Player Profile: Javonta Lyons (2019)
Javonta Lyons-6’1 W/F
Purcell Marian High School-Class of 2019
Prep Hoops Rank: NR
2017-18 Stats: 13.2ppg, 3.5rpg, 52%fg, 35%3p, 70%ft
Prep hoops fans in Cincinnati are finally getting one of those matchups they have been hoping to see all season, and with a lot on the line. Deer Park and Purcell Marian meet today in Dayton in the Sweet 16 in the D-III bracket. And while the Cavaliers have a very balanced attack, the leader of the that attack is soft-spoken junior forward Javonta Lyons.
As a left-hander Lyons is at his best in the mid-range area. While he improved as a perimeter shooter, attacking the lane is where he is at his best which he can do rather he is facing a bigger or smaller defender. Also, this season Javonta showed that he has the ability to score in that 12-15ft range as well using 2-3 dribble pull-up jumpers and a soft touch floater in the lane.
During out interview it was evident that Lyons is a young man that would prefer to let his play do the talking, and for good reason. One of the first things that I noticed about Javonta when watching him play this season is how much more efficient he is this year as opposed to last. And this was something that he expanded on more in our talk. “I see the court a lot better this year than last. Coach Kerr (Purcell Head Coach) has taught me a lot, and I know more about the game this season than last,” Lyons stated. “He has also taught me how to get to my spots on the court and to get to my spots.” And the difference shows in his shooting splits which were up this year from 44/30/67.
But for now the task at hand is defeating the undefeated Wildcats tonight. “I am very excited about the game,” Javonta said. “We have been thinking about playing them in the tournament a lot this season.” And while he may not say much on the court, expect the rising juniors impact on the game to be as loud as anyone.