Keaton Lawson Keaton Lawson 6'4" | PG Columbus East | 2026 State IN remains one of my favorite prospects to watch in the entire state. His blend of athleticism, fluidity, IQ, and playmaking are just a few of the intangibles that make him so special on the floor. I had the chance to watch him against Whiteland, and he showed once again that he’s capable of taking over a game almost entirely on his own. While he’s most comfortable operating on the ball, Lawson also flashed real potential as an off-ball slasher — including a dunk-of-the-year candidate on a one-hand finish off a backdoor cut. Even though Columbus East came up short against Whiteland, having a player like Lawson makes a coach’s job significantly easier. His impact touches every part of the game.

Columbus East product Keaton Lawson Keaton Lawson 6'4" | PG Columbus East | 2026 State IN was one of, if not the most versatile player at the UIndy Elite Camp. My first time seeing him live, I was amazed with his floor game at his size. Legit 6’6” with a skill set that allows him to play the 1-3 positions. Really good getting downhill and finishing at the rim. Can stop and pop in the midrange with a soft touch. Three-point shot is still a work in progress, but his stroke is smooth. He’s a high IQ defender that has the ability to impact every play on the defensive end.

If there is a player in the instate 2026 class that is going to breakout to that next level, it could very well be Columbus East guard Keaton Lawson Keaton Lawson 6'4" | PG Columbus East | 2026 State IN . Full transparency, I had not see much of Lawson before this summer but I am so glad I did because he was easily one of the best prospects I saw. He is a smooth athletic guard that can play spots 1-3 with ease and is very comfortable being that playmaker on the ball. He has earned a few offers recently and I think it is only a matter of time he earns much more. I urge any coach, at any level, to go check him out for Columbus East this season.

Lawson is a jumbo natural playmaking point guard who thrives getting others involved in the game. He has amazing size at the guard spot and can see over defenders and bully his way to different spots on the floor. Lawson has a precise vision of the floor and regularly gets others involved in the game. He gives and takes what the defense gives him and is at his best in the half-court. He also showed that he can find the bucket in an array of ways and scored in a supportive role. Lawson should be on the radar of division twos, junior colleges, and prep schools in need of a big guard to add depth in their backcourt.

You don’t often see 6’4 guys running the point for their team, but that’s what Keaton does for IE Team Indiana. And after helping lead them to a 17u championship game appearance, it’s clear he knows how to run a team. The 6’4 guard did a great job of handling the rock while being defended by shorter/quicker guards, and on the defensive end he had no problem moving his feet with those smaller guards. Utilizes his length to force turnovers, and from there is an athletic finisher in the open floor.

Lawson is a player that right away when you first look at him, you just know he has unlimited upside as a player. Super long and athletic guard that can play in the backcourt and on the wing due to his versatility. He has incurable smoothness to his game and some of the best passing you will see from a backcourt player his size. Never seems to ever be in a panic on the floor and let the game come to him. I think there is D1 potential there.

This prospect out of Columbus East High School is known for stuffing the stat sheet. He did exactly that on Sunday morning as Indiana Elite Team Indiana turned in an impressive performance with a dominant 79-54 victory. Lawson was especially impressive on the defensive end using his length and athleticism to be disruptive all over the floor. He finished with 18 pints, 8 rebounds, 4 steals, and 4 blocks in the contest.

I caught Team Indiana in the middle of the day and left really impressed with Lawson. A smooth lefty on the wing, Lawson knocked down a handful of 3-pointers including one four point play. A natural athlete as well, Lawson is a talented wide receiver in football and that athleticism translates to the hardwood. Lawson also made a couple nice passes in traffic to find open teammates for shots as Team Indiana got a 12 point win after falling by 1 and 2 points on Wednesday and Thursday.

This 6’4″ long, left-handed guard has always been impressive because of his well-rounded offensive game. He is a guy who will score it when given opportunities to utilize his size advantage on other guards, rebounds the ball at a very high level from the perimeter, and will set up his teammates consistently. However, on Friday evening, he connected on three three-point shots that all looked very smooth and repeatable coming out of his hand. If Lawson can add that to his game his recruitment could really take off in a hurry. The Columbus East High School rising senior scored 18 points in a win for Indiana Elite Team Indiana .

It is hard to argue with the statistical production that Lawson put up as a junior. He finished the year averaging 18.8 points, 8.5 rebounds, 4.6 assists, 3.0 steals, and 1.6 blocks per game. The 6’5″ guard, who can run the point, certainly has the size and length that college coaches look for as well. However, admittedly, Columbus East doesn’t consistently play the best competition in southern Indiana. College programs should take the opportunity to evaluate Lawson this weekend with Indiana Elite Team Indiana while they play on the 3SGB Circuit in Elkhorn, Nebraska.