Ja’Kavien Lewis: 2017-2018 Defensive Player of the Year
High school basketball in the state of Michigan was blessed this season with many great players on the defensive side of the ball. There was Jalen Kelso (2018, G, West Bloomfield) who was always a threat to create a turnover. CJ Robinson (2018, G, Clarkston) was the defensive stopper on one of the most talented rosters in recent history. Jayvien Torrance (2018, G, River Rouge) was a defensive leader on one of the best team defenses in Michigan.
Ja’Kavien Lewis (2018, PG, Carman-Ainsworth) was special this season. He set himself apart from the pack. Carman-Ainsworth’s humble leader proved worthy of being named the Defensive Player of the Year. Lewis averaged 17ppg, 6apg, and 4spg.
Ja’Kavien LewisC/O Hudl
It wasn’t just one big game or one matchup when he shut someone down. Lewis performed defensively all season long, every time he stepped on the court. He wasn’t just a defensive stopper, he went as far as turning his defense into a team strength. Lewis created offensive opportunities for himself and his teammates by causing havoc for opponents. He plays exceptional on the ball defense and was a threat in any defensive role on the perimeter. Lewis used his quickness and physicality to get in the face of the offensive player and create pressure.
He was quite simply a game changer on the defensive end. He always made big plays and big stops that had a direct influence on the result of the game. Lewis felt like his lateral quickness was the key to his defensive play. He never got beat beat on a straight line drive and made it nearly impossible for opponents to get around him. Lewis was, often times, just more mentally tough than his opponents. He wanted it more and refused to be beat. The Northwood University commit is looking forward to “making a impact as soon as I step on campus.” It was this attitude and expectation of greatness that led Ja’Kavien Lewis to bring named the 2017-2018 Defensive Player of the Year.