Prospect Watch: Cole Laurence (2019)
Class of 2018 power forward Cole Laurence of Farmington High is a solid post player who just shows up and gets the job done on a consistent basis.
The 6’8″ Laurence has good size, strength and a versatile array of post moves, which makes him a very effective player around the basket. His game isn’t flashy, but his fundamentals make him tough to handle in the paint.
“I’ve been playing in the low post since I was five years old,” Laurence said. “It’s kind of second nature to me. I enjoy playing inside and just going up strong and finishing. It’s great.”
Forming an excellent front line with 6’5″ teammate Tycen Gray, Laurence has helped Farmington become one of the most competitive Class 4 teams around. The Knights have averaged 20 victories the past two seasons while playing for a district championship each of the past two years, losing close games to Hillsboro. With Laurence and Gray back for the one more year, the goal is to advance that final step and win a district championship.
“I just want to win a district championship and move on to the sectionals,” he said. “We have come close the past couple of years. I cannot wait until my senior season. It’s going to be exciting.”
During the grassroots season, Laurence has been running with the T.E.M. Select 17U team. Laurence is one of the team’s top inside threats, but he is also been able to work on other parts of his game.
“I want to continue to work on my post game,” he said. “But I am also working on my outside shot and ball handling to prepare for the college level.”