Columbus City League Preview: North International Lions
You think it’s difficult playing in the Columbus City League north? Try being a school that was just brought to life in 2012 and in 2019 you just began playing in the gym where history oozes from the Brookhaven walls,…
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Continue ReadingYou think it’s difficult playing in the Columbus City League north? Try being a school that was just brought to life in 2012 and in 2019 you just began playing in the gym where history oozes from the Brookhaven walls, these are the cards that the North International Lions have been dealt. Still improving as a program, the Lions lose an amazing player and are still trying to find their footing, so this could lead to another disappointing record but it could also lead to another player blossoming despite the lack of team success.
The Lions lost leading scorer Jamonte Wright, who averaged just over 18, who scouts had a difficult time evaluating, they did not know if he got good numbers on a bad team because someone has to score or was he actually that good? They found out, he was that good.
Senior Jaden McLester seems to be pegged in the role of scorer for this team, he will have the ball in his hands more and be looked upon to increase his scoring load. The 5-foot-11 hooper has proven that he can score when left alone and in transition, he will have to show that he can put the ball in the basket off the dribble in one-on-one situations.
The elder McLester (Jujuan is a class of 2023 recruit) has a reliable jump shot from deep and finishes in transition, putting on weight will help him finish with contact. His size does not make him a liability on defense but he tends to lose track of what’s happening when playing defense off-ball.
North International has a pair of sophomore’s that could develop into a competitive tandem in the Columbus City League north with experience. Jujuan McLester and Samuel Whitaker are two players that may symbolize change at North International if they can develop over the next few seasons.
McLester played in 14 games last season and put up only 4 points per game, but with a building team around him and a scorer like Wright taking up shots, his 4 points were more than impressive for a freshman at the time. Scoring a season-high of 12 points gave him the confidence that he was able to hang with the physicality of the north division. Having an older brother will only help his game since he will be able to play against an older player daily. McLester showed flashes of supreme athleticism that could be the base of an excellent defender that can guard multiple positions.
Samuel Whitaker scored a total of 57 points in his 12 games last year as a first-year player. Whitaker proved that if nothing else he will be consistent, scoring in every game that he played in except one. Whitaker plays with energy and an edge that fits in the Columbus City League north style of play.
A school that is still finding its way, a basketball program that is still finding good players, and players that must rely on getting better at home due to the pandemic, this season promises to be interesting for the North International Lions.