Open Gym Report: Lawrence North Wildcats

<p>Here at Prep Hoops Indiana we take great pride in covering the Hoosier state with a breadth and depth unlike anyone else. We often say "nobody does content and event coverage like Prep Hoops." That is certainly true, but our team here Indiana prefer to go even further than that. On top of wall-to-wall, border-to-border coverage during the grassroots and high school seasons we also hit the ground running in the fall. This is a great time to hit high school open gyms and get a behind the curtain preview of some of the top teams around the state. These trips also help strength our relationships with the high school coaches and prospects that we cover. On Tuesday, October 3rd I had the privilege of attending a workout at Lawerence North High School. Let's dive in to what the Wildcats have this season.</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Program Profile</h2>   <p>After 46 years at the helm, and 50 years total as a head coach, Jack Keefer retired from leading the Lawrence North Wildcats after the 2021-2022 season. Coach Keefer won 865 games overall, the second most all-time among Indiana High School Basketball coaches. Coach Chris Giffin was tasked with filling the shoes of the legendary figure and hit the ground running with an 18-8 first season. After defeating North Central in the opening round of Sectional 8, the Wildcats lost to Crispus Attucks in the semi-finals.</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Wildcats Will be Lead by Star Power</h2>   <p>Lawrence North is no stranger to star power. Eric Montross, Greg Oden, Mike Conley, and many more have walked the hallways of this basketball powerhouse. Now, 4-star Top 100 Class of 2025 prospect [player_tooltip player_id='1296979' first='Azavier' last='Robinson'] appears to be next in the line of Wildcat greats. The 6'1" guard averaged 20.3 points, 7.6 rebounds, 3.1 assists, and 2.6 steals per game as a sophomore. Robinson, who possesses elite explosiveness and strength in the backcourt, will lead what is likely the most dynamic backcourt in the state of Indiana this season.</p>   <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1158213' first='Kobi' last='Bowles'] will share the primary ball handling duties with Robinson and bring even more athleticism and explosiveness to the Lawrence North backcourt. The left-handed guard is excellent off of the dribble and is very hard to stop in the open floor. At Tuesday evening's workout he impressed with what appeared to be some improved three-point shooting ability as well. He is an unsigned senior prospect that Division I programs need to highly consider going into this high school season.</p>   <p>Many programs would be happy to have one prospect considered among the top in their class across the state. If you had two of those guys you would likely be dreaming about playing at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in March for an IHSAA state championship. Well, Coach Giffin and the Wildcats have a player in the Top 12 of the Class of 2024, 2025, and 2026. There are a couple of freshmen who could knock on the door of that ranking in the Class of 2027 when they are released as well. [player_tooltip player_id='1729136' first='Brennan' last='Miller'] is the sophomore prospect who gained valuable experience as a freshman. The 6'6" forward is very versatile on the offensive end of the floor showcasing the ability to stretch out beyond the three-point line and handle the ball like a guard. For LN, he has the skill and size to play a small-ball 5 sort of role which helps to really open up their offense.</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">A Pair of Veterans Provide Additional Shooting</h2>   <p>While Robinson and Bowles are both more than capable shooters, they both still are at their best when attacking downhill to the rim. However, the Wildcats will feature two seniors in the backcourt that can both really shoot the basketball. [player_tooltip player_id='1275769' first='Myles' last='Baker'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1158217' first='Miles' last='Good'] will provide plenty of shooting ability along with helping to take some of the ball handling pressure off of Robinson and Bowles. Their veteran presence in the backcourt, along with spacing the floor for other playmakers, will prove very valuable for Lawrence North.</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">The Future is Bright</h2>   <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1296979' first='Azavier' last='Robinson'] is a junior and [player_tooltip player_id='1729136' first='Brennan' last='Miller'] is just a sophomore, but there are plenty of other younger names that will be important pieces for Lawrence North both now and in the future. Sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='1561031' first='Cameron' last='Webster'] is the one with the most varsity experience already under his belt. The smaller, shifty point guard was very impressive at Tuesday's workout making several excellent passes and consistently making plays for his teammates. There is a lot of great guard play on this team, but it will be difficult to keep Webster off of the floor. Sophomore wing [player_tooltip player_id='1561109' first='Jamar' last='Thomas'] is a name to remember for the Wildcats. His athleticism stood out on Tuesday as he was a consistent threat in transition and attacked closeouts well in the half court. Really like his upside.</p>   <p>A newcomer to Lawrence North is sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='2252557' first='Kai' last='McGrew'] who moved in from Colorado late this summer. The 6'7" forward is very long and has some clear tools that make him an intriguing long-term prospect. His rebounding and shot-blocking ability will get him on the floor right away as the Wildcats need some additional size. Offensively, he flashes some ball handling ability at his size and runs the floor very well in transition. Expect for him to burst onto the scene this summer.</p>   <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2267044' first='Kaleb' last='Elkins'] and [player_tooltip player_id='2141013' first='KJ' last='Jones'] are two freshmen that could see varsity minutes this season as well.</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Prep Hoops Indiana Projected Rotation</h2>   <p>Guards: [player_tooltip player_id='1296979' first='Azavier' last='Robinson'] (JR), [player_tooltip player_id='1158213' first='Kobi' last='Bowles'] (SR), [player_tooltip player_id='1275769' first='Myles' last='Baker'] (SR), [player_tooltip player_id='1158217' first='Miles' last='Good'] (SR), [player_tooltip player_id='1561031' first='Cameron' last='Webster'] (SO)</p>   <p>Wings: [player_tooltip player_id='1381525' first='Davion' last='Hampton'] (JR), [player_tooltip player_id='1561109' first='Jamar' last='Thomas'] (SO), [player_tooltip player_id='2282368' first='Jake' last='Eads'] (SR), [player_tooltip player_id='2267044' first='Kaleb' last='Elkins'] (FR)</p>   <p>Forwards: [player_tooltip player_id='1729136' first='Brennan' last='Miller'] (SO), [player_tooltip player_id='2252557' first='Kai' last='McGrew'] (SO), [player_tooltip player_id='1297003' first='Chris' last='Terry'] (JR), [player_tooltip player_id='2141013' first='KJ' last='Jones'] (FR)</p>

Here at Prep Hoops Indiana we take great pride in covering the Hoosier state with a breadth and depth unlike anyone else. We often say "nobody does content and event coverage like Prep Hoops." That is certainly true, but our team here Indiana prefer to go even further than that. On top of wall-to-wall, border-to-border coverage during the grassroots and high school seasons we also hit the ground running in the fall. This is a great time to hit high school open gyms and get a behind the curtain preview of some of the top teams around the state. These trips also help strength our relationships with the high school coaches and prospects that we cover. On Tuesday, October 3rd I had the privilege of attending a workout at Lawerence North High School. Let's dive in to what the Wildcats have this season.