Prospect Spotlight: Austin Lyons (2018)
Austin Lyons – 6’2” | G | Lapel High School
Austin Lyons is a long, lanky guard who has a good handle on the ball and is aggressive going to the basket. He averaged 9.7 points, 3.8 rebounds, 2.3 assists, and 1.2 steals per game as a junior for Lapel last season. Lyons plays his AAU ball with Grand Park Select.
When Austin was asked about this spring session with Grand Park Select, here is what he had to say. “I think it was successful. We played some really good teams and some really good players that will have a future in basketball.”
The team had a good spring session and Austin had the opportunity to work on his game as well. “I think what I did well was shooting and rebounding the ball along with handling pressure bringing up the ball. I had to step up on defense also which I’m still working on with lateral quickness.”
Lyons is a versatile player out of the backcourt who does whatever it takes for his team to be successful. In the offseason, he is focusing on being a more consistent shooter, creating opportunities off the bounce, and improving his defense by working on his hands and feet.
As June is now winding down, Lyons had a chance to reflect on high school basketball and what he still wants to accomplish in his remaining season. “I’m thinking I want to win state one more time. That’s the ultimate goal as a player in high school.”
Lapel most recently won the Indiana State Championship for Class 2A during the 2015-2016 season.
“My major goal for myself is to be a part of the 50-40-90 club. To me, that would be a great achievement.” Lyons has the skill set and jump shot to be a part of this outstanding club during his senior season. His jumper is more consistent and he creates opportunities at the free throw line by getting to the basket off the bounce.
He is a dynamic athlete on the offensive end of the floor and has been studying the game to become a better defender. Austin is getting better at jumping passing lanes and guarding on the ball as well. His strength and frame make him a great slasher from the wing.
“I don’t like to lose. I want to win so I’m going to push myself and my teammates this season to get better so we can achieve the ultimate goal [winning state].”
Austin is one of those guys that when something is off in his game, he will spend the time in the gym until it’s fixed continuously. “If something is wrong in the last game I played, I try really hard to fix it and make the fix a habit.”
He is also a player that comes to practice early to work on some of his skills before the team works together. “. I show up to practice at least thirty minutes early every day to work on ball spins off the backboard. Then use the other remaining time to shoot.”
That kind of drive is something that carries over to the classroom for Lyons as well. “Being a student athlete is something I want to be. Coaches like seeing that too. It means they can trust that athlete to get done what they need to get done in the classroom.”
Lyons is interested in playing at the next level but wants to find the right fit. “I’m studying engineering in college. Interest wise, I like a big stage. I like competition. After this summer starts settling down form basketball, I’m going to take a better look into some different schools.”
Austin Lyons is long, smart, driven, and an all-around basketball player. Look for him to fill every category in the stat sheets this season and help Lapel to a solid season. He is someone to keep an eye on as July approaches and into the high school season.
Prep Hoops Profile: https://prephoops.com/archived-player/austin-lyons/
Hudl Profile: http://www.hudl.com/profile/6775867/austin-lyons