While much was made over the summer about the flow of talent to
La Lumiere (LaPorte, Ind.), head coach Alan Huss thinks one of two returners will be the key to success for the Lakers in 2013-14.
Sam Logwood, a well-built 6-foot-5 wing headed to Auburn next year, will be counted on to produce and lead.
"He's really undervalued nationally," Huss said. "He played center as a freshman and has made the transition into becoming a really solid wing player. He can still play on the block and we will ask him to do that some but he scores in a variety of ways and can really finish."
Logwood helped La Lumiere notch a signature win over storied Oak Hill Academy (Mouth of Wilson, Va.) last December at the Iolani Classic in Hawai'i (the Lakers also beat Findlay Prep during the 2011-12 season). In order for more wins like that to occur, a talented cast of newcomers will need to get comfortable in a hurry.
Guard/forward Joseph Toye
Photo by John Rowland
"We have a lot of young, hungry kids that are really fighting for spots," Huss said. "It's a competitive environment and a great mix."
The backcourt looks to be in good hands with
Jo Jo Anderson (a transfer from Houston),
Drew Cayce (Edwardsville, Ill.),
Jalen Coleman (Indianapolis) and
Munis Tutu – another returner.
Joseph Toye, a star on the court and in track and field (jumps) at Chicago's Whitney Young last year, joins Logwood on the wing.
Coleman was a standout as a sophomore at Indianapolis Cathedral, ironically leading the Fighting Irish to a 70-59 win over La Lumiere last February. The junior guard will be joined at his new school by freshman brother
Isaiah, who Huss expects to see minutes this year.
Alex Olesinski is an intriguing player at 6-9 with the ability to do damage from the outside. The New Mexico native has a chance to significantly raise his stock with a productive two years at La Lumiere.
"He's added 14 or 15 pounds already since he has been here," Huss said. "Still got to get physically stronger but he's a stretch four who could be very difficult to deal with."
View gallery of La Lumiere preseason photo shootLa Lumiere last five years:2012-13 (Alan Huss) – 26-6, No. 7 final Academy Top 10 national ranking
2011-12 (Alan Huss) – 25-3, No. 7 final Academy Top 10 national ranking
2010-11 (Alan Huss) – 21-4
2009-10 (Delray Brooks) – 10-11
2008-09 (Delray Brooks) – 14-9
The Lakers have a talented cast of players on their roster including (clockwise from No. 15): Jo Jo Anderson, Sadiq Inuwa, Jalen Coleman, Alex Olesinski, Sam Logwood, Drew Cayce, Joseph Toye and Munis Tutu.
Photo by John Rowland
