "I'm taking everything that I can get and I'll decide when it comes time."</p> <p>The time for a decision will likely come later rather than sooner as the Crusaders have high hopes according to their senior leader. "We're definitely capable of a lot of things," Blackmon said. "We can go to the (Tacoma) Dome and win, we could go to GEICO nationals - we're definitely a talented group of guys."</p> <p>Blackmon currently ranks as the #28 player in the PrepHoops Washington Class of 2020 rankings.</p>