Video: Breaking down the Independent Top 10Lakers hoping for signature season after reaching final at Dick's Nationals in 2016.1. La Lumiere (LaPorte, Ind.)Head coach: Shane Heirman (50-6 career record, third season)
2015-16 record: 27-4, No. 6 final national ranking
PLAYERS TO WATCHFranklin Agunanne (6-9, Jr., F) ... Played last season at St. Louis Christian Academy in Missouri
Grant Beucler (6-2, Jr., G) … Quarterback on La Lumiere football team
Brian Bowen (6-7, Sr., G/F) … Top 25 prospect in Class of 2017
Tyger Campbell (6-0, So., G) … Top 50 prospect in Class of 2019
Isaiah Coleman-Lands (6-0, Sr., G) … Sports offer from Creighton
Jacob Epperson (6-11, Sr., C) … Native of Australia
Jaren Jackson (6-9, Sr., F) … Committed to Michigan State
Jordan Poole (6-3, Sr., G) … Committed to Michigan
Paxson Wojcik (6-3, So., G) … Son of Gonzaga assistant coach Doug Wojcik
Kevin Zhang (6-8, Jr., F) … Top 200 prospect in Class of 2018
The 2016-17 La Lumiere Lakers.
Photo by Randy Sartin
* While there are plenty of intriguing newcomers at La Lumiere (Epperson, Jackson and Poole), it's the mainstays in the backcourt that provide much of the lofty optimism. Bowen and Campbell were driving forces behind last year's run to the final at Dick's Nationals. It's hard to see that duo being anything but special for the Lakers this winter.
* Circle the date Jan. 7 – that's when preseason Independent Top 10 No. 1 La Lumiere takes on preseason High School Top 25 No. 1 Sierra Canyon in a game that should have major national implications at the Spalding Hoophall Classic in Massachusetts.
KEY DATES
Dec. 10 – vs.
Westbury Christian (Houston, Texas) @ Hoophall West
Dec. 15 – vs.
New Albany (Ind.) @ ESPN Tip-Off
Dec. 20-23 – Chick-fil-A Classic
Jan. 7 – vs.
Findlay Prep (Henderson, Nev.) @ Cancer Research Classic
Jan. 16 – vs.
Sierra Canyon (Chatsworth, Calif.) @ Spalding Hoophall Classic
Look for an expanded preview of La Lumiere Nov. 15.
