Prospect Spotlight: Lamar Washington (2022 Jefferson HS)
As we near mid-season we’ve started getting a grasp on the talent in the younger classes. We haven’t gotten a look at all of the top players in the Class of 2022 yet but one thing’s for sure – Lamar…
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Continue ReadingAs we near mid-season we’ve started getting a grasp on the talent in the younger classes. We haven’t gotten a look at all of the top players in the Class of 2022 yet but one thing’s for sure – Lamar Washington will be ranked near if not at the top. The 6-foot-3, 205-pound lefty swingman is already playing key minutes for Jefferson this year as a freshman and the sky may be the limit for him.
On Monday, Washington got some critical time for Jefferson in the second half in their win over nationally ranked Rainier Beach. He personally scored the last five points of the third quarter, first hitting a floater and then a three to knot the game up at 49. Washington finished the game with nine points and was the one with the basketball when the final buzzer sounded. Jefferson head coach Pat Strickland hasn’t been afraid to put Washington in key situations and the freshman has responded.
“I feel like my game has been good, doing whatever I can do for my team,” Washington said. “Rebounds, threes, whatever they need from me. I don’t need to score, I’ll just play defense – that’s fine with me.”
Washington’s early reputation has been as a shooter. He has deep range on his shot and is able to get it off quickly with a flick of the wrist. But Washington is looking to be more than just a shooter and already blessed with a mature body, knows that shedding some of the baby fat he currently has will go a long way in improving his game.
“I’m trying to lose weight and work on attacking the rim,” Washington said. “Not settle but go to the rim more.”
Given that he’s a freshman, there is obviously a lot of time to deal with any kind of college recruitment. But while Washington has definitely thought about playing at the next level, he’s also keeping things open.
“To be honest, I just want to go D-I – I’m not picky,” Washington said. “Whatever fits me best at that time, I’ll go with that.”
There are games left for Washington and Jefferson the rest of this season, but with the win over Rainier Beach the freshman feels like the Demos are in sync – which will help him achieve his long-term goals.
“We felt like we got back our rhythm,” Washington said. “We’ve been off a bit but we’re playing like Jefferson. We’re playing like Demos. I feel like we can win state this year. I’m trying to win four rings in a row and go D-I – you feel me?”