Prospect Spotlight: Hawthorn Lapierre (2022 Ashland)

Photo: Dakota Metcalf Captured 541

Jackson Naugle March 8, 2022 @ 05:00 PM

Helping Ashland reach Gill Coliseum this season, [player_tooltip player_id="1229390" first="Hawthorn" last="Lapierre"] has emerged as an intriguing prospect with a unique skillset at 6-foot-7. Heading into the state tournament, the standout senior is averaging 19 points to go alongside 8 rebounds for the eighth-seeded Grizzlies. "I can score at all three levels and finish well above the rim," Lapierre said. "I’m improving on my lateral and overall quickness to be able to defend the guard position at the next level." If Lapierre makes that defensive step, look out. The small-forward possesses tremendous length and size, allowing him to dominate in the paint at the 5A level. Furthermore, Lapierre is equipped with a great dribbling arsenal for a player of his size, and his three-point jump shot is another notable strength. For an Ashland team that will go down in history this season, Lapierre was the go-to guy. "We’ve had the best season as a program in almost a decade and a half," Lapierre said. "When my team is at full health, whether it be COVID or injuries, we are very tough to beat." Behind both he and the Grizzlies’ successes, Lapierre says he has garnered interest from various coaches at the next level. "I’ve been in contact with a bunch of D3s," Lapierre said. "But I’m much more interested in going to JUCO or a prep school next year to get more exposure." "My top choices are Portland CC and MacDuffie Prep in Massachusetts." As Ashland continues their run at the state championship, Lapierre will look to extend his tremendous season on both ends of the floor. With a fully healthy roster, the senior believes his team is capable of stirring the pot. "We want to make a deep playoff run," Lapierre said. "This team is special and I think we can upset a lot of teams that aren’t expecting us." The 6-foot-7 small forward will be in action at the 5A state tournament in Corvallis this week.