Prospect Watch: Keyyaun Batchman (2019)
Class of 2019 guard Keyyaun Batchman of Chaminade College Prep is an excellent two-way performer who is poised for a big senior year for the Red Devils.
A physical lefty, the 6’2″ Batchman emerged as an excellent scoring threat for the Red Devils last season as they advanced all the way to the Class 5 state championship game. His offensive prowess added to what he really likes to do; which is to get down in a stance and guard people. Batchman is one of the top perimeter defenders in the state. His all-around abilities earned him his first scholarship offer from Drury University over the weekend.
“Every time I play, it’s personal,” said Batchman of his defensive intensity. “It’s just a competitive nature to let anyone score on me. That’s heart.”
As a junior, Batchman was excellent across the board for the Red Devils, who finished the 2018 season with a 25-5 record. He averaged 13.7 points, 3.8 rebounds, 3.0 assists and 1.7 steals while shooting 51 percent from the field and 41 percent from 3-point range. He made 52 3-pointers on the season.
On a team that featured graduated star Jericole Hellems (now at North Carolina State), Batchman had a number of breakout performances as a junior. He had 17 points and seven rebounds in a victory over Vashon at the Ramey Shootout. He scored 21 points in an overtime victory over Illinois Class 4A state champion Belleville West in the championship game of the Belleville East Tournament. He also had a season-high 25 points in a win over Soldan and 21 points in a victory over Francis Howell in the Class 5 sectional playoffs.
Batchman spent the summer playing for the Brad Beal Elite 17U in the Nike Elite Youth Basketball League. He is hoping that the experience will help take his game to another level so he can help Chaminade realize its goal of winning a state championship after coming close last season.
“The EYBL helped me a lot,” he said. “It was a good learning experience for me. I want to leave my name hanging from a state championship banner. After losing state last year, it made every workout I had more important than anything.”