Prospect Spotlight: Armahn Downing (2019)
TOPEKA, Kan. — One of the state’s top all-around guards, Washburn Rural 2019 Armahn Downing is coming off a strong spring competing with SSA Elite and has seen that success carry over to June with his high school team.
At 6’1, Downing is capable of handling the ball and playing either guard position with ease.
“I would say that I’m an energetic and lock down defending guard,” he says. “I can handle the ball really well and set up an offense. I’m explosive off the bounce and can get to the rim. I am capable of taking leadership at any point and time.”
Downing missed time due to an injury early in his junior season but came back strong to help lead his team to a 12-10 record.
“After I came back from my injury at the beginning of the year, my high school season was great,” he says. “It felt like I continued to progress every game. My role on the team was to guard the other teams best player and score. With my roles on the team I was able to be placed third in steals for the centennial league.”
Now in his third year running with SSA Elite, Downing says the experience has helped his game gorw.
“If wasn’t on this team I don’t know if I would ever see what the next level was played like,” Downing said. “I play with a great group of guys and I’ve become so close with them that it feels like we’re brothers. The one thing I will take from playing at this level is never take a single play off.”
This offseason, Downing says he is focused on getting stronger and finishing game-time shots.
“I’m wanting to gain a more consistent shot, so I can become a huge threat,” he says.