Intro 2024: Lathan Sommerville & Cooper Koch
At Prep Hoops Illinois we are always looking ahead to the next group of top players. In this series we dive into a look at the top incoming freshman on our radar at this point. We spoke with Peoira Notre…
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Continue ReadingAt Prep Hoops Illinois we are always looking ahead to the next group of top players. In this series we dive into a look at the top incoming freshman on our radar at this point.
We spoke with Peoira Notre Dame head coach Tom Lacher to discuss their high level freshman duo. Check out our Intro 2024: Lathan Sommerville & Cooper Koch!
Lathan Sommerville
How would you best describe his game at this stage?
Rapidly improving. A really nice mixture of power and finesse inside and a very good 3 point shooter. He is a very skilled passer as well.
What is his current height and weight?
6’8″ 245lbs
Long term what is an area that you believe can be developed in his game that might not be as evident right now?
Lathan is a plus ballhandler already and will get better which will make him an even more difficult cover.
What are the biggest traits he will bring to your program over the next several years?
His combination of power and skill will make him a multiple threat on offense and his defense, which is extremely solid right now, will continue to get better. His basketball IQ is very high as well.
What will his role be for your team this year?
Lathan has adjusted very well to high-level varsity basketball and has become an integral part of a very good team as a freshman.
Is there a recent Illinois high school player that he reminds you of at a young age?
Lathan reminds me a lot of former PND great and Big 10 6th Man of the Year Max Biefledt. Big body with a high skill level.
Has there been any early college recruitment with him yet?
I am sure there has been but not thru me at this point.
Cooper Koch
How would you best describe his game at this stage?
Highly skilled. Everyone knows Cooper can shoot but he has shown great passing ability as well as rapidly improving ball-handling skills.
What is his current height and weight?
6’7″ 195lbs
Long term what is an area that you believe can be developed in his game that might not be as evident right now?
Ball-handling. He has been a perimeter player for the most part for us this season because of his ability to handle the ball. It is our belief that Cooper has the skills to become more than just a secondary ballhandler.
What are the biggest traits he will bring to your program over the next several years?
Cooper has the ability to score at all 3 levels and is a very good passer. This combination of skills will make him very a very versatile player in our system. Defensively, he has proven himself capable of defending the perimeter already and continues to improve. He also has a very high basketball IQ.
What will his role be for your team this year?
Cooper has adjusted very well to high-level varsity basketball and has become an integral part on part of a very good basketball team.
Is there a recent Illinois high school player that he reminds you of at a young age?
Cooper reminds me a lot of Washington High School’s Alec Peters when Alec was this age. A long, athletic player with a great shooting ability.
Has there been any early college recruitment with him yet?
I am sure there has been but not thru me at this point.